I am praying and hoping to start selling jewelry for a wonderful company and plan to move to the L.A. area in the fall. Get my California nail license and work in a spa while selling jewelry! (I think spa co-workers and jewelry could mix very well together!! *grin*) I want to do all of this in chasing my top goal – entering “The Biz!” I love to be creative and want to get my feet wet and see what I can do. The Lord has strengthened me so much in the past year and a half that I am amazed with who I have become. (not trying to soundconceited, just very gracious that I have found strength in the Lord and I believe in myself and my dreams!) I have had these dreams for so long, but was always saddened by my own conscious. That I’m not strong enough. I’m not courageous enough. I don’t have faith in myself. I thought I’d always live in fear and not pursue these dreams I’ve had for so long.

But that’s CRAZY! I realize there are a million and one things to think about and do before I make the big move. However, I have faith that my dreams will come true. Again, I realize the fact I’m moving from Freeport to L.A. and the culture difference – let alone the cost difference. But I believe! I do!

I always remember this quote by a wonderful woman, Eleanor Roosevelt…

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

I believe in the beauty of my dreams and I am driven to see them come true!

(btw- I stole the cute *grin* idea from Kate McDonald’s blog – I hate those silly emoticon thingys!!)

“I think that my Jesus is the same as He was before I walked into this room.”

An amazing testament of faith. Even though she had just received the worst news one could be given, she knew that her Jesus still loved her, still had died on the cross to save her and to save this child inside her. I can imagine that the days were long and the nights were rough; however, she knew that this little baby would be with Jesus after she left her arms. She would be in her maker’s arms. My heart goes out to that family. Though they inspire me.

The time we have here on this earth is not up to us, our heavenly father foresees our time here. However, I believe that it is up to us in how we respond to life’s hardships. To remember that no matter what happens in life – our Jesus remains the same! He is the same! Yesterday, today and tomorrow… he is the same!

I tend to be one of those people. One who lets fear consume their life. The thought of achieving my goals are too far out of reach. To find a true love that will endure life’s hardships is farce at times. Most times. I am a dreamer, but to live out those dreams – one minute word conquers them first, FEAR. 

However, in times of despair, I am reminded that there is one person who can conquer all my fears and that rests my ever wondering mind. And leave me with hope that it is never too late to be who you might have been.

Psalm 62: 1-2

1 My soul finds REST in God alone;

my salvation comes from HIM.

2 He alone is MY ROCK and SALVATION;

HE is my fortress, I will NEVER be SHAKEN.

I think back on the times when I was in youth group with all my friends. Every break – winter, spring, and summer – we would be on a great youth group trip or staying up late watching movies. That was before everyone stepped into the next chapter of their lives. All my dear friends are in a different city – some states – or countries! It makes you think you have taken all these friendships for granted. Now that I can’t call them to get a cup of coffee – it makes me a little sad. Things change. People change. You never think your friendship would change, but truth be told IT DOES.

I’m living in the same area I have since I was one year old. Back in school after many failed attempts (both mentally and academically!). I am doing very well in school (shocker!), but it still makes me day dream about the good ole days or fantasize about my future. I know what I want, but the most important thing to remember is that it is God who holds my future. Lately, that has been difficult to grasp. Wondering… God are you here? Do you remember me? Did you forget? Selfish?… I know! Jealous?… probably! Impatient?… for sure!

‘Quiet my heart and mind dear Lord. For you have great things in store. In your time.’

I am so happy and proud of all of my friends. I think so highly of them and want nothing but the best for each and every one. I know I am extremely shy and hesitant when I meet people. I hate introducing myself and making new friends, but in life you must do so. Always cherish those you have, but make more along the way. It is a tough thing for me to do, but my close dear friends must move on to big and better things… but I can too. Even if I don’t believe it sometimes.

Fantasy isn’t reality. But reality is truth. And the truth you must accept into your life.

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she’s never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries
Ooh she cries
Oh ohhh…

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can’t stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it’s coming soon
There’s no place there’s no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries
And she cries
Oh she cries

Shepherds all gather ’round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

My whole life has turned around
I was lost, but now I’m found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything

A baby did change everything. How amazing?! I spent yesterday frantically searching for the perfect Christmas gift for my loved ones, but at the end of the day this song rang in my ears. A baby changes everything. A baby changed Mary’s life. Changed Joseph’s life. Changed every man and woman’s life. Whether they choose to believe it or not – a baby has changed everything. What a miracle. What a blessing. Nothing matters more than knowing that a baby has changed everything. For everyone.

Father, thank you. Thank you for sending your son to change everything so we could spend eternity with you.

A Baby Changes Everything – Faith Hill – Joy to the World Christmas Album

My mother and grandmother slaved away for hours to make a very tasty Thanksgiving Dinner!!! Green bean casserole is the best dish ever!!

Our family has started a tradition of filling out an index card and anonymously writing what you are thankful for. I think this is possibly my favorite tradition we have! Mum, my grandmother, then reads the cards and everyone guesses who the author of the card is. As you might assume, based on who is in my family, some cards are silly and some are deep and thoughtful. Though it is so heart warming to see the ones you love thankful for simple things like a home, a job, good health- things that we tend to take for granted. I feel truly blessed to have a wonderful adoring family! Sitting back- looking at my life- my life is wonderful and full of God’s great blessings and I am eternally grateful.

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American Music Awards ’08….

Christina Aguilera started the show- debuting some very odd looking bangs. Seriously… huh?

Jimmy Kimmel returned as this years host and his main topics were Kanye West’s increasing ego…

In Kanye’s acceptance speech he said, “I want to be Elvis.”

Jimmy Kimmel then said… “Elvis died on the toilet with half a jelly doughnut in his mouth. You may want to rethink that.” … Very Funny!

… The other chosen topic was Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers. I don’t repeat mean things directed toward the Jonas Brothers… lol. I only say that because I know so many eyes are rolling when they read that!

I did feel kind of bad for them. Taylor looked as though she was going to burst into tears during her lip synch performance. I am a tish one sided because the Jonas Brothers are gorgeous. Well… the legal aged ones. I thought the songs both performers chose to sing were a bit ironic. Taylor sang about a wannabee night in shinging armor whose ‘White Horse’ can’t save her now. And Joe and the other Jonas Brothers dominated with tough love- singing that they are not going to work it out ‘Tonight’. It is unclear if that would take ’27 seconds’ or not… who really knows. My t-shirt says… TEAM JONAS!

Pink was pretty good… sporting a gorgeous dark pink dress. Her ex playing the drums though? I thought that was her ex at least… dunno?! However, when she partnered with Sarah McLachlan… music paradise!

Beyonce was Beyonce. Rihanna kind of freaks me out and don’t like her fashion choices. Chris Martin of Coldplay kind of freaks me out a tish too. Natasha Beddingfield was actually pretty good with a medely of her songs. Leona Lewis sang ‘Better in Time’ co- written by Jesse McCartney… who knew?! Mariah Carey sang- or something like that. Miley Cyrus burst out from the crowd- I think she had a little too much birthday cake- she was wired! Although, she was alright- I mean she is 16.

Alicia Keys closed the show with Superwoman. Queen Latifah and an opera singer joined her in what turned into a political event. QL rapped? about Change and Obama and at the end of the performance- Michelle Obama’s picture was displayed on the back drop.

Which leads to an ongoing question… Will celebrities ever get back to just entertaining with their talent? That’s all I want!

From my understanding… this was the first year that all winners were chosen by the fans. I don’t like awards shows like that… makes it too predictable. Anywho… I loved that Daughtry won. Kayne complained about not winning last year… when he won this year, he gave it to Lil’Wayne?!? Chris Brown won Artist of the Year… like I said predictable! I loved The Fray and Jonas Brothers performances, but favorite of the night was hands down… Sarah McLachlan and Pink!

Still wish things could go back to good music and great entertainers!!!!

Kind of ironic that at the same time this happened- The Highland Chronicle is issuing a poll asking students if they use the academic advisers for college planning or if they plan their schedules themselves. If they asked me that question today- well for their sake they shouldn’t! It’s just so frustrating when you’re trying to get done and get out of there and it comes down to scheduling errors?! It’s my time and my money! Ok- enough said.

I am going to go read my favorite new book- The Miracle Girls- and go to bed! Long day tomorrow

Amy.