tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70995796848455481522024-02-19T15:58:40.245-08:00A little bit of AmberAmberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-56885725236240595662011-03-30T16:12:00.000-07:002011-03-30T16:12:50.671-07:0018 Months+18 fun facts about EvieSome people are just born awesome and this is what those people are like when they are toddlers...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SHgmPpdUPN3-fg7G0YA17aOQU42DK0AH9NAy9rdpvC1qs0qz553MdIdyEcavZzhHCe6e0enZUx52BLSEivXVWl8NTvSSsKd4bwrT5GrKK14ypB-2Fd4Sri5_OFdH1iuG855cDbj_1Ys/s1600/WINTER+2011+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SHgmPpdUPN3-fg7G0YA17aOQU42DK0AH9NAy9rdpvC1qs0qz553MdIdyEcavZzhHCe6e0enZUx52BLSEivXVWl8NTvSSsKd4bwrT5GrKK14ypB-2Fd4Sri5_OFdH1iuG855cDbj_1Ys/s400/WINTER+2011+067.JPG" width="266" /> </a> </div><br />
18. For a toddler Evie sure has some hitch in her giddy up! She can run fast to keep up with the bigger kids. Its so cute to watch her do her waddle run.<br />
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17. She can sleep for hours! She has been know to stay in bed for 15 hours straight. Doc says we can enjoy it while it lasts :)<br />
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16. Evie is EXTREMELY persistent and demanding. When she wants something she will bark up every tree she comes across until she gets it. I am hoping she will channel that persistence in the right direction as she grows. Maybe be a hell, fire and brimstone evangelist...HA<br />
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15. She is highly motivated by food. When she realizes I am about give her a snack she does a cute little happy dance saying "yay! yay! yay!" before she sits on the floor to be handed her snack. I am thinking she got that floor sitting thing from the nursery at grace.<br />
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14. She loves to give kisses! She'll come at you with her lips puckered saying "mmmmmmmmmuah!" One time while we were waiting to be seated at a restaurant she was giving all of us kisses and when she was done with us she went for the hostess.<br />
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13. Evie also knows how to give bear hugs. Daddy taught her to growl when giving a big hug :)<br />
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12. She is talking a ton and it is uber cute. Her most often said words are woa, uh oh, no, mine, pretty, cookie, papa, mama, yay, up, pease, hi, ya, bye bye, ni night and so much more. If she's in the mood you can get her to repeat almost anything you say. (scary)<br />
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11. When she sings along to the ABC's she says I I I I I I I, I I I I I I I I I, but at least she stays on melody.<br />
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10. Speaking of singing....Evie loves to sing! Its so cute when we are riding in the car and all of us get real quiet so we can listen to her pretty little songs as she stares out the window.<br />
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9. Evie likes to get jiggy with it! Just like her mama she can get down and loves to do so. If she hears a rhythm she starts a movin'.<br />
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8. Evie only has 2 teeth and no signs of anymore coming soon. All of our kids got teeth late but Evie is setting a new record! Most kids her age already have a mouthful. Dentist says this means she'll probably lose her teeth way late too. Maybe 12 year molers by 20???<br />
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7. Point a camera at her and she'll smile real big and say CHEEEEEEEESE!<br />
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6. She knows the animal sounds for dog, cat and elephant! Elephant is especially cute cause she uses her arm as the trunk. Though I don't think she actually knows what an elephant is yet...<br />
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5. Evie has some bad habits too. Like screaming at the top of her lungs over and over again to get what she wants or taking a big sip from her cup only to spit it all over the place. She also has been known to throw food or rub it in her hair. Her worst habit by far though is smacking people in the face. We are all born sinners...<br />
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4. She loves to take showers!!! When someone turns the shower on Evie is usually running to the bathroom so she can get in to. She does not mind the water running over her face at all. In fact she thinks its fun to have the water splash all over her face. Which reminds me of #3...<br />
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3. Evie absolutely LOVES it when someone (usually brother) sprays her face with the water bottle. Its the weirdest thing to me but she will get mad and scream when the water bottle is empty or if we refuse to spray her. She resorts to spraying herself in the face if no one will but as you can imagine, Gus is usually happy to accommodate her.<br />
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2. RANCH DRESSING!!! Evie will gladly dip, double dip, triple dip, quadruple dip ANYTHING in ranch. When she gets married I am pretty sure she will have a ranch fountain at her wedding.<br />
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1. Clint and I often shake are heads at how darn cute she is and how much her presents in our family is such a joy and blessing to all of us. We are so thankful God gave us Evelyn Louise as our bonus baby! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE__WR-NCrasc72f4SVKVe4eXuxoLIujvbsnySqCAoGMMkdcx38FzkjKSUZHeikwdb37fAdgs5K-_Gd2JAJzbrj-xMzpE8kSGPkwb_31WCysuoFX9x6kZwTzNFO5uCIZ9HuB43icxFJs/s1600/WINTER+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUE__WR-NCrasc72f4SVKVe4eXuxoLIujvbsnySqCAoGMMkdcx38FzkjKSUZHeikwdb37fAdgs5K-_Gd2JAJzbrj-xMzpE8kSGPkwb_31WCysuoFX9x6kZwTzNFO5uCIZ9HuB43icxFJs/s400/WINTER+2011+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's that pucker I was telling you about...irresistible!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-423922836625216292011-03-08T15:01:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:01:11.976-08:001000 Gifts: 332-348~332 Gus saying "I'll do anything you want, mom, cause I love you."<br />
~333 My dad showing up to drop off dinner for us out of the blue<br />
~334 A quick date with hubby<br />
~335 Crystal teaching the girls in our coop. She is amazing :)<br />
~336 Another quiet Friday night at home<br />
~337 Pancakes!<br />
~338 Another night of fun, food, wine and fellowship with the Bayleys<br />
~339 How well our families connect is truly a gift!<br />
~340 The prayer of Saint Francis<br />
~341 For such an amazing and supportive sisterhood at school<br />
~342 A trip to Micheals to plan and pick out crafts with my girls<br />
~343 Acting like a total goof ball<br />
~344 More pretty flowers from Hubby (he's so sweet) <br />
~345 Asian food<br />
~346 Heather's creativity<br />
~347 The opportunity to plan and perform skits with my bff!<br />
~348 That I have buddies coming with me to the Christian education conference this year<br />
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That's all for now folks!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-64730057168933317192011-03-08T11:19:00.000-08:002011-03-08T14:50:04.099-08:00The Prayer of Saint FrancisI will be posting my gifts in a bit but wanted to share this real quick while I had a minute.<br />
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This prayer has really been speaking to me lately!<br />
<dl><dd><i>Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is hatred, let me sow love.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is injury, pardon.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is doubt, faith.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is despair, hope.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is darkness, light.</i></dd><dd><i>Where there is sadness, joy.</i></dd></dl><dl><dd><i>O Divine Master,</i></dd><dd><i>grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;</i></dd><dd><i>to be understood, as to understand;</i></dd><dd><i>to be loved, as to love.</i></dd><dd><i>For it is in giving that we receive.</i></dd><dd><i>It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,</i></dd><dd><i>and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.</i></dd></dl><dl><dd><i>Amen.</i></dd></dl><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-45214564152250581912011-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:002011-03-01T13:46:09.742-08:001000 Gifts: 298-331I found my missing paper that had my gifts from when I didn't had my notes book so some of these are pretty old again but lots new too :)<br />
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~298 My sista's<br />
~299 Lamentations 3:24<br />
~300 Childrens bubble gum flavored fever reducer<br />
~301 Clints support<br />
~302 Planning the summer and the anticipation of some really fun trips<br />
~303 Hubby cheering me up<br />
~304 I-pods<br />
~305 White boards<br />
~306 Teaching Lilly science (I wasn't looking forwardto doing this but have been pleasantly surprised how fun it is)<br />
~307 The coolest online teaching resource ever!<br />
~308 Anticipation for girls camp (obviously old)<br />
~309 The completion of the Mitchell family chore matrix (will post soon)<br />
~310 The kids good attitude about doing it<br />
~311 All Recipes.com<br />
~312 My dad helping to pay for gymnastics<br />
~313 Pretty flowers from my hubby<br />
~314 Listening to Lilly hum worship songs<br />
~315 The sunshine<br />
~316 Kids playing outside<br />
~317 A yummy sandwich<br />
~318 My awesome SLP advisor<br />
~319 My newish vegi steamer<br />
~320 Taking a couple weeks off couponing<br />
~321 How often Gus says "I yuv you, mom"<br />
~322 How Drew makes up fun games to motivate the little kids to clean up<br />
~323 Income tax return<br />
~324 New bath towels<br />
~325 Evie asking me to dance with her<br />
~326 Watching Evie spin herself dizzy<br />
~327 A whole weekend with not even one commitment<br />
~328 Proverbs 30:7-9 thanks Heather<br />
~329 Inexpensive projects that make life a little easier<br />
~330 That I have a hubby who is happy to do those projects<br />
~331 8 months of laundry detergent for less than $10<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-49679460407411418322011-02-22T15:20:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:20:57.229-08:001000 Gifts: 227-297 FINALLY!I was SO disappointed when I couldn't find my cute little notebook I've been writing each one of my gifts in. After a few days of it missing I finally decided I better start a new and temporary list on a separate piece of paper hoping eventually it would turn up. Finally, it did!!! I found it in the bottom of the diaper bag of all places. I can't believe I didn't think to look there. Of course though, now that I am sitting down to blog my gifts I can't find my temporary list...uhg! Thankfully I didn't number any of those so I can just add them in when it turns up.<br />
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~227 That working out feels so good<br />
~228 Chapstick<br />
~229 Coupons that come in the mail for FREE items (thank you Safeway)<br />
~230 Craigslist<br />
~231 the beauty of the snow capped mountains when the sun hits them<br />
~232 Miracles! (both big and small)<br />
~233 Long chats with Clint<br />
~234 My in-laws<br />
~235 Hitting all the green lights<br />
~236 The nice childcare workers at my Y<br />
~237 workout with Drew<br />
~238 Hearing praiseworthy news from a dear friend<br />
~239 Waking up to a surprise from my kids to include breakfast and a sweet card listing 8 reasons they love me. Reasons below :) <br />
~240 You are a good cook<br />
~241 You are fun<br />
~242 You are helpful<br />
~243 You let us help you cook<br />
~244 You take us to church<br />
~245 You take me to soccer<br />
~246 You take me to gymnastics<br />
~247 You let me play wii and watch movies<br />
~248 You teach us about God<br />
~249 You give me num num (this was from evie)<br />
~250 A friend calling to check on and encourage me through my struggle<br />
~251 Christian radio<br />
~252 Doctors available on Saturdays<br />
~253 That Clint is so protective of me<br />
~254 A family hike<br />
~255 The beach<br />
~256 Kids curiosity<br />
~257 Drew's responsablity<br />
~258 Finally having time to catch up with a dear friend<br />
~259 The anticipation of doing some fun pre-school stuff with gus and sam<br />
~260 Date night with my man<br />
~261 His kisses<br />
~262 Feeling and acting like teenagers again<br />
~263 Dinner at my dads house<br />
~264 Hanging out with my big icks<br />
~265 Reading an amazing book!!!<br />
~266 Amy Bayley lending it to me<br />
~267 The way he looks at me :)<br />
~268 Blue Moon on tap<br />
~269 FINDING MY NOTEBOOK!!!<br />
~270 An amazing weekend at Lakeside Bible Camp<br />
~271 How serving turns back to a blessing<br />
~272 For all the godly directors and leaders at girls camp. Some amazing women!<br />
~273 Singing, dancing and having fun while praising God<br />
~274 Hearing the gospel in such a simple way<br />
~275 Watching my girls have the time of their lives<br />
~276 Getting to know their friends better<br />
~277 That God has blessed my girls with good Christian friends<br />
~278 Hearing young hearts pray<br />
~279 Special time with Kaitlyn<br />
~280 Seeing her shine!<br />
~281 For a husband who is willing to hold down the fort<br />
~282 How beautiful LBC is when the sun is shining on the lake<br />
~283 Clint texting a pic of Evie that melted my heart<br />
~284 Drew's honesty<br />
~285 Awesome conversations with Drew<br />
~286 Lilly asking questions<br />
~287 my new eating plan<br />
~288 feeling God go before me<br />
~289 hanging out with my dumpster diving, deal seeking buddy<br />
~290 Evie's jibber jabber<br />
~291 My new haircut<br />
~292 For Tanya who wouldn't tale any $ for it. She's too sweet!<br />
~293 Raw almonds<br />
~294 Improv comedy night with friends<br />
~295 The way Evie said Katie at Heathers yesterday. It was SO cute!!!<br />
~296 Mandie and Brandon visiting Grace<br />
~297 Self checkouts<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-58937346110477736002011-02-01T23:14:00.000-08:002011-02-01T23:14:00.936-08:0030 days of blogging: Day 2The meaning behind my blog name-<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A Little Bit of Amber </b></span></div>Well this one is easy. My name is Amber and on this blog I share a little bit about myself. Simple as that :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-19597653542155718372011-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:002011-02-01T20:13:37.989-08:001000 Gifts: Stay tunedArrrg! Now that I have a minute to put my gifts down I can't seem to find my handy little note book I've been keeping them in. I am hoping when the girls get home one of them will know where it might be. None the less I wanted to say that me not doing it yet is not a reflection of my heart. I have many gifts and would love to share the with you. Last week me not posting my gifts was a reflection of my heart though. It was just a bad week for me...<br />
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But stay tuned! Hopefully I will find my note book and post my gifts soon :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-15907629172255967112011-01-31T12:00:00.000-08:002011-01-31T12:00:15.434-08:0030 days of blogging: Day 1Recent picture and 15 interesting facts about myself. I want to be sure and use the word "interesting" very loosely...facts I can promise but no guarantee they are interesting.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Her I am!!! I would have really preferred to have picked a fabulous picture of myself self (if one exists) but rather I chose to just use the most recent picture I had taken. This was taken on Friday on a hike I went on with the family. If anything, this picture does show my personality a little :) Of course except for the fact that I'm on a hike. Which will lead me right into my first fact!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSDhzulc0wVusoIpzJnufjuBU_aZssYL2qAuTv2_wKCcbUt8mASheg52kpQN0QItl4EPdJDiPpWZFgbT0Rpf23ySSAQqZ3_gpUu_eUIbOlQsvodGtxClcalDjVnxroQ7LZSAuRXzHuWU/s1600/WINTER+2011+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSDhzulc0wVusoIpzJnufjuBU_aZssYL2qAuTv2_wKCcbUt8mASheg52kpQN0QItl4EPdJDiPpWZFgbT0Rpf23ySSAQqZ3_gpUu_eUIbOlQsvodGtxClcalDjVnxroQ7LZSAuRXzHuWU/s320/WINTER+2011+124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>1) I really am not a big fan of hiking. Though I wish to be and have committed to doing more this year.<br />
2) I love the taste of cold corn straight out of the can<br />
3) I can't wait to be a grandma one day! Seriously, I think about it often.<br />
4) I have very flexible ears and fold them up before I lay my head on the pillow to keep my ear nice and warm.<br />
5) I like to dip pizza rolls in ketchup<br />
6) I would gladly live where it never snows, rarely rains and is almost always sunny.<br />
7) If I could live in anytime period it would be the late 1800's.<br />
8) I love bags! It is a weak spot for me when shopping. I'd go for a new bag over new shoes.<br />
9) I did not become a reader until my late 20's, in fact I hated reading, until I fell in love with the book Redeeming Love.<br />
10) I would LOVE to run an orphanage one day.<br />
11) My favorite wild animal is a giraffe and I got to feed one once right out of the palm of my hand.<br />
12) Teaching my kids to read stresses me out and feels like a lot of pressure. It is the one thing I wish someone else could teach them.<br />
13) When I was 5 or 6 I climbed 30 feet up in a tree and about gave my mom a heart attack the first time she saw me. I loved to climb so much my Uncle called me monkey woman and when he built his first house it had very high ceilings in the living room with a brick fireplace going all the way up. They were going to have staggered bricks sticking out like little ledges all the way up and decided against it for fear I would climb it when I to visit every summer.<br />
14) I flew half way across the country by myself at 9 years old.<br />
15) When I was back in the mid-west visiting my uncle there was a really bad thunder storm and I was really scared cause I was alone at his house. To conquer my fear I went out side with an umbrella and stood in the middle of the cul de sac. Praise God I was not struck down by lighting. (I think that's more stupid then interesting)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-67985018226007587632011-01-28T08:00:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:00:11.947-08:0030 days of blogging!I saw this idea on<a href="http://kellytuskiwasleffel.blogspot.com/"> Kelly's blog</a>, who saw it on Bridget's blog, who saw it on some guy name Ryans blog. I didn't look to see who Ryan got it from but who really cares, it just sounds like fun! I have no intention of doing this everyday for 30 days in a row, but I will commit to doing all 30. I love to blog but don't always know what to blog about so this is a fun way to blog about new things. Join me if you like :)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 2- the meaning behind your blog name</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 3- a picture of you as a child</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 6- favorite super hero and why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 8- short term goals for this month and why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 12- write a poem to someone you love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 13- your 5 favorite books and why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 14- a picture of you and your family</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 16- a picture of yourself</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 20- write a letter to someone<br />
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 22- what makes you different from everyone else</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 23- something you crave a lot</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 25- what I would find in your bag</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 27- my day job verses my passion</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 29 - favorite tv shows and why you like them</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">day 30 - movies you can watch again and again.</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-63710121099586968182011-01-27T09:03:00.000-08:002011-01-27T09:04:38.896-08:00My Lord of the Rings review and why I hate the flesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqXPgsjV2ezJk4TS3svfKU1aA9bCesTip8mG0OWQS-FtpeKPm9AG_UNshw2w723Kjr9PFAdlbQ7kPr1CIkaznjKpNL3at16ZVsJpVP722Znb7RT_LSC2vFaz7SAP8aDAy8GDO9ZBlL3I/s1600/sam_frodo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqXPgsjV2ezJk4TS3svfKU1aA9bCesTip8mG0OWQS-FtpeKPm9AG_UNshw2w723Kjr9PFAdlbQ7kPr1CIkaznjKpNL3at16ZVsJpVP722Znb7RT_LSC2vFaz7SAP8aDAy8GDO9ZBlL3I/s1600/sam_frodo.jpg" /></a></div>After years of hearing all the hype and our pastor being brought to tears at the pulpit while talking about the movie one day, Clint and I decided it was time to finally watch it.<br />
<br />
Overall, I have to say its not my kind of movie. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit and really liked finding the ways the characters and story line could relate to the gospel. Frodo was seemingly just an ordinary simple young man and yet, he was chosen to save the world. After the first one ended I looked forward to seeing the second. While watching the second one it was hard not to cover my face with the blanket. The battle scenes were horrible and there was far to many of them. Those nasty creatures coming out of their birth sacks was over the top gross and scary. Clint on the other hand thought it was great how well they depicted evil. I guess evil just really makes me uncomfortable. I experienced much of the same on the 3rd movie but as Frodo was using everything he had to bring the ring up the mountain I was filled with hope. I was waiting for him to over throw evil and toss the ring into the fire. But he didn't! He put it on instead!!! WHAT!?! I thought this was going to be a story of redemption!?! I thought Frodo was going to save the world. Yes, the ring eventually made its way into the fire and the world was saved, but not by Frodos doing. I was very disappointed in that.<br />
<br />
After the movie Clint explained to me that its about the battle with flesh until the very end. Okay, so now I get it, but I don't like it! In fact I hate it! Not the movie, but the flesh.<br />
<br />
As I shared in <a href="http://alittlebitofamber.blogspot.com/2011/01/tell-truth-tuesdaythe-ugly-and.html">my last post</a> I have food issues. For me, this is a battle between my sinful desires (the flesh) and the Spirit. My friend Crystal shared in <a href="http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/christian-womanhood-/gluttony">this amazing teaching on gluttony</a> that she woke up every morning for a time and the Holy Spirit was making her food choices for her. Oh, how I longed to experience that for myself. And finally, one day it happened! After repenting of my sin and daily, hourly, sometimes minute by minute seeking the help He has given me, the Holy Spirit as been making my food choices too! I praise God! It actually felt easy to choose good healthy food and to not go back for seconds. It was all credit to the Holy Spirits work in me. For 13 days the Spirit was winning the battle!!! <br />
<br />
Then day 14,15 and 16 came. Those 3 days were not the same as the previous 13. When I woke up yesterday (day 16) I new I had been in a funk for a couple days. No, I hadn't binge eaten or anything but I knew my heart and attitude weren't in the right place, so I had to pause and reflect. What I saw was that I started to lean on my own strength. Kind of like Frodo did when he took off up the mountain with out Sam. Just like Frodo, my own strength is not enough. Frodo came all that way and surely he should be able to make it a little ways on his own, right? NO! But that is the thinking I realize I all to often have.<br />
<br />
So day 16 when I realize all this... rather then turning to the Spirit to guide me, I wallowed in my mistake. I knew I needed pray, but I didn't. I knew I needed my sista's to be praying for me and that all I would need to do is send a simple text, but I didn't. So what did I do? I ate. I want to hate myself for yesterday. I want to wallow in my self loathing pit and probably end up eating some more, but I can't. Why? Because I am loved! I am chosen! I am accepted! I am adopted! I am forgiven! I am blessed and I am redeemed!!! Like one of my<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmQBshQ11uo"> favorite songs by Mary Mary</a> says "I know He didn't bring me this far just to leave me."<br />
<br />
Just like Frodo, I often think I can do it on my own. Just like Frodo, I can't. Just like Frodo needs Sam all the way to the bitter end, I need the Holy Spirit until my end on this earth.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-32169281476424953722011-01-18T16:38:00.000-08:002011-01-18T16:40:45.355-08:00Tell the truth Tuesday:The ugly and beautiful truthThe <i>UGLY</i> truth: ...and I mean ugly. I have food issues. I eat for pleasure. I eat for comfort. I eat from boredom. I eat from stress. I eat often. I eat a lot. Worst of all, I eat instead of sitting at the feet of my sweet Jesus. My body is a product of my food issues. I am overweight the the point of being considered obese. I am at higher risk for things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes because of my weight. I feel fat. I look fat. I don't like feeling this way. I don't like looking this way. Most of all, I don't like food sitting on the thrown of my heart in place of my sweet Jesus.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Phil 3:18-19</div><div style="text-align: center;">For many of whom I have often told you and now even tell you with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, and their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1st Cor 6:20</div><div style="text-align: center;">For you were bought with a price. So glorify God with your body. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The<i> BEAUTIFUL</i> truth:God so gently revealed this sin to me and has already begun an amazing work in me. He has brought me to true repentance and through the Holy Spirit day by day, meal by meal, I am able to make better, healthier, God glorifying choices. To Him be the glory!</div><div style="text-align: center;">2nd Cor 12:9</div><div style="text-align: center;">But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Psalm 73:26</div><div style="text-align: center;">My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gal 5:16</div><div style="text-align: center;">But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heb 12:1-2</div><div style="text-align: center;">Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">1st Peter 5:6-10</div><div style="text-align: center;">Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-87290708975895904852011-01-17T15:43:00.000-08:002011-02-01T20:13:19.607-08:001000 Gifts: 173-226<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a> </div><br />
~173 That <a href="http://runningtohisgrace.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a> was willing to part with an amazing book so I could read it<br />
~174 This book <a href="http://www.madetocrave.org/">Made to Crave</a><br />
~175 That God knew many of his people would struggle with food issues and so he weaved wisdom on this topic all over in scripture<br />
~176 Scripture that are implanted on my heart forvever<br />
~177 I know this is a repeat but, God's constant provision for what we need<br />
~178 Learning the difference between need and want<br />
~179 Another repeat but, my hardworking hubby<br />
~180 Ferry boats<br />
~181 Quiet time<br />
~182 Drew's artwork<br />
~183 School being cancled<br />
~184 ...which made for an awesome day of school at home<br />
~185 watercolors<br />
~186 Patternables<br />
~187 Listening to Lilly read<br />
~188 The smell of bread baking<br />
~189 preschool workbooks<br />
~190 American girl history<br />
~191 Being able to share my sons silly antics via FB<br />
~192 Evie being such a good sleeper<br />
~193 Sex (me too, me too!)<br />
~194 Getting most of the classes we requested<br />
~195 The anticipation of our new and better schedule<br />
~196 Lilly's amazing and generous coaches<br />
~197 Sharing $5 footlongs<br />
~198 The way Evie dances when she realizes I'm about to give her a snack<br />
~199 Clint wrestling with the kids<br />
~200 Lilly's journal entries<br />
~201 Colored pencils<br />
~202 That I have money for gas and a car to put it in<br />
~203 Working out with friends<br />
~204 His grace<br />
~205 The most amazing sisters in Christ in the whole world<br />
~206 Accountability<br />
~207 Hard boiled eggs<br />
~208 Broccoli<br />
~209 Kids playing independently (and not fighting)<br />
~210 My community group<br />
~211 Feeling God's strength<br />
~212 My lap top<br />
~213 Checking things of my to-do list<br />
~214 That my rec room turns into a dance club in a moments notice<br />
~215 For God's help in parenting<br />
~216 Hummus<br />
~217 Cardio<br />
~218 Rice cooker<br />
~219 Organic options (me too, Abbey)<br />
~220 Clint in charge of the schedule (= balance)<br />
~221 5 boys in my Sunday school class (yay for Thomas!)<br />
~222 Creativity in the kitchen<br />
~223 A laid back relaxing weekend full of family time (see # 220)<br />
~224 Holy Spirit<br />
~225 Garlic<br />
~226 Finding 90% off nativity scenes!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-53767951641042106542011-01-12T11:28:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:07:04.532-08:00Works for me Wednesday: Double BatchLast week I noticed that canned Chili was on sale at QFC for $1 a can. I thought to myself that's a pretty good price, and I'm sure that would work out nice for Clint to take for lunch on the days I don't have enough leftovers to send for him. Then I thought some more. Hmmmmm, I bet it would be cheaper, healthier and yummier if I just made a double batch of chili myself. I could use all those glass jars I save that I knew would come in handy to freeze some and Clint could grab that and heat it up at work.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFldtQc7tU5Q9TmA_8W-V4uGQtQb2m79SNNhNXsLB0FSoAGGt0G8FXn0hvxVqHs3sAsKFntfOgwkO7jkFov2hKvQUogtun3ZSCZrjp0kehruIIYvcGKNWNsu6YnlyY6ONxEQtB9Scc01Q/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFldtQc7tU5Q9TmA_8W-V4uGQtQb2m79SNNhNXsLB0FSoAGGt0G8FXn0hvxVqHs3sAsKFntfOgwkO7jkFov2hKvQUogtun3ZSCZrjp0kehruIIYvcGKNWNsu6YnlyY6ONxEQtB9Scc01Q/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFldtQc7tU5Q9TmA_8W-V4uGQtQb2m79SNNhNXsLB0FSoAGGt0G8FXn0hvxVqHs3sAsKFntfOgwkO7jkFov2hKvQUogtun3ZSCZrjp0kehruIIYvcGKNWNsu6YnlyY6ONxEQtB9Scc01Q/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>So I double batch of chili I made! We ate it for dinner on Friday topped with chips, cheese and sourcream and it was uber yummy! This is what I had left over-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFldtQc7tU5Q9TmA_8W-V4uGQtQb2m79SNNhNXsLB0FSoAGGt0G8FXn0hvxVqHs3sAsKFntfOgwkO7jkFov2hKvQUogtun3ZSCZrjp0kehruIIYvcGKNWNsu6YnlyY6ONxEQtB9Scc01Q/s1600/IMG_0191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFldtQc7tU5Q9TmA_8W-V4uGQtQb2m79SNNhNXsLB0FSoAGGt0G8FXn0hvxVqHs3sAsKFntfOgwkO7jkFov2hKvQUogtun3ZSCZrjp0kehruIIYvcGKNWNsu6YnlyY6ONxEQtB9Scc01Q/s400/IMG_0191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">5 individual size jars for Clint to take to work</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 larger jars for me to use for a couple lunches at home for the the kids and me</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 bowl with enough chili for Clint to eat for lunch over the weekend and for the Chili dogs we ate for dinner on Sunday night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
And to make this even sweeter I didn't have to go to the grocery store at all cause I had everything I needed for a double batch of chili in my back stock!!!<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-88943033571049170072011-01-11T13:00:00.000-08:002011-01-11T13:00:00.721-08:00Taste and see that the Lord is good<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="chapter-num" id="v19034001-1"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Psalm 34 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">I will bless the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> at all times;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="indent"></span>his praise shall continually be in my mouth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034002-1"></span>My soul makes its boast in the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="indent"></span>let the humble hear and be glad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034003-1"></span>Oh, magnify the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> with me,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span class="indent"></span>and let us exalt his name together!</span></div><div class="line-group" id="p19034004.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034004-1"></span>I sought the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, and he answered me<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and delivered me from all my fears.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034005-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Those who look to him are radiant,<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and their faces shall never be ashamed.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034006-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">This poor man cried, and the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> heard him<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and saved him out of all his troubles.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034007-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The angel of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> encamps<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">around those who fear him, and delivers them.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div class="line-group" id="p19034008.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034008-1"></span>Oh, taste and see that the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is good!<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034009-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">Oh, fear the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>, you his saints,<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">for those who fear him have no lack!<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034010-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The young lions suffer want and hunger;<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">but those who seek the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> lack no good thing.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="line-group" id="p19034011.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034011-1"></span>Come, O children, listen to me;<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">I will teach you the fear of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034012-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">What man is there who desires life<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and loves many days, that he may see good?<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034013-1"></span>Keep your tongue from evil<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and your lips from speaking deceit.</span></div><div class="line-group" id="p19034011.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034014-1"></span>Turn away from evil and do good;<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">seek peace and pursue it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="line-group" id="p19034015.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034015-1"></span>The eyes of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> are toward the righteous<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and his ears toward their cry.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034016-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The face of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is against those who do evil,<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">to cut off the memory of them from the earth.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034017-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">When the righteous cry for help, the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> hears<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and delivers them out of all their troubles.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034018-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is near to the brokenhearted<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and saves the crushed in spirit.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="line-group" id="p19034019.01-1" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="verse-num" id="v19034019-1"></span>Many are the afflictions of the righteous,<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">but the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> delivers him out of them all.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034020-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">He keeps all his bones;<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">not one of them is broken.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034021-1"></span>Affliction will slay the wicked,<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.<br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v19034022-1"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> redeems the life of his servants;<br />
<span class="indent"></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-285990635696087872011-01-10T18:48:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:57:23.930-08:001000 Gifts: 148-172<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a> </div><br />
~148 A fun time ironing with friends<br />
~149 The awesome community of amazing Godly women at EHK-12<br />
~150 The wisdom spoken to me on an area of struggle<br />
~151 I have to admit that part of me is very thankful to be back at the daily grind (just part)<br />
~152 Double deals<br />
~153 Free cleaning products<br />
~154 Hot tea<br />
~155 The fun Drew is having in musical theater<br />
~156 Friends that aren't afraid to ask for help<br />
~157 Cool classes<br />
~158 Someone else making dinner<br />
~159 Evie's pucker<br />
~160 Seeing Drew on stage looking like the cutest little person Ireland ever saw :)<br />
~161 Shilea Corey<br />
~162 That we can be assured that God opens and closes the womb<br />
~163 A night out with the ladies<br />
~164 My uber cozy bed ( I heart Temperpedic)<br />
~165 Pretty flowers<br />
~166 Not just chit chatting but taking the time to go to heart<br />
~167 A relaxing Sunday afternoon<br />
~168 New pots and pans (FINALLY!)<br />
~169 The fact that Drew has been wearing her little person hat all day<br />
~170 Psalm 34<br />
~171 Fleece sheets<br />
~172 2 Cor 3:18<br />
~173 Finding balance in areas that have been very unbalance<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-46550733984367425512011-01-03T17:59:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:57:41.572-08:001000 Gifts: 101-147<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a> </div><br />
~101 Extra counter space<br />
~102 Sour Patch kids<br />
~103 Taking a stroll down memory lane<br />
~104 That God has blesses us with 4 Kids<br />
~105 How well my kids know how to do chores<br />
~106 My backstock<br />
~107 A smooth glass of red wine<br />
~108 Glass bowls<br />
~109 The smell of a cake baking<br />
~110 Watching more and more items I don't need leaving my house<br />
~111 Re-purposed leftovers<br />
~112 That Clint forgives me after I've been less then kind =/<br />
~113 Photographs that bring back a 1000 memories and emotions<br />
~114 Making progress<br />
~115 Having all the kids jump in bed with me and having a laughing good time!<br />
~116 Waking up to snow<br />
~117 How bright snow makes the world<br />
~118 Fried rice<br />
~119 Watching 4 tweens have a super fun girly time<br />
~120 Having fun with them too<br />
~121 Feeling like a "cool mom" cuz they wanted me to hang out with them<br />
~122 Digital cameras<br />
~123 The way the morning sun makes the snow and ice sparkle<br />
~124 That God has blessed Drew with awesome friends<br />
~125 Shopping with a buddy<br />
~126 Matching jeggings (lol)<br />
~127 Gus reffering to his english muffin as a wheel<br />
~128 Finding the perfect present for Drew<br />
~129 total at the register being less then expected<br />
~130 Lunch out with the fam ro celebrate Drew<br />
~131Friends we are very thankful for + delish food + good wine + fun games = a great New Year"s Eve!<br />
~132 Hubby and the kids taking care of me and each other while I had a bad migraine<br />
~133 For thoughtful friends who send kind words<br />
~134 That my headache finally ended<br />
~135 Clint doing the dishes<br />
~136 A phone chat with my mom that reminded me of better times with her<br />
~137 Seeing Drew turn into an amazing young lady<br />
~138 Evie sitting content and playing with her toys<br />
~139 P.B and J<br />
~140 An entire day at home<br />
~141 Movie night<br />
~142 The innocent and curious ?'s of my Sunday school class<br />
~143 An afternoon spent with my Mom<br />
~144 Hubby coming home with good news<br />
~145 That working hard DOES pay off<br />
~146 Having a radio in my car again<br />
~147 Mr and Mrs Wilson<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-24797543883829244062010-12-27T21:17:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:57:56.557-08:001000 Gifts: 21-100<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a> </div>I have really been loving this! My hope was to combat my discontentment by choosing to see all of the many gifts that are before me on a daily basis. So, rather then sitting down on Monday to catalog all of the gifts, I have kept a cute little journal with me to jot down gifts as they arise. At times when I was feeling discontetended about something, I forced myself to look for a gift. And what do ya know...I always found one! The funnest part about this whole list is that each and every one has a story behind it. Feel free to ask me sometime :)<br />
<br />
~21Modern medicine (Excedrin Migraine)<br />
~22 My husbands sweet smell<br />
~23 Gus' peanut butter sandwich dance<br />
~24 Drew caring for Evie<br />
~25 Spiral bound journals<br />
~26 How much my nutcracker soldiers remind me of my grandparents<br />
~27 A fun day at my in-laws<br />
~28 Making treats with family and friends<br />
~29 Carbonation<br />
~30 Finding the perfect person to pass our baby stuff to<br />
~31 Clean and organized kids bedrooms<br />
~32 To be doing 1000 gifts alongside friends<br />
~33 Forgiveness<br />
~34 Tender moments between siblings<br />
~35 A never changing God<br />
~36 Gods constant faithfulness<br />
~37 Sleeping in late<br />
~38 Waking up to Gus saying "can I snuggle wit choo?"<br />
~39 Evie's awesome morning hair do's<br />
~40 That Clint is not afraid to BBQ in the winter<br />
~41 Sweet neighbor ladies<br />
~42Swagbucks (= free $)<br />
~43 Almond extract<br />
~44 Clean running water at my finger tips<br />
~45 Nana's homemade hot cocoa mix<br />
~46 Crock-pot cooking<br />
~47 My digital picture frame and all the pics in it<br />
~48 Q-tips<br />
~49 Sweet text messages from Clint<br />
~50 My Kitchen Aid<br />
~51 Drew's helpfulness<br />
~52 Good phone chats w/ Heather<br />
~53 A clean kitchen sink<br />
~54 Satan's lies being exposed<br />
~55 And for Gods truths that replace those lies<br />
~56 Friends that aren't afraid to speak truth into my life<br />
~57 Netflix<br />
~58 Hand-me-downs<br />
~59 Reliable vehicles<br />
~60 Our cozy home<br />
~61Listening to the kids laugh and giggle while singing Christmas songs and decorating cookies<br />
~62 For my fun marriage<br />
~63 Josh Turners music<br />
~64 My goofy extended family<br />
~65 Dancing<br />
~66 Clint's silliness<br />
~67 Over hearing Clint and the kids pray and a late night chat prompted by ?'s where he shared about the true meaning of Christmas and the gift that God gave us<br />
~68 Celebrating Jesus' b-day<br />
~69 P.J's after a long day<br />
~70 Saturday morning family breakfast<br />
~71 Old traditions<br />
~72 New ones<br />
~73 Kids excitement and joy over simple gifts<br />
~74 My dishwasher<br />
~75 For a 2nd wind after feeling all pooped out<br />
~76 Cheesecake<br />
~77 A morning walk/run with my girls<br />
~78 Jeremiah 50:33<br />
~79 Lamentations 3:23<br />
~80 psalm 103:22<br />
~81 After Christmas sales<br />
~82 Lilly's sweet little desire to be a healthy and fit person ( I can learn a lot from her)<br />
~83 Empty laundry hampers<br />
~84 Not waiting until New years to make changes God has called me to<br />
~85 Going to the Mall by myself<br />
~86 2 new bras ( you have no idea how bad I needed them)<br />
~87 Mitchell Family Christmas<br />
~88 Clint's Dad sharing his heart and the true meaning of Christmas<br />
~89 Boardgames<br />
~90 Gift cards<br />
~91 laughter<br />
~92 Special time with just me and my #3 and #4 <br />
~93 Cousins<br />
~94 New cooking and baking items<br />
~95 Watching Evie perfect her forks skills with pancakes<br />
~96 Fuzzy posters (they keep kids happy while I get stuff done)<br />
~97 Lilly's sweet, careful, playfulness with her new doll<br />
~98 Drew's creativity<br />
~99 Watching Lilly and Gus play make believe together<br />
~100 Looking to God to help me make order out of chaos<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-82942378391911989762010-12-20T22:36:00.000-08:002010-12-20T22:36:34.095-08:00I'm in! 1000 GiftsIn an effort to battle discontentment and focus on the MANY blessing my loving God bestows upon me, I have decided to join my dear friend <a href="http://runningtohisgrace.blogspot.com/">Carrie</a> and the <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2003/06/gratitude-community/">Gratitude Community</a> in cataloging 1000 gifts. I am praying for a change of perspective in the daily doings of my beautiful, challenging, exciting, messy, God given, unique and ordinary life.<br />
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<br />
<center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br />
~1 For my husbands patients and willingness to help me through each struggle<br />
<br />
~2 Grilled cheese on homemade bread<br />
<br />
~3 Clutter free rooms<br />
<br />
~4 Being able to donate items to those in need<br />
<br />
~5 Creative ginger bread house designers<br />
<br />
~6 That my girls love wrapping presents<br />
<br />
~7 Text messaging<br />
<br />
~8 For <a href="http://theresurgence.com/2010/12/11/your-grandma-was-right-all-things-in-moderation">this Blog post </a>and the brother in Christ who shared in with me<br />
<br />
~9 <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matthew+6%3A33">Matthew 6:33</a><br />
<br />
~10 Christmas cards<br />
<br />
~11 Friends you can always be yourself with<br />
<br />
~12 Prayer<br />
<br />
~13 <a href="http://www.couponconnectionsnw.com/">Coupon Connections NW</a><br />
<br />
~14 Relaxing music<br />
<br />
~15 A long conversation with my Dad<br />
<br />
~16 2 weeks off from school<br />
<br />
~17 That my kids love Gummy Vites<br />
<br />
~18 Quiet moments with God<br />
<br />
~19 Family Photos<br />
<br />
~20 Extra time with my <a href="http://heatherosborn.blogspot.com/">BFF</a> these last few days<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-46622390576700491762010-10-21T20:29:00.000-07:002010-10-21T20:29:30.968-07:00Stepping on the scale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnbVDQWbPsW1ZgnSpUyXs6iiNTCkn9fYsMMRkqxAzFlL6n_M9Up_N_wvHUttCXvzt_bQs_UEzc6yo0FnPf3LsoAuSlfOML3joYTCgKmOBNaVlEDMoR9mnOtZ5tCQS48ywOj6aTyJk2V8/s1600/brass-balance-scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnbVDQWbPsW1ZgnSpUyXs6iiNTCkn9fYsMMRkqxAzFlL6n_M9Up_N_wvHUttCXvzt_bQs_UEzc6yo0FnPf3LsoAuSlfOML3joYTCgKmOBNaVlEDMoR9mnOtZ5tCQS48ywOj6aTyJk2V8/s320/brass-balance-scale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Long time no blog! I have a million excuses but I will spare you... More importantly I have some exciting news to share!<br />
<br />
My husband and I (along with our community group) are starting a discipleship program called the Story Formed Life. <a href="http://heatherosborn.blogspot.com/">My dear friend Heather </a>took this class a couple years ago and I have been wanting to take it ever since. Last week we had some what of a information/Q & A time with our leader. After the meeting I am even more excited but also a bit anxious.<br />
<br />
The way this particular discipleship class is set up is over a course of 10 weeks we will look at different portions of Gods story from the bible. We will start with the basic foundational truths of our faith and then look at how we ought to then live according to those truths. (Please correct me fellow disciple-shippers if I am explaining this wrong) The following is a break down of the 10 weeks- <br />
<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">creation</div><div style="text-align: center;">fall</div><div style="text-align: center;">gospel</div><div style="text-align: center;">lordship</div><div style="text-align: center;">sonship</div><div style="text-align: center;">spirit led life</div><div style="text-align: center;">disciplined life</div><div style="text-align: center;">being the church</div><div style="text-align: center;">kingdom</div><div style="text-align: center;">recreation</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am so excited to go back to the basics and hopefully gain a better understanding of these foundational truths. I am also very anxious though... Each week after we have spent time reading, meditating, praying and discussing the scriptures for the week we will have the opportunity to rate how much we truly believe it on a scale of 1-10. (stepping on the scale) I think it would be easy to say "Of course I believe God created the Heavens and the earth" and "of course I believe that me and everyone else on this planet are made in His image. The bible says so!" but if I take a good hard look at how I look at myself sometimes and others....can I really give my self a 10? Probably not.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am praying for a humble and teachable heart this week and that God would show me my unbelief so that I can grow closer to him and stronger in faith.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When my friend Heather did this course she blogged about her journey each week and it was such a blessing for me to see her heart be challenged and changed each week. My hope is that I too will catalog my journey via this blog along the way.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-19456054438436352162010-08-20T12:51:00.000-07:002010-08-20T12:54:04.942-07:0030 Day Challenge: Friday UpdatesHi 30 day Challengers!!! Its been awhile since we have shared our updates. I look forward to hearing how its going for you...I hope better than me :)<br />
<br />
My current challenge ended a few days ago and it did not end well. Long story short I failed miserable in every area of my challenge since my last update. In addition to my lack of discipline, I have had a house full of the stomach flu to include a trip to the ER and a broken washing machine. Ad it all up and what do you get? No challenges being met...uhg.<br />
<br />
But I choose to look at this as a small blip on the radar, and I am going to move forward with my chin up and get ready for a new 30 day challenge!!! That is what I love so much about the 30 Day Challenge... every 30 days we get a new start at challenging ourselves to make changes in our lives to better glorify our loving and gracious God!!!<br />
<br />
<u>Change for the challenge</u><br />
I want to be sure to let all challengers know of an upcoming change for the 30 day challenge. I have decided to do Monday updates in place of Friday updates. I have decided to do this because I personally always love to start my challenges at the beginning of the week and it bugged me to update mid-week in a challenge. I hope the Monday updates will work better for you too!<br />
<br />
Please let me know if you have any suggestions to make the 30 day Challenge better :)<br />
<br />
PS- I am still hoping to get a button soon. Thanks for your patience.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div><br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=Amberlyn17&postid=20Aug2010&meme=5838" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-81026890772370629972010-08-12T23:30:00.000-07:002010-08-12T23:34:28.174-07:00Is Jesus Enough?As followers of Christ we must continue to be moldable. As God moves in our hearts we are transformed (if we let it happen). God is so patient with me. He always molds me so slowly and so carefully. Often I don't even realize its going on. Then I have the blessing of looking back and seeing how my heart has been changed. Sometimes it is clear to me where he is taking me with the change he has brought about in my life. At other times I am perplexed to see which direction a change will take me. I must be patient and wait for Him to reveal things to me as he sees fit. I will admit its tough waiting at times.<br />
<br />
Last week in Scott's sermon he talked about our need to be loved by others, how it is an idle and that Jesus should be enough for us. I LOVED what he was saying!!! Yes, it was convicting as I am human and definitely want the love and approval of others. Though the good news is it caused me to look back. To look back and see the change God had done in my heart. Is Jesus enough for me? YES! YES HE IS! Do I always feel that way? NO, of course not. But slowly and carefully he continues to mold me and I AM GETTING THERE!<br />
<br />
The time line-<br />
10 years ago- I didn't know Christ at all. I was empty and dissatisfied.<br />
<br />
5 years ago- I had been a believer for about 3 years. Jesus was my savior! Though I still looked to others for love and approval. I filled every quiet moment with relationships, noise or busyness.<br />
<br />
3 years ago- I loved Jesus, I loved his people and I loved being with them and serving them even if that was at my own families loss. <br />
<br />
2 years ago- The change had begun. The conviction of my sin was burning in my heart. God was leading me home. Home, to better serve the husband and children he blessed me with. Home, where I could sit at his feet and be quiet and listen. I wrote <a href="http://alittlebitofamber.blogspot.com/2008/11/change-of-seasons.html">This Post </a> about this very change 2 years ago and what a blessing it was to be able to go back and read it!(one of the biggest reasons I am back to blogging)<br />
<br />
I want to share with you a comment a dear friend left on that post that blessed me then and again today when I reread it.<br />
<br />
<i>As God shapes, molds and changes you through this new season fix your eyes on Him. I know that God is using this time to bring a different dynamic to your relationship with Him. I'm excited to see what these winds of change will result in. Remember that discipleship is difficult....truly denying ourselves and giving our lives to Christ is a narrow road.....but we need to do this to become more like Christ...we cannot gain a resurrected life without dying. I'm praying for you sista!! -Carrie Stannert </i><br />
<br />
Wow! Do you think she had any idea the wisdom she was dishing out?!?! I'm thinking those words just might need to be hanging somewhere I can read them everyday!<br />
<br />
Back to the time line...<br />
<br />
Today- I love Jesus more then I ever have! He is more real to me then he ever has been! While I do still struggle at times...ultimately I know He is who fills my cup. Today I know my place and I know where he wants me to be. I am so blessed to be at home loving and serving my family. I am blessed with a great community of believers of whom I feel I have healthy and balance relationships with. Don't get me wrong, I do still struggle at times with the pull to be everywhere with everyone... So I could love them and they could love me! Sounds good right? Wrong! I have learned that community and relationships within the body are an absolute must. But not when I allow them to cause my role as wife and mom, or more importantly sitting at Jesus' feet to suffer. A careful balancing act I will continue to walk prayerfully.<br />
<br />
And because we are keeping it real... I struggle with all the mudane duties as wife and mother. Trust me, just because I know God has called me to do this doesn't me I'm always pleasant and joyful while doing it = / <a href="http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/2010/07/inviting-glorious-into-mundane.html">This Post </a>over at <a href="http://www.thestayathomemissionary.com/">Stay At Home Missionary</a>'s site is amazing. A must read!!!<br />
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love<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-4624327720476071742010-08-07T09:09:00.000-07:002010-08-07T09:09:03.957-07:0030 Day Challenge: Friday Updates (sorry it's late)So sorry this is late my fellow 30 Day Challengers. I got home from a camping trip yesterday and just had SO much to do with no time to blog. I am excited to hear how the challenge has been going for you this week.<br />
<br />
Days13-19 (Wow, only 11 days left already!)<br />
<br />
Challenge 1:Time in Gods Word<br />
At the beginning of my week I had some great time in the word. I spent a lot of time in 1 Peter and got some great verses that I will cling to during a struggle I am having right now. I am so thankful for God's word! He gives me comfort through it so often. The last couple days I have not read at all. I forgot to take a bible camping...LAME, is all I can say about that.<br />
<br />
Challenge 2: Exercise<br />
So far this week I got in 3 yoga, 1 run and 1 good walk. I plan to do another run today, hopefully a long one. This Mama needs the stress release right now. I was so hoping to get a run in along the beach while I was camping but taking my 4 kids and leaving my hubby at home for this trip...well you get the picture. No time for Mama to run. The trip was great though! I will post pics later today.<br />
<br />
Challenge 3: Eating Healthy<br />
This one is still going pretty good although I did drink a some soda and have more than my share of peanut butter cups while camping =/. Over all though I can't wait to share more about the changes my family is making. We are making some big changes in the way we eat! Basically changing to buy more organic products, more fruits, vegs, beans and rice, less meat and dairy, buying only pasture fed meat and doing our best to buy local. A lot of reasons behind this and I look forward to sharing with you how I intend on doing this the most frugal way possible.<br />
<br />
Challenge 4: Organization<br />
Did get anything done on this this week because I have been to busy packing, camping and now unpacking. I have 11 days to get it done and I intend on doing just that!<br />
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love<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/200/2DA5928ADAD30673887CD160401F6D74.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div><br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=Amberlyn17&postid=07Aug2010&meme=5838" type="text/javascript">
</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-73560188819024484432010-07-30T12:30:00.000-07:002010-07-30T16:07:26.835-07:0030 Day Challenge: Friday UpdatesWell, I hope you all have had a good week meeting your challenges! I look forward to reading about them. No matter where you are in the challenge...maybe you are half way, just starting or thinking through what your challenge should be, we would LOVE an update from you. :)<br />
<br />
Challenge 1: Time in Gods Word<br />
Yowsers! I actually missed a couple days last weekend and I can honestly say I have no excuse other then laziness and lack of discipline. The rest of the days have been good. I have been mediating on some verses regarding strength from God so I have been reading scripture surrounding these verses.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I can do everything through him who gives me strength</div><div style="text-align: center;">Phil 4:13</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v47012010-1"></span>For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 Corinthians 12:10 </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001011-1"></span>May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,<span class="verse-num" id="v51001012-1"> </span>giving thanks<span class="footnote"></span> to the Father, who has qualified you<span class="footnote"></span> to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">Colossians 1:11-12</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">Challenge 2: Exercise</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">So far this week I have my 2 days of yoga in and 1 run in. Thankfully I still have through Sunday to meet get 1 more run in!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1"><br />
Challenge 3: Eating healthy</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">So far so good again. I think I was a little short on my water one day but other then that I am doing good. It really hasn't been that tough other then craving a soda when I was at a wedding in 95 degree weather last weekend...but I was able to resist.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">Challenge 4: Organization</span><br />
<span class="verse-num" id="v51001013-1">Yahooooo! I got a lot done on this challenge this week. I cleaned the room I keep all our homeschool stuff in and went through and organized all our books. I am super excited to start making my scope and sequence for the year!</span><br />
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</script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-74398839109421746442010-07-28T20:50:00.000-07:002010-07-28T20:50:14.282-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pHr5ctFd52VLVtDCQ42CATpS0NhsRYt0j52bt_3dSI-0C6GsmpYGPwsICtxbgYrtugMMLdjpY7SxeUaty1YnmRHuuIORs57lbDgp2tQlkPTldYo_QQyyrbt09xGEF7sJQWotcAA-GLw/s1600/IMG_9320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pHr5ctFd52VLVtDCQ42CATpS0NhsRYt0j52bt_3dSI-0C6GsmpYGPwsICtxbgYrtugMMLdjpY7SxeUaty1YnmRHuuIORs57lbDgp2tQlkPTldYo_QQyyrbt09xGEF7sJQWotcAA-GLw/s640/IMG_9320.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7099579684845548152.post-61209062053503083512010-07-27T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-27T08:00:01.056-07:00Works for me WednesdayI've been saving plastic containers and glass jars for some time now just knowing I will find a purpose for them. Here is what I've come up with so far.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WACKvDzqcdd9OEwrrI99eI7rviT_dJ9jB0YzFedyFMaCo4xoVYPZuj4GYr-_VAhZ7bOKbgdEBwlgYXTY3DvdnS-DSQojT7EpjnU6EV8LAz9TEllNlaC_ihq2iA3GPE8uk8iwlQD25zw/s1600/IMG_9312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WACKvDzqcdd9OEwrrI99eI7rviT_dJ9jB0YzFedyFMaCo4xoVYPZuj4GYr-_VAhZ7bOKbgdEBwlgYXTY3DvdnS-DSQojT7EpjnU6EV8LAz9TEllNlaC_ihq2iA3GPE8uk8iwlQD25zw/s320/IMG_9312.JPG" /></a></div>These containers hold sesame seeds, rice and mixed nuts I bought in the bulk foods section and my pancake mix that comes in a box. I use a sharpie to write any directions I may need for the product on the lid. This is a great way to reuse, reduce, recycle<i> and</i> it keeps your food fresh!<br />
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Do you save old containers? If so share with us how you use them!<br />
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Pssssst Abbey...share with us your post on the paint jars you did a while back. :)<br />
Pssssst Amber...share with us your post on your drinking glasses. :)<br />
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Love Amber</div>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14273011763144446347noreply@blogger.com1