As I was driving back to civilization this morning, I started thinking about my "top lists" of 2008. My top songs, books, etc. So, I thought I would share. They are in no particular order. Just in order of how they came to mind. I'm sure I forgot some....
Top Youth Ministry Moments:
1. Girls camp: cross service
2. First Experiential Service
3. Epic storm at Ichthus
4. Impromptu worship in the hallway at Ichthus
5. The Truddy and Adrienne and Ondra
Top Songs:
1. Washed by the Water by Needtobreathe
2. Song of Hope by Robbie Seay performed by The Underground Band
3. How to Save a Life by The Fray performed by The Underground Band (the girls!)
4. Shadowfeet by Brooke Fraser
5. The Glory of it All by David Crowder
6. Lost by Coldplay
7. Give me your eyes by Brandon Heath
8. Fever by Family Force 5
9. New Day by Robbie Seay
10. Closer by Jars of Clay (The Musical version)
11. Your Love is Strong by Jon Foreman
12. Chicago by Sufjan Stevens
13. In Repair by John Mayer
Top Quotes:
1. “Epic.” --Youth at Ichthus
2. “You must be the world’s strongest woman, and I need to meet you.” Michael from Lost and Found to me in front of 2000 people.
3. “Maybe someday.” Fatty in response to me asking him out.
4. “The soul is the place where tears collect.” Mark Yaconelli
5. “That’s what she said.” Michael from The Office (that is inappropriate)
6. “Take luck.” Brian Regan
7: “It’s cool to see moms rock out on stage.” Teen to me at the FF5 show.
Top Movies:
1. Twilight. 4 times, yep.
2. The Dark Knight
Top Books:
1. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
2. Girl Meet God by Lauren Winner
3. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist
4. The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Top Trips:
1. Michigan for the 4th of July.
2. Ichthus
3. Youth Specialties- Nashville
4. Mazatlan, Mexico
Top things I’d like to go back and do again:
1. Sit by the pool in Mazatlan and listen to the ocean.
2. Be on stage with Family Force 5 again.
3. Shoot firecrackers on the beach in Michigan.
4. Hold a pool noodle and fend off cicadas at Ichthus.
Top Concerts:
1. Family Force 5- Birthday show (saw them 3 times this year, best was when I was backstage and on stage for the show! YEAH club member perks.)
2. Robbie Seay Band- Nashville show in November (no one really knew him, I am convinced I was the only one there).
3. The Newsboys- At Ignite Chicago (shocker, I know. It reignited my love for the ‘boys.)
4. Family Force 5-Ichthus show (cicadas, pool noodles, and a giant heart dancing on stage. Does it get any better?)
5. David Crowder- Can’t pinpoint a good show! I saw him 4 times this year! All great!
Top randomness:
1. Ticket to Ride
2. The almost trip to Florida (moment of silence please)
3. Sweatshirt sacrifice
4. Facebook addiction
5. Homelessness
6. Blogging
7. Writing and preaching
8. “Friends” living
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas "Letter" Blog Edition (#3) Last one!
I've got to sum up the rest of my themes in this one blog. This won't be as long or as detailed as the others. My mind is spilled out on the floor, and I haven't picked up all the pieces today.
The final themes: freedom, simplicity, and God's love.
I've seen God's love in new ways this year. With it comes freedom and simplicity. But it also wrecks my world. I'm still trying to figure it out.
I will say that God and I are closer than ever before. It seems "Christiany" to say that, but it's the truth. We're tight. The best way to describe it is that I'm starting to be ok with whatever God has in store for me, as long as I'm in His love.
It's a scary AND liberating thing.
I'm trying to say yes to this Francis Chan quote...
"Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants?
Do you believe wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life?
Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?"
That about sums it up.
~You are mine.
Perhaps I'll pick up those mental pieces and be more clear later.
This blog is messy. And I don't like it. This would be what you would read in my journal. Unedited and crappy writing.
Enjoy. :)
The final themes: freedom, simplicity, and God's love.
I've seen God's love in new ways this year. With it comes freedom and simplicity. But it also wrecks my world. I'm still trying to figure it out.
I will say that God and I are closer than ever before. It seems "Christiany" to say that, but it's the truth. We're tight. The best way to describe it is that I'm starting to be ok with whatever God has in store for me, as long as I'm in His love.
It's a scary AND liberating thing.
I'm trying to say yes to this Francis Chan quote...
"Are you willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants?
Do you believe wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in your life?
Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?"
That about sums it up.
~You are mine.
Perhaps I'll pick up those mental pieces and be more clear later.
This blog is messy. And I don't like it. This would be what you would read in my journal. Unedited and crappy writing.
Enjoy. :)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Christmas "Letter" Blog Edition (#2)
Here is a continuation of my "Christmas letter" blog edition. See previous post if you are lost.
This year also brought a lot of newness.
Here’s a top 10 of the new things in my life:
Storage Units.
Construction language.
Preaching.
Sitcom-Living.
The Office.
Ticket to Ride.
Cooking.
Youth Ministry dream.
Simple Living.
Concert Rehab.
1. Storage Units—My stuff lived in a storage unit for 40 days this summer. I was semi-homeless, and it was the best experience ever. I got to hang with some of my favorite people and learn a little bit about family life through Valerie, Ken, Brooke, and Jill. During that time, I was going through a few life changes and learning a lot about my relationship with God.
2. Construction language--- I was on the building committee for our church, as we completed a 7 million dollar project that included a new worship space, youth center, preschool rooms, and office wing. I learned construction language, figured out how to read blueprints, and learned the “inside stuff” of building projects. It was so cool to learn each piece of the puzzle. Every day brought new challenges and issues. From picking the right color carpet to coffee shop fixtures, to pleading with the general contractor to cover our concrete so the workers don’t mess up our stained floors. I argued with big wigs and prayed aloud in front of smoking, cussing construction workers. I brought them donuts and coffee, candy bars and cokes! I even shot down CEO’s and construction managers who wanted to change my plans. Keeping my eyes on the prize and never backing down, the youth space was completed. I’ve learned to not be afraid to go after what you want. And if another construction worker gives me crap because I’m a girl, you better watch out. I’ll kick’em to the curb in my Chuck Taylors. Needless to say, the “newness” here involved sticking up for what’s right. I even wore a dress to the opening weekend of our space. J
3. Preaching--- We began a new service at our church, led by Pr. Mark and myself. It’s purpose is to involve youth to use their gifts and talents to worship Christ and share it with others. I have started sharing the message during the service on an ever other week-ish basis. It’s been tougher than I thought, but I love the experience. I am growing in my own faith as I take on trying to figure out how to teach the truth to our people. This is an area that I hope to work on in 2009. I want to preach in a way so that Jesus doesn’t leave the room.
4. Sitcom-Living--- At the end of the summer I moved in to the Northern Seminary campus in Lombard with 2 new friends! I literally met Rachael and like 4 minutes later we were talking about moving in! Carrie and I met earlier in the summer and got to hang out in Michigan together where I also met 2 of my new guy friends (Mike and Adam) who live a floor above us. Phil also lives with the guys upstairs, and Dan lives just down the hall. We have become good friends and spend time together watching The Office, hanging out, playing old school Nintendo, and cooking together(see more about that in #7). I say “sitcom living” because one of my favorite shows is “Friends.” We kind of function like the characters of Friends, without the drama. The great thing about this living situation is that we are Christians. Its great to be surrounded by believers who are trying to figure out life. It’s cool that we can figure it all out together. I truly see God’s love through community.
5. The Office---My new TV obsession has become “The Office.” Since moving out of my old place, I no longer have a DVR. My television watching has almost completely stopped, which is a VERY good thing. I only watch Heroes and The Office now, and I’m proud of that! Every Thursday, a few of us get together and watch The Office. This past spring, I caught up on all the seasons. Jim is my favorite, with his pranks on Dwight and his constant silly looks at the camera. A few of the high schoolers and I played an Office prank on Pr. Mark. We put all of his office supplies in the vending machine including his checkbook and pictures of his children. It was amazing. (that’s what she said.)
6. Ticket To Ride--- I have reclaimed my love for games. This year my friends Dan and Lucy started a game night once a month. I always seem to lose, but it’s been a lot of fun. My new favorite game is Ticket To Ride. Play it!! So great! I love any chance I can get to play this game, or Phase 10, or Phase 20, or Apples to Apples, or Settlers, or Puerto Rico, or Uno (well maybe not Uno).
7. Cooking--- I am not a cook, but this fall I have learned to take on new challenges with cooking. It’s “Cooking with Amber” at it’s finest (or worst). We have started community dinners at the seminary amongst the friends. It’s been really fun to try new recipes. We haven’t had a disaster yet! It’s a great time to connect and talk about life, as well as work on my cooking skills!
8. Youth Ministry dream--- On August 23rd, our church opened a new youth center. It’s a huge dream come true. I really can’t say more than that. I hope God is honored and worshiped in that space and that lives are “ruined” by Christ in that space. Then, it will be a dream completed.
9. Simple Living--- A running theme this year has been “keep it simple.” I’ve been trying to figure out the line between nothing and everything. I see the poorest of poor have faith and joy and at the same time seen the richest of the rich with complacency and numbness. There is no need for Jesus among the rich, and nothing but a need for Jesus with the poor. I’m trying to figure this out and what it means for my rich life. Out of the blessings that I’ve been given, how can I have “eyes to see” the needs around me? I’m hoping that this unsettling piece of newness continues to grow in me in 2009. It’s hard to explain all the things that are going on in my brain (and heart) with this topic, but I’m sure it will be a blog sometime later.
10. Concert Rehab--- Yes, concert rehab is a new thing for me this year. I’ve never really needed it until now. My concert attendance has been pretty normal over the past few years, but this year it was OUT OF CONTROL. I saw 32 bands this summer, and 30 this fall. I haven’t counted last spring, but it involved one AMAZING Family Force 5 concert in which I danced on stage with the band (and was called a “cool mom.”) Ugh. Anyway, we went to the Ichthus Music Festival with my high school students. That was close to a concert overdose. My new favorite band this year is Robbie Seay. Second new favorite band—Needtobreathe (epic storm during “Washed by the Water” at Ichthus!).
So, there is my 10 “new things” of 2008. There were plenty more, but none as worthy as these above. It has been an incredible year. There’s no other way to put it.
Storage Units.
Construction language.
Preaching.
Sitcom-Living.
The Office.
Ticket to Ride.
Cooking.
Youth Ministry dream.
Simple Living.
Concert Rehab.
1. Storage Units—My stuff lived in a storage unit for 40 days this summer. I was semi-homeless, and it was the best experience ever. I got to hang with some of my favorite people and learn a little bit about family life through Valerie, Ken, Brooke, and Jill. During that time, I was going through a few life changes and learning a lot about my relationship with God.
2. Construction language--- I was on the building committee for our church, as we completed a 7 million dollar project that included a new worship space, youth center, preschool rooms, and office wing. I learned construction language, figured out how to read blueprints, and learned the “inside stuff” of building projects. It was so cool to learn each piece of the puzzle. Every day brought new challenges and issues. From picking the right color carpet to coffee shop fixtures, to pleading with the general contractor to cover our concrete so the workers don’t mess up our stained floors. I argued with big wigs and prayed aloud in front of smoking, cussing construction workers. I brought them donuts and coffee, candy bars and cokes! I even shot down CEO’s and construction managers who wanted to change my plans. Keeping my eyes on the prize and never backing down, the youth space was completed. I’ve learned to not be afraid to go after what you want. And if another construction worker gives me crap because I’m a girl, you better watch out. I’ll kick’em to the curb in my Chuck Taylors. Needless to say, the “newness” here involved sticking up for what’s right. I even wore a dress to the opening weekend of our space. J
3. Preaching--- We began a new service at our church, led by Pr. Mark and myself. It’s purpose is to involve youth to use their gifts and talents to worship Christ and share it with others. I have started sharing the message during the service on an ever other week-ish basis. It’s been tougher than I thought, but I love the experience. I am growing in my own faith as I take on trying to figure out how to teach the truth to our people. This is an area that I hope to work on in 2009. I want to preach in a way so that Jesus doesn’t leave the room.
4. Sitcom-Living--- At the end of the summer I moved in to the Northern Seminary campus in Lombard with 2 new friends! I literally met Rachael and like 4 minutes later we were talking about moving in! Carrie and I met earlier in the summer and got to hang out in Michigan together where I also met 2 of my new guy friends (Mike and Adam) who live a floor above us. Phil also lives with the guys upstairs, and Dan lives just down the hall. We have become good friends and spend time together watching The Office, hanging out, playing old school Nintendo, and cooking together(see more about that in #7). I say “sitcom living” because one of my favorite shows is “Friends.” We kind of function like the characters of Friends, without the drama. The great thing about this living situation is that we are Christians. Its great to be surrounded by believers who are trying to figure out life. It’s cool that we can figure it all out together. I truly see God’s love through community.
5. The Office---My new TV obsession has become “The Office.” Since moving out of my old place, I no longer have a DVR. My television watching has almost completely stopped, which is a VERY good thing. I only watch Heroes and The Office now, and I’m proud of that! Every Thursday, a few of us get together and watch The Office. This past spring, I caught up on all the seasons. Jim is my favorite, with his pranks on Dwight and his constant silly looks at the camera. A few of the high schoolers and I played an Office prank on Pr. Mark. We put all of his office supplies in the vending machine including his checkbook and pictures of his children. It was amazing. (that’s what she said.)
6. Ticket To Ride--- I have reclaimed my love for games. This year my friends Dan and Lucy started a game night once a month. I always seem to lose, but it’s been a lot of fun. My new favorite game is Ticket To Ride. Play it!! So great! I love any chance I can get to play this game, or Phase 10, or Phase 20, or Apples to Apples, or Settlers, or Puerto Rico, or Uno (well maybe not Uno).
7. Cooking--- I am not a cook, but this fall I have learned to take on new challenges with cooking. It’s “Cooking with Amber” at it’s finest (or worst). We have started community dinners at the seminary amongst the friends. It’s been really fun to try new recipes. We haven’t had a disaster yet! It’s a great time to connect and talk about life, as well as work on my cooking skills!
8. Youth Ministry dream--- On August 23rd, our church opened a new youth center. It’s a huge dream come true. I really can’t say more than that. I hope God is honored and worshiped in that space and that lives are “ruined” by Christ in that space. Then, it will be a dream completed.
9. Simple Living--- A running theme this year has been “keep it simple.” I’ve been trying to figure out the line between nothing and everything. I see the poorest of poor have faith and joy and at the same time seen the richest of the rich with complacency and numbness. There is no need for Jesus among the rich, and nothing but a need for Jesus with the poor. I’m trying to figure this out and what it means for my rich life. Out of the blessings that I’ve been given, how can I have “eyes to see” the needs around me? I’m hoping that this unsettling piece of newness continues to grow in me in 2009. It’s hard to explain all the things that are going on in my brain (and heart) with this topic, but I’m sure it will be a blog sometime later.
10. Concert Rehab--- Yes, concert rehab is a new thing for me this year. I’ve never really needed it until now. My concert attendance has been pretty normal over the past few years, but this year it was OUT OF CONTROL. I saw 32 bands this summer, and 30 this fall. I haven’t counted last spring, but it involved one AMAZING Family Force 5 concert in which I danced on stage with the band (and was called a “cool mom.”) Ugh. Anyway, we went to the Ichthus Music Festival with my high school students. That was close to a concert overdose. My new favorite band this year is Robbie Seay. Second new favorite band—Needtobreathe (epic storm during “Washed by the Water” at Ichthus!).
So, there is my 10 “new things” of 2008. There were plenty more, but none as worthy as these above. It has been an incredible year. There’s no other way to put it.
It was SERIOUSLY RIDICULOUS.
My theme blogs for my Christmas letter are not complete. Keep checking back for new updates as I continue to review my year.
“When time and space are through
I'll be found in You
You make all things new”
“Shadowfeet” by Brooke Fraser
“Shadowfeet” by Brooke Fraser
Friday, December 19, 2008
Christmas "Letter" Blog Edition (#1)
Every year, I do a Christmas letter about the happenings in AmberWorld for all my family, friends, and youth/parents. This year just seems way too big for me to write it all in a one page summary.
I’ve just started a blog, so I thought, why not do a “Christmas letter” blog-style? It’ll save on postage and I can write as much as I want! And you only have to read as much as YOU want!
I have condensed my year into 5 themes:
Control
Freedom
Newness
Simplicity
God’s love
I will try to blog about each of these themes before Christmas. Feel free to read none or all. But please read this next paragraph:
I want to say thank you for being a part of my life. I cherish each one of you! The biggest blessing or theme this year has been community. Community weaves in throughout all of my themes. I have been so blessed with incredible friends. I truly believe that God has showed me a new aspect of his love through developing my community of friends…YOU! I learn so much from each of you, see Jesus through you, and laugh constantly about our hilarious adventures and inside jokes.
This has been the hardest year, but by far the best year of my life so far. I am a bit sad to call and end to 2008, as I imagine is just going to go downhill. It will be my last year in my 20’s and I’m wondering how to make the most of it.
I suppose 10 years ago I never imagined that I would be here, in this “place.”
This year has truly been about seeking congruence. Whether I seeking it or not, it surely did find me. I started 2008 with a plan. A very clear specific plan. I’m happy to report that God took MY plan and threw it out the window and created a better one.
This has been the year of themes, so I will entertain you with my top themes for 2008. I tried to start writing about all of the themes, and my blog got way too long. Mike suggested spreading out the blog into several days. And so I shall do that! Each day-ish, I will add a new theme about what 2008 has been like. I’m constantly reflecting on my life, and what a good way to finish the year. I think it’s a healthy thing to do, to look back and praise God for the good, and figure out ways to better love Him through it all.
Theme One: Control
Why do we make plans? I had blueprints of how I really wanted 2008 to go, and it all looked very good and neat. I was in control. Or so I thought.
Most people would say I have a control issue. I tend to chalk it up to a “very intense passion for making things work exactly as they should.”
Thankfully, God has been working on that issue, and it started right away in January.
Mission trip plans got ruined and I had lack of control on this for 6 months. It was the start of understanding the difference between responsibility and wanting control. Throughout the spring, “control” seemed to make it’s way into my journal over and over. I even tried to create a “new plan” based on control. I was controlling the plan to be less controlling! Or at least to recognize that God’s ultimately in control-which I know at the heart, but wasn’t willing to have an open hand to.
I moved out of my house in June. My friend and housemate Diana was about to get married. I didn’t have anywhere to go, which is NOT what I had ever intended, but had a peace about being ‘homeless’ until something came up. That was a control issue that I left up to God: the beginning of letting go.
I threw all my belongings into a storage unit and lived semi-homeless life for 40 days. It was freeing. (more on that in another theme).
Control continued to play a part in my year as we got closer to finishing the building project at church. I was on the building committee and was the decision maker on the development of the new youth center (more on that also in another theme). I had control over decisions which was difficult for me to make. Making decisions that included thousands of dollars and figuring out how to make a space that was inviting to youth and was honoring to God was RIDICULOUSLY hard. It was a lot of pressure, and there was a lot of letting go of control and asking God what He wanted that went on during that time.
We started a new service in the new youth center that is experiential. This grew out of a desire to see youth grow in their faith by using their gifts and talents in worship. I was excited about this addition to my job and has been another place where I’ve had to give over control to God. There is so much that goes into the planning that I have to constantly remember who is in charge. My only goal is to be sure that Jesus doesn’t leave the building. I want Him to be the center. And we are still figuring out how to do that.
As the year comes to a close, I believe that I have been able to give God the space he needs (he would have taken it anyway) to move in my life. I spent a lot of years with my hands closed tightly around my future, my everyday dealings, and now see that my hands are starting to open.
So, call me a recovering control freak. But I look forward to whatever God’s got in store for me in 2009.
Proverbs 19:21 "We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails."
I’ve just started a blog, so I thought, why not do a “Christmas letter” blog-style? It’ll save on postage and I can write as much as I want! And you only have to read as much as YOU want!
I have condensed my year into 5 themes:
Control
Freedom
Newness
Simplicity
God’s love
I will try to blog about each of these themes before Christmas. Feel free to read none or all. But please read this next paragraph:
I want to say thank you for being a part of my life. I cherish each one of you! The biggest blessing or theme this year has been community. Community weaves in throughout all of my themes. I have been so blessed with incredible friends. I truly believe that God has showed me a new aspect of his love through developing my community of friends…YOU! I learn so much from each of you, see Jesus through you, and laugh constantly about our hilarious adventures and inside jokes.
This has been the hardest year, but by far the best year of my life so far. I am a bit sad to call and end to 2008, as I imagine is just going to go downhill. It will be my last year in my 20’s and I’m wondering how to make the most of it.
I suppose 10 years ago I never imagined that I would be here, in this “place.”
This year has truly been about seeking congruence. Whether I seeking it or not, it surely did find me. I started 2008 with a plan. A very clear specific plan. I’m happy to report that God took MY plan and threw it out the window and created a better one.
This has been the year of themes, so I will entertain you with my top themes for 2008. I tried to start writing about all of the themes, and my blog got way too long. Mike suggested spreading out the blog into several days. And so I shall do that! Each day-ish, I will add a new theme about what 2008 has been like. I’m constantly reflecting on my life, and what a good way to finish the year. I think it’s a healthy thing to do, to look back and praise God for the good, and figure out ways to better love Him through it all.
Theme One: Control
Why do we make plans? I had blueprints of how I really wanted 2008 to go, and it all looked very good and neat. I was in control. Or so I thought.
Most people would say I have a control issue. I tend to chalk it up to a “very intense passion for making things work exactly as they should.”
Thankfully, God has been working on that issue, and it started right away in January.
Mission trip plans got ruined and I had lack of control on this for 6 months. It was the start of understanding the difference between responsibility and wanting control. Throughout the spring, “control” seemed to make it’s way into my journal over and over. I even tried to create a “new plan” based on control. I was controlling the plan to be less controlling! Or at least to recognize that God’s ultimately in control-which I know at the heart, but wasn’t willing to have an open hand to.
I moved out of my house in June. My friend and housemate Diana was about to get married. I didn’t have anywhere to go, which is NOT what I had ever intended, but had a peace about being ‘homeless’ until something came up. That was a control issue that I left up to God: the beginning of letting go.
I threw all my belongings into a storage unit and lived semi-homeless life for 40 days. It was freeing. (more on that in another theme).
Control continued to play a part in my year as we got closer to finishing the building project at church. I was on the building committee and was the decision maker on the development of the new youth center (more on that also in another theme). I had control over decisions which was difficult for me to make. Making decisions that included thousands of dollars and figuring out how to make a space that was inviting to youth and was honoring to God was RIDICULOUSLY hard. It was a lot of pressure, and there was a lot of letting go of control and asking God what He wanted that went on during that time.
We started a new service in the new youth center that is experiential. This grew out of a desire to see youth grow in their faith by using their gifts and talents in worship. I was excited about this addition to my job and has been another place where I’ve had to give over control to God. There is so much that goes into the planning that I have to constantly remember who is in charge. My only goal is to be sure that Jesus doesn’t leave the building. I want Him to be the center. And we are still figuring out how to do that.
As the year comes to a close, I believe that I have been able to give God the space he needs (he would have taken it anyway) to move in my life. I spent a lot of years with my hands closed tightly around my future, my everyday dealings, and now see that my hands are starting to open.
So, call me a recovering control freak. But I look forward to whatever God’s got in store for me in 2009.
Proverbs 19:21 "We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
1980-something
I was looking through old pictures this weekend. I found a few of myself when I was young. I have added a picture above of the one I spent the most time pondering.
It took me right back to being a kid. Here's my list of things I most miss about my childhood.
1. My Rainbow Brite sheets. Oh yeah, thats right.
2. My blankie. I actually still have it...AND know right where it is. (don't judge me)
3. Walking to the library with my Grandpa Bolton and then going to Hardee's.
4. Getting my brother Rob in trouble every time his friends would come over.
5. Playing TMNT with my brother Aaron.
6. Watching Fraggle Rock at my grandparent's house because we didn't get that channel.
7. Two words: Punky Brewster
8. Couroroy pants and a matching shirt.
9. Getting my hair done by my mom.
10. Bubble tape, Razzles, and Pop Rocks. (all of which you can still purchase, and I have)
11. Summer camp at Kirkwood (going to the canteen and buying lots of candy!)
12. Riding bikes in the new housing development and going into construction zones.
13. Flying a kite with my dad.
14. Scholastic Book Fairs at school.
15. Lunchables.
16. Swimming in our pool until the sun went down.
17. Catching firefly's and keeping them in baby jars. (even when we put holes in the top, they always died.)
18. Getting Friendly's ice cream out of our garage freezer.
19. Coloring books and brand new Crayola Crayons.
20. Jumping on my parent's bed on Saturday mornings.
21. Going to Toys R Us. I seriously thought that place was Heaven.
22. Atari and Nintendo.
23. Getting my knee wedged in the front porch banister at my grandma's house.
24. Wearing my pj's upside down (yes, I was weird)
25. Not having any worries about the future! Just livin' life and being silly!
What do you miss about your childhood???
It took me right back to being a kid. Here's my list of things I most miss about my childhood.
1. My Rainbow Brite sheets. Oh yeah, thats right.
2. My blankie. I actually still have it...AND know right where it is. (don't judge me)
3. Walking to the library with my Grandpa Bolton and then going to Hardee's.
4. Getting my brother Rob in trouble every time his friends would come over.
5. Playing TMNT with my brother Aaron.
6. Watching Fraggle Rock at my grandparent's house because we didn't get that channel.
7. Two words: Punky Brewster
8. Couroroy pants and a matching shirt.
9. Getting my hair done by my mom.
10. Bubble tape, Razzles, and Pop Rocks. (all of which you can still purchase, and I have)
11. Summer camp at Kirkwood (going to the canteen and buying lots of candy!)
12. Riding bikes in the new housing development and going into construction zones.
13. Flying a kite with my dad.
14. Scholastic Book Fairs at school.
15. Lunchables.
16. Swimming in our pool until the sun went down.
17. Catching firefly's and keeping them in baby jars. (even when we put holes in the top, they always died.)
18. Getting Friendly's ice cream out of our garage freezer.
19. Coloring books and brand new Crayola Crayons.
20. Jumping on my parent's bed on Saturday mornings.
21. Going to Toys R Us. I seriously thought that place was Heaven.
22. Atari and Nintendo.
23. Getting my knee wedged in the front porch banister at my grandma's house.
24. Wearing my pj's upside down (yes, I was weird)
25. Not having any worries about the future! Just livin' life and being silly!
What do you miss about your childhood???
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A simple line
Music is where it's at in AmberWorld.
A simple line can summarize my day, give me words to praise God, or simply be my friend that totally understands my emotional state.
I've been to alot of concerts this year. I've been able to see Robbie Seay Band twice this year. The guy never ventures up north, so I had to head south to Kentucky and Tennessee to experience. No, I didn't go just to see Robbie (and yes, I'm on a first name basis with him.) I got to hang with him in Kentucky for a few minutes. Nicest, coolest, most down to earth guy. I mean, just listen to his music and you'll see what I mean. But then meet him in person, and you'll be begging to steal 30 minutes of his time in a Starbucks with a soy latte. I promise. He's just that kind of guy. Donald Miller writes his books while listening to Robbie, and I can see why. He throws together words that connect straight to the soul. (my opinion at least.)
So, I thought I would include the lyrics to the song that has sparked the title to my blog "hope, coffee, and melody."
This song, "New Day" is #17 on my Top 25 Most Played song playlist on my ipod. It even beats out Family Force 5...and that is difficult to do. (if you want to know what is played more that Robbie, just ask me)
So, here's a look at "New Day" by my "celebri-friend" Robbie Seay.
I'm gonna sing this song to let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me you need hope, coffee, and melody.
So sit back down let the world keep spinning ‘round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face
It might not be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
And it might not look like a beautiful sunrise
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
I'm a pilgrim soul I've traveled far and come back home
This land is hard and cold for those who long to love
And I know it might seem that the world is crumbling
But it's me and you dancing in the kitchen at 2 am
And we're still alive
It's the calm of the storm that comes blowing in
It's the springtime saying I'm back again
The clouds that roll by crossing moonlight
Me and you love – everything's alright
Standing in the rain with nowhere to go
Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you
Remember this day for the rest of your life
Me and you love – everything's gonna be alright
And it just might be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see
It's a new day, 0h baby, it's a new day
If you look outside to see a beautiful sunrise
It's a new day
I'm gonna sing this song to let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me you need hope, coffee, and melody.
A simple line can summarize my day, give me words to praise God, or simply be my friend that totally understands my emotional state.
I've been to alot of concerts this year. I've been able to see Robbie Seay Band twice this year. The guy never ventures up north, so I had to head south to Kentucky and Tennessee to experience. No, I didn't go just to see Robbie (and yes, I'm on a first name basis with him.) I got to hang with him in Kentucky for a few minutes. Nicest, coolest, most down to earth guy. I mean, just listen to his music and you'll see what I mean. But then meet him in person, and you'll be begging to steal 30 minutes of his time in a Starbucks with a soy latte. I promise. He's just that kind of guy. Donald Miller writes his books while listening to Robbie, and I can see why. He throws together words that connect straight to the soul. (my opinion at least.)
So, I thought I would include the lyrics to the song that has sparked the title to my blog "hope, coffee, and melody."
This song, "New Day" is #17 on my Top 25 Most Played song playlist on my ipod. It even beats out Family Force 5...and that is difficult to do. (if you want to know what is played more that Robbie, just ask me)
So, here's a look at "New Day" by my "celebri-friend" Robbie Seay.
I'm gonna sing this song to let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me you need hope, coffee, and melody.
So sit back down let the world keep spinning ‘round
For yesterday's gone and today is waiting on you to show your face
It might not be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
And it might not look like a beautiful sunrise
But it's a new day, oh baby, it's a new day
I'm a pilgrim soul I've traveled far and come back home
This land is hard and cold for those who long to love
And I know it might seem that the world is crumbling
But it's me and you dancing in the kitchen at 2 am
And we're still alive
It's the calm of the storm that comes blowing in
It's the springtime saying I'm back again
The clouds that roll by crossing moonlight
Me and you love – everything's alright
Standing in the rain with nowhere to go
Laughing and we're spinning and I hope that you
Remember this day for the rest of your life
Me and you love – everything's gonna be alright
And it just might be the prettiest thing that you'll ever see
It's a new day, 0h baby, it's a new day
If you look outside to see a beautiful sunrise
It's a new day
I'm gonna sing this song to let you know that you're not alone
And if you're like me you need hope, coffee, and melody.
Friday, December 12, 2008
digital journal a.k.a. online diary?
I've been thinking about starting a blog. So here goes.
The only problem, well actually there are two problems that prevented me in the past from getting a blog. 1. I don't like any of the templates they offer, and 2. I don't do anything in a routine. I feel like there is a lot of pressure put on bloggers to be consistent, witty, and have a cool looking blog.
So, if you are here to see those three things happen, I assure you, it will not.
I have stolen the look of Rachael's blog, I am not a good writer like Adam, and I'm not as witty as Mike. So, go to their blogs if you want to read something worthwhile.
Welcome to the non-committal half thoughts of a girl who needs hope, coffee, and melody.
The only problem, well actually there are two problems that prevented me in the past from getting a blog. 1. I don't like any of the templates they offer, and 2. I don't do anything in a routine. I feel like there is a lot of pressure put on bloggers to be consistent, witty, and have a cool looking blog.
So, if you are here to see those three things happen, I assure you, it will not.
I have stolen the look of Rachael's blog, I am not a good writer like Adam, and I'm not as witty as Mike. So, go to their blogs if you want to read something worthwhile.
Welcome to the non-committal half thoughts of a girl who needs hope, coffee, and melody.
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