I have come to love writing in my blog!!! But I think equally important I’ve grown to love reading other people’s blogs! Not only do I find out about them, but they often comfort and inspire me. By reading about their joys and struggles, I am able to see new light in my situation, and remember to laugh at life! I am so thankful for a mom who has constantly instilled in my this idea of enjoying life and always looking on the bright side. I don’t think I can ever rememeber a time when she has been depressed..she is always happy and bubbly (to my embarrassment sometimes..) I have certaintly endured my share of disappointments and failures..but every time, my mom has challenged me to get back up and move on with a smile on my face. I have to say though..lately is has been hard.

I don’t often understand God’s plan or why He places trials in my life, but I know He has a reason. Over break there has been one specific thing I’ve majorly struggled with..and with all the extra time I’ve had, God has showed how much it was a heart issue I am struggling with..( I know, we all joke about that..:) ) But I honestly thought there was just something wrong with me..and questioned God about it. Then the other night I was reading in my devotions about how every trial is a test of faith. Boy, am I glad my test is over yet..I would have failed miserably. Instead of trusting in my God, I just assumed He has made me wrong..which is a silly thought. He has given me the strength to keep fighting and digging deeper into His word to find answers. He has opened my eyes to His wonderful river of grace and shown me how much He cares..even if no one else understands. He has also shown me where I have sinned, and where I have made bad choices. I am so thankful for my relationship with my savior..it is the only constant thing in my life, and it has become the one thing I truly desire. I’m still growing..and will never arrive at perfection in this life. But I am thankful for those in my life who are patient with me..especially my parents..it is a daily process of putting off and putting on, and I have failed so many times. But those around me are ever-faithful to forgive me, and for that I am so thankful.

Merry Christmas!

Life

Life is all about choices! Sometimes you have to make easy choices..like what to wear; and sometimes you have to make hard choices. But sometimes you get choices made for you. My mom is going to school at Christina’s and I get my hair done there. Going in without a clue what you want it a scary endeavor. Last time I came out shorter and blonde. This time I’m a redhead. One of my new friends Amber did it, and I love it. Although I think it is the biggest change I’ve made thus far. So anyways, I went in there not really knowing what I wanted but knowing I wanted something different. So the head instructor comes over and tells her to use Cherry Cola and rocket fire. Two hair colors which translated mean red. Not having a clue what that meant I said sure..I’ve have always carried the notion that it’s just hair and it ‘ll grow. So, 2 hours later, I finally saw the final look. I love it! I am glad the choice was made for me because I would have never come up with it on my own. But anyways, it’s Christmas break..and I’m already bored. I’m itching for something to do, but have yet to think of something, so I am cleaning my room and writing in my blog. Hope you all have a merry Christmas!!

Well, for the first time on break..I can say I’m bored. I could probably be doing something..but it’s too early to start on my to-do list for this break. So I thought I would write in my blog. I just have to think of something to write about. You know one thing I love about Christmas..we always get letters from our friends that we don’t talk to throughout the year. I love reading them and hearing about their lives. The people we used to see almost daily, now are only a thought at Christmas time. I think one of my favorite letters we got was from the pastors of our old church. Although we never hear from them throughout the year, they are ever-faithful in sending us a card and letter at the holidays. And they are very good at keeping us updated with things happening at our old church as well as sending pictures. It’s so neat to see how much people grow and change. However, I miss them..which is the one down side to Christmas. no wait, there is no down side to Christmas..that’s just the one part that could have some disadvantages. anyways, hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Enjoy the time with your family and friends!!

I’ll write occasionally when I feel led.:)

Amanda

Life is good..

You ever just sit back and think about how good life is? How sweet the mercy of God is? How awesome and amazing His love it? Tonight I served at the Christmas dinner for the staff at school and church, and I had a blast! I was reminded that the best things in life are the things we do to glorify and please God. No matter what it is.. I also realized that many ways God has chosen to bless me, and the many amazing people He has placed in my life. Exams are over..Christmas break is almost here. But as Mr. Grass reminded us today..it’s not about us and our time. That’s selfish and trust me..that will never make you happy! God is so good, and has lavishly bestowed blessings upon us! I am so thankful for Him and for my relationship with Him. I can’t tell you how many times I have messed up or how many times I will..but I do know that no matter what, He will forgive me. And like someone recently told me..God is interested in steps, not results! How awesome and full of hope that is..He doesn’t care if we ever fully arrive, because He knows we won’t..He just wants us to take steps. So needless to say, Life is great!