(I came across my old poetry notebook tonight. I thought I'd share a few of my old poems on the blog.)
Someday
I want to love you more
Each moment of each passing day
As I watch you turn my skies
To blue from deepest grey
I want to cling to your hand
As you hold onto my heart
I want to ache deeply inside
Each moment we're apart
I want to learn to trust you
As easily as I breathe
I want to love and laugh with you
With you I want to dream
I want to become your beloved wife
Your confidant and your best friend
I want to build a life with you
That only death may end
For I know God's plan is perfect
Though it's mixed with joy and tears
We will have trials and victories
As we serve Him through the years
I want to see our Savior
Each time I look at you
Knowing that His strength is always
Sufficient to see us through
So I pray that God will hold these hopes
As we travel our separate ways
And prepare our hearts for this great journey
Until we meet someday
(October 6, 2008)
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
When I Grow Up, I Want to Be...
When I was asked this question as a child, I gave many different answers. Here are a few in alphabetical order (because I can't figure out their order of importance):
Actress
Ambassador
Astronaut
News anchor
Pilot
Teacher
How did these dreams and aspirations originate? Well, they say I was a bit dramatic (actress); I wanted to travel and see the world (ambassador--although I'm not even sure how I knew what an ambassador was as a child. It was probably all that news and 20/20 I watched); I loved learning about space (astronaut); the news was my favorite TV show (news anchor); I love(d) being up in the sky (pilot); and my mom was a teacher (teacher).
I sometimes wonder how teacher won out. At first glance, it seems like the least exciting profession listed above, and it was never at the top of my list growing up--it was just what I always knew. I know I decided against actress and news caster because I am quite competitive by nature. These careers are all about competition, and I didn't want to fail. I decided a life of trying and failing or trying harder and harder to get ahead wasn't for me. This isn't to say that I couldn't have done it, but God led my heart away from it (and I was never a great actress--let's me honest). I certainly admire those that are actors and news anchors--those that toughed it out and succeeded. The ambassador route was never taken seriously because I didn't really know what they did or how to go about becoming one. During high school, I realized that science wasn't my strength, so I ruled out pilot and astronaut. It seems as if teacher won by process of elimination.
Ultimately, I know that it was God's sovereignty that led me into this profession. It was His spirit that led my heart to choose this path as opposed to another, but I still sometimes wonder how my life would be different had I chosen a different career path.
I still look at that list with an element of longing. They are still the dreams of my childhood...
Fortunately, I have gotten a slight taste of what some of these careers may have been like:
Actress: I did it in high school and loved it. I act in front of my students every single day. That'll have to do.
News anchor: I did get to be on the news a few times, and I had a blast (but I've been told to stick with my day job).
Pilot: I do get to fly a helicopter sometime soon. I'll keep you posted on how I like it. :)
Now if only I could get a taste of what being an ambassador or an astronaut would be like, my childhood dreams would be fulfilled. :)
And who knows, maybe God has something else lined up for my future! I'll do the very best I can with where He has me now, and keep my mind and heart open to His plans for my future.
What were your dreams as a child?? Answer this question for me: When you grow up, what do you want to be???
Actress
Ambassador
Astronaut
News anchor
Pilot
Teacher
How did these dreams and aspirations originate? Well, they say I was a bit dramatic (actress); I wanted to travel and see the world (ambassador--although I'm not even sure how I knew what an ambassador was as a child. It was probably all that news and 20/20 I watched); I loved learning about space (astronaut); the news was my favorite TV show (news anchor); I love(d) being up in the sky (pilot); and my mom was a teacher (teacher).
I sometimes wonder how teacher won out. At first glance, it seems like the least exciting profession listed above, and it was never at the top of my list growing up--it was just what I always knew. I know I decided against actress and news caster because I am quite competitive by nature. These careers are all about competition, and I didn't want to fail. I decided a life of trying and failing or trying harder and harder to get ahead wasn't for me. This isn't to say that I couldn't have done it, but God led my heart away from it (and I was never a great actress--let's me honest). I certainly admire those that are actors and news anchors--those that toughed it out and succeeded. The ambassador route was never taken seriously because I didn't really know what they did or how to go about becoming one. During high school, I realized that science wasn't my strength, so I ruled out pilot and astronaut. It seems as if teacher won by process of elimination.
Ultimately, I know that it was God's sovereignty that led me into this profession. It was His spirit that led my heart to choose this path as opposed to another, but I still sometimes wonder how my life would be different had I chosen a different career path.
I still look at that list with an element of longing. They are still the dreams of my childhood...
Fortunately, I have gotten a slight taste of what some of these careers may have been like:
Actress: I did it in high school and loved it. I act in front of my students every single day. That'll have to do.
Pilot: I do get to fly a helicopter sometime soon. I'll keep you posted on how I like it. :)
Now if only I could get a taste of what being an ambassador or an astronaut would be like, my childhood dreams would be fulfilled. :)
And who knows, maybe God has something else lined up for my future! I'll do the very best I can with where He has me now, and keep my mind and heart open to His plans for my future.
What were your dreams as a child?? Answer this question for me: When you grow up, what do you want to be???
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Top 11 of 2011
In thinking back through last year (and honestly searching through the blog and Facebook to try to remember all of last year), I created a top 11 list.
The following are my top 11 experiences from 2011(kind of in order, but not really):
11. Leaving Thompson and going to Warren.
Although I wasn't happy about it at first, and although it's not always easy, I have learned a lot about myself and God's provision through the move. You can read more about my heart toward the move initially here., packing up my old classroom here, moving day here, setting up the new room here, and the room really getting put together here. Obviously, this was a big part of my year last year. :)
10. Traveling to Europe on VACATION!
I had been to Europe a few times prior to last summer, but never just for fun. You can check out all of my European Adventures beginning here. And if you're really bored, there's plenty more where that came from!
9. Getting to see Nicole three times in one year.
Nicole lives too far away. First, she lived all the way in Georgia. Now, she lives all the way in stinkin' England. But, I was fortunate enough to be able to see her three times this year--far more than I did when she lived in Georgia. The first visitation happened in England beginning here!
8. Planking on top of the Eiffel Tower.
Planking is awesome. The Eiffel Tower is awesome. I got to plank on the top of the Eiffel Tower--I must be awesome. :) Here is the post and picture of that awesomeness!
7. Not going to Ireland.
Ok, this may not seem like a "highlight," and I'm still bummed that we didn't get to go, but it sure made for one great memory! PLEASE please read the story here. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you were there to not make it to Ireland with us. "N as in NEVER GOING TO GET TO IRELAND AT THIS RATE!"
6. Meeting Brian Regan!
Getting to meet my favorite comedian was an unforgettable experience. He is so down to earth and so stinking funny!
5. Two new cousins and a new step-nephew being born.
I love these three so much. I am so blessed that they are now a part of my life. I can't wait to watch them grow up and change. Read about my amazing little cousins here.
4. Learning more and growing closer to God.
It's my goal now each year to read the whole Bible. I never want this to become a check off to-do list activity. but a discipline. From this (and from my incredible church and home group), I have learned more about my God and who I am in Him. I pray for an even deeper relationship this upcoming year. Here is just one example of this...
3. Getting to be on TV!
My mom and I got to be on Eyewitness news toward the end of last year. Cambi Brown and Sean Collins came to our house and installed a CO detector. Although we had to wake up super early, we had a blast. And, we made a new friend. Cambi, you're the best! Here's the whole story (and a clip!).
2. Buying my first car.
I feel like such a big girl now. I have my very own car. Josie is great. Please read more about her here!
1. Riding a helicopter into the Grand Canyon.
One of the most amazing things I have EVER done! I can't even describe it to you. I can't wait to actually fly a helicopter on my own!!! Read more about my adventure HERE!
And here's to hoping that 2012 will have more than 12 amazing adventures ahead! Cheers!
The following are my top 11 experiences from 2011(kind of in order, but not really):
11. Leaving Thompson and going to Warren.
Although I wasn't happy about it at first, and although it's not always easy, I have learned a lot about myself and God's provision through the move. You can read more about my heart toward the move initially here., packing up my old classroom here, moving day here, setting up the new room here, and the room really getting put together here. Obviously, this was a big part of my year last year. :)
10. Traveling to Europe on VACATION!
I had been to Europe a few times prior to last summer, but never just for fun. You can check out all of my European Adventures beginning here. And if you're really bored, there's plenty more where that came from!
9. Getting to see Nicole three times in one year.
Nicole lives too far away. First, she lived all the way in Georgia. Now, she lives all the way in stinkin' England. But, I was fortunate enough to be able to see her three times this year--far more than I did when she lived in Georgia. The first visitation happened in England beginning here!
8. Planking on top of the Eiffel Tower.
Planking is awesome. The Eiffel Tower is awesome. I got to plank on the top of the Eiffel Tower--I must be awesome. :) Here is the post and picture of that awesomeness!
7. Not going to Ireland.
Ok, this may not seem like a "highlight," and I'm still bummed that we didn't get to go, but it sure made for one great memory! PLEASE please read the story here. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wish you were there to not make it to Ireland with us. "N as in NEVER GOING TO GET TO IRELAND AT THIS RATE!"
6. Meeting Brian Regan!
Getting to meet my favorite comedian was an unforgettable experience. He is so down to earth and so stinking funny!
I didn't blog back when I met Brian Regan, so here's a picture for you!
5. Two new cousins and a new step-nephew being born.
I love these three so much. I am so blessed that they are now a part of my life. I can't wait to watch them grow up and change. Read about my amazing little cousins here.
4. Learning more and growing closer to God.
It's my goal now each year to read the whole Bible. I never want this to become a check off to-do list activity. but a discipline. From this (and from my incredible church and home group), I have learned more about my God and who I am in Him. I pray for an even deeper relationship this upcoming year. Here is just one example of this...
3. Getting to be on TV!
My mom and I got to be on Eyewitness news toward the end of last year. Cambi Brown and Sean Collins came to our house and installed a CO detector. Although we had to wake up super early, we had a blast. And, we made a new friend. Cambi, you're the best! Here's the whole story (and a clip!).
2. Buying my first car.
I feel like such a big girl now. I have my very own car. Josie is great. Please read more about her here!
1. Riding a helicopter into the Grand Canyon.
One of the most amazing things I have EVER done! I can't even describe it to you. I can't wait to actually fly a helicopter on my own!!! Read more about my adventure HERE!
And here's to hoping that 2012 will have more than 12 amazing adventures ahead! Cheers!
Monday, January 2, 2012
No Word Wonder! (I was on TV again!)
Remember a while back when my mama and I were on the news? I was a one word wonder that day. You can check to see a refresher here if you've forgotten. :)
Well, last Saturday, we had lunch with Aaron Perlman and Cambi Brown after church (yes, church was on Saturday this last weekend), and Mom asked if they'd give us a tour of the news room some day. She shared with them my childhood (or maybe ongoing) obsession with the news, how my neighbor and I used to play newscaster, and how my favorite show was always the news. (Still no idea why, people, but it's true).
They invited us to come this morning and sit in the "studio audience." When we got to the studio, Aaron showed us around and then sat us in the "audience" (two chairs just off to the side from the news desk). It may seem like no big deal to them, but we loved it! It's so neat to see how it all works and comes together.
Then, during one of Aaron's weather segments, he called me over to do the weather with him--yes, it was that impromptu. I looked quite silly (it's really harder than it looks!), but it was lots of fun. I stood in front of the green screen and kept pointing the wrong way to things (everything is flipped over there), and of course I didn't have a mic, so I just stood and laughed and pointed--not my best work. I guess it's better that I stick to teaching and let Aaron handle the weather. He's great at it.
Here's a little video clip that I rigged up (I videoed the clip playing back on the DVR on our TV with my phone and uploaded it on here). The sound isn't that great, but you can see me pointing like a madwoman. :)
After the news ended, Mom and I climbed up in the chairs and played "news anchor."
Well, last Saturday, we had lunch with Aaron Perlman and Cambi Brown after church (yes, church was on Saturday this last weekend), and Mom asked if they'd give us a tour of the news room some day. She shared with them my childhood (or maybe ongoing) obsession with the news, how my neighbor and I used to play newscaster, and how my favorite show was always the news. (Still no idea why, people, but it's true).
They invited us to come this morning and sit in the "studio audience." When we got to the studio, Aaron showed us around and then sat us in the "audience" (two chairs just off to the side from the news desk). It may seem like no big deal to them, but we loved it! It's so neat to see how it all works and comes together.
Then, during one of Aaron's weather segments, he called me over to do the weather with him--yes, it was that impromptu. I looked quite silly (it's really harder than it looks!), but it was lots of fun. I stood in front of the green screen and kept pointing the wrong way to things (everything is flipped over there), and of course I didn't have a mic, so I just stood and laughed and pointed--not my best work. I guess it's better that I stick to teaching and let Aaron handle the weather. He's great at it.
Here's a little video clip that I rigged up (I videoed the clip playing back on the DVR on our TV with my phone and uploaded it on here). The sound isn't that great, but you can see me pointing like a madwoman. :)
After the news ended, Mom and I climbed up in the chairs and played "news anchor."
Me slightly giddy!
We are "reporting" some serious news! (or trying to look serious)
So cool!
Thanks Eyewitness News for letting us crash the newsroom today. We had a blast!
Monday, December 26, 2011
What's YOUR Love Language?
Sorry that I haven't posted anything in a while--December is a crazy month of birthdays, trips, school, Christmas, packing, etc. etc. etc.
Because my birthday and Christmas fall in the same month, it's often a time that I am showered with gifts (rough, huh?). This can either leave me feeling overwhelmingly loved or slightly unnerved (not sure if that's the right word, but we'll go with it for now).
Receiving gifts has always left me with these two very drastic emotions, and I never really understand why until recently. Receiving gifts is my love language.
When I learned this, I struggled with it for quite some time. Admitting it made me feel materialistic or shallow; however, that's not at all how God created me to be. I began to understand my heart and my love language more when I read The Five Love Languages and took the quiz. Here are my results:
Because my birthday and Christmas fall in the same month, it's often a time that I am showered with gifts (rough, huh?). This can either leave me feeling overwhelmingly loved or slightly unnerved (not sure if that's the right word, but we'll go with it for now).
Receiving gifts has always left me with these two very drastic emotions, and I never really understand why until recently. Receiving gifts is my love language.
When I learned this, I struggled with it for quite some time. Admitting it made me feel materialistic or shallow; however, that's not at all how God created me to be. I began to understand my heart and my love language more when I read The Five Love Languages and took the quiz. Here are my results:
Receiving Gifts
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
Thanks Gary Chapman for summing up a huge piece of my heart into one paragraph. This is why I absolutely love giving gifts. This is why I pour my heart into the gifts I give--because that's how I show my love and thoughtfulness.
Of course, this isn't the only way I receive love (and it's not the only way that I give love), but it's definitely at the top.
I'd love to know what your love language is. How can I love you more completely? Take the quiz HERE and let me know what your results are!
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 5, 2011
BirthdayLOVE
Confession: I really like birthdays--everyone else's included. I know it's not as big of a deal to some people, but we've always made birthdays special in my family, so I'm a big fan. "Big fan" (in a Brick whisper voice).
Facebook has semi-revolutionized birthday greetings. Now everyone is aware of your birthday, so they can offer appropriate wishes. I really do appreciate all of those friends and family members of mine who took a moment to wish me a happy birthday on FB, through a text, or over the phone.
I decided to pick out the top SIX (since I just turned 26) birthday greetings I received on Facebook to share with you all here. Beginning from number six:
6: Another year, youngster! - David Putnam
Thanks, David. While my brother was teasing me all day about getting too close to 30, I get called youngster. I needed that affirmation while I spent my day at the zoo.
5. Well well well....It is an absolutely beautiful day today. You know why? Because a BEAUTIFUL PERSON's BIRTHDAY is today!!!!! WOHOOOOO!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my love!!!! :) I hope your day is spectacular!!!! You deserve nothing but smiles, laughter and killer dance moves! Celebrate!!!!! -Kasey Kelly
Kasey, just thinking about you puts a smile on my face. Thanks! :)
4. Happy Birthday FC!! I hope your day is amazing and that this year would be your best one yet :) I hope Bakersfield knows what it has with you as a resident!!! -Jeff Taylor
Thanks, FC!...and thanks for not making a crack on Bakersfield for once in your life. :)
3. What is this?? You having a birthday?? I didn't even check my calendar yesterday or today cuz I knew it was the weekend! hahah Imagine!! Happy Birthday, you gorgeous, sweet young lady!!! Sounds like your birthday WEEKEND has been wonderful!! Flying a helicopter and the lions, tigers and bears all in one weekend?? You are so special...guess you get to do all of that ! Love you!! -Mrs. G
I just love you, Mrs. G! I could hear your voice and see your beautiful face as I read this.
2. Happy Birthday to you dear Amy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!! And many more!!!!! Love ya sweet girl, Ron and I wish you a blessed year!!!!!! Maybe this is the year of you know!!!!LOL - Debbie Jonas
Talk about laugh out loud. That last sentence is classic! Let's hope so, Debbie!
AND THE #1 TOP BIRTHDAY MESSAGE WINNER IS.....
1. Happy, happy birthday Amy!!! I just picked up my phone to call you, and I don't have your dang number! How stupid is that?! So this is my phone call... "Hey Amy! It's me, just calling to wish you a happy birthday all the way from England. You're such a wonderful friend and blessing in my life. I hope everyone is spoiling you like crazy today, because you deserve it. Let's Skype soon, k? Ok... gotta go. Love you! Bye!" -Nicole Parker
Winner by far. It would have been an even greater win if I'd have gotten to hear your voice, Nicole, but now I get to keep this in writing forever and always. Thanks!
I love you all! Thanks for all the birthdayLOVE!
Facebook has semi-revolutionized birthday greetings. Now everyone is aware of your birthday, so they can offer appropriate wishes. I really do appreciate all of those friends and family members of mine who took a moment to wish me a happy birthday on FB, through a text, or over the phone.
I decided to pick out the top SIX (since I just turned 26) birthday greetings I received on Facebook to share with you all here. Beginning from number six:
6: Another year, youngster! - David Putnam
Thanks, David. While my brother was teasing me all day about getting too close to 30, I get called youngster. I needed that affirmation while I spent my day at the zoo.
5. Well well well....It is an absolutely beautiful day today. You know why? Because a BEAUTIFUL PERSON's BIRTHDAY is today!!!!! WOHOOOOO!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY my love!!!! :) I hope your day is spectacular!!!! You deserve nothing but smiles, laughter and killer dance moves! Celebrate!!!!! -Kasey Kelly
Kasey, just thinking about you puts a smile on my face. Thanks! :)
4. Happy Birthday FC!! I hope your day is amazing and that this year would be your best one yet :) I hope Bakersfield knows what it has with you as a resident!!! -Jeff Taylor
Thanks, FC!...and thanks for not making a crack on Bakersfield for once in your life. :)
3. What is this?? You having a birthday?? I didn't even check my calendar yesterday or today cuz I knew it was the weekend! hahah Imagine!! Happy Birthday, you gorgeous, sweet young lady!!! Sounds like your birthday WEEKEND has been wonderful!! Flying a helicopter and the lions, tigers and bears all in one weekend?? You are so special...guess you get to do all of that ! Love you!! -Mrs. G
I just love you, Mrs. G! I could hear your voice and see your beautiful face as I read this.
2. Happy Birthday to you dear Amy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!! And many more!!!!! Love ya sweet girl, Ron and I wish you a blessed year!!!!!! Maybe this is the year of you know!!!!LOL - Debbie Jonas
Talk about laugh out loud. That last sentence is classic! Let's hope so, Debbie!
AND THE #1 TOP BIRTHDAY MESSAGE WINNER IS.....
1. Happy, happy birthday Amy!!! I just picked up my phone to call you, and I don't have your dang number! How stupid is that?! So this is my phone call... "Hey Amy! It's me, just calling to wish you a happy birthday all the way from England. You're such a wonderful friend and blessing in my life. I hope everyone is spoiling you like crazy today, because you deserve it. Let's Skype soon, k? Ok... gotta go. Love you! Bye!" -Nicole Parker
Winner by far. It would have been an even greater win if I'd have gotten to hear your voice, Nicole, but now I get to keep this in writing forever and always. Thanks!
I love you all! Thanks for all the birthdayLOVE!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Elephants and Helicopters.
For my birthday, I told my mom and brother that I wanted an elephant and a helicopter. Why, you may ask? Well, I couldn't really think of anything I wanted, and I really like elephants and helicopters....
Who knew that on my birthday, these wishes would actually come true. :)
I opened my gift from my mother at breakfast, and I found a "grow your own" elephant and a certificate to actually FLY A HELICOPTER!!! This was my reaction...
I believe my face turned beat red and tears fell from my eyes--I was THAT excited!! (I still am!).
SIDE-NOTE (while we're on the topic of presents): I also got a stuffed sushi later in the day. I received some really neat gifts as well, but this picture just had to make it to the blog.
Who knew that on my birthday, these wishes would actually come true. :)
I opened my gift from my mother at breakfast, and I found a "grow your own" elephant and a certificate to actually FLY A HELICOPTER!!! This was my reaction...
I believe my face turned beat red and tears fell from my eyes--I was THAT excited!! (I still am!).
SIDE-NOTE (while we're on the topic of presents): I also got a stuffed sushi later in the day. I received some really neat gifts as well, but this picture just had to make it to the blog.
Thanks Jensens!
And because I wanted to see real elephants, we headed to the LA Zoo after breakfast with some family and friends. Here are some highlights:
Beautiful Koala! One of them was carrying a baby on her tummy--amazing--too bad I couldn't catch a picture of it.
Dude in front: Whatchu lookin' at?
Dude in back: I don't like time-out.
LAZY zebra
Silly giraffes
Cousins
Erin! (Christy and Carrie and Shelly and Lauren also came, but we failed on the picture front)
Family with the elephants
So pretty!
YEAH! The elephants! ...and not just any elephant, a DANCING elephant (see video below)
Yup, my trunk gets heavy sometimes...
This little big guy danced the entire time we watched him. It was hilarious!
And what birthday would be complete without an amazing dinner...
YUMMY dinner at C&Os!
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