Fast Forward

So, in the past few months while I fell of the blogging world lots of  wonderful things happened. Although not all of them were very eventful.

In April, I went to Haiti- and I never posted about it. And that's part of the reason I haven't posted in a while- at least why I stopped. No, it's not because I had some epiphany that I felt I couldn't blog- the truth is terrible, but here it is: I felt like it would be a lot of writing and I just didn't want to do it. There, I said it. And I probably just didn't know what to say or what not to say. And of course my O.C.D. would not let me post out of order.

So, Haiti. If you want to know all of the details, feel free to ask me. It was a wonderful trip. It is a beautiful country. And strange as it sounds, it's a lot like anywhere else. Because aside from the fact that most are very poor and have little, they are people. People living with what they have. People with goals and ambitions. Some people were very nice. Some people were nice sometimes. There was a wedding when we were there and a baptism. The services were wonderful- most of the time. We did run into one issue, which wasn't fun. But aside from that it was a great experience. I learned many things. I learned more about myself. I'm not sure if I will return to Haiti or not- I would love to, but I need to know that God is directing me in that manner.

Next stop- I switched jobs. Another wonderful work God did for me. I wanted another job, even though my employer was willing to work with my schedule, it just seemed best with me changing schools this fall. It worked out really well since I had to cut back on hours and was able to switch from once monthly to bi-weekly pay checks. God's timing is perfect. Unfortunately, I kind of don't want to do what I do anymore. We'll see.

I took a trip to Ohio with friend's this month. They were going to see family, but I tagged along because we were making a pit stop at one of my best friend's baby shower. It was good to see her and her family again. They are old friend's of mine. I moved a lot as a kid, so I don't have that kindergarten friendship with anyone, which is fine. Well I still maybe have some that are just as close- but not as long. Anyway, she's one of those. It's exciting to watch lives unfold. I love being this age. It's a wonderful season. It's exciting. It's challenging too. There's lots of growing and changing. But it's also nice to be at an age where "you" is a more established personality. LOL.

Anyway. School starts again. Woo Whoo. I LIKE school. FINALLY done with my Associate's and moving on to the Bachelor's. Two and half years from now I will be done with that. Yay. It's exciting. Time flies. To think- I've already lived in the South for two years. And, yes, I have admitted that I like it better! Hopefully that doesn't upset anyone too bad.

And my sister's are growing up. Kindergarten and Second grade. And one in eleventh and college classes and the other in tenth aiming for an early graduation. I honestly can't remember what K wants to be (sorry) I think it's something medical- like a nurse. No she is going for nursing. Okay.  And the other wants to be an oncologist. And my baby brother. Seventh grader. Wow. Such a sweet kid. Love him to pieces. Miss them. But I still aim to keep a good relationship with them, even though I'm far away. Cause I love them. And I want them to always know they are special and they are loved.

Okay, so it seems like you've had to read quite a lot of mushy personals. At least it wasn't too bad! Now you know. Maybe next time won't be so far off and I can write a little more about things or something rather than so much personal thoughts. And that wasn't even the deep stuff. LOL

For now...

Short and Sweet

I will blog again... soon I hope. I did go a little while without the internet. And I did forget. But I remembered a few times. I will reconnect shortly. I officially make a goal of posting a REAL post within a week. Ready, Set, Go...

Until Then

Challenged

I am so very thankful for a relationship that challenges me. A relationship with Jesus that constantly calls me to higher levels. Honestly, sometimes it can be discouraging looking at it with human thinking. Seeing where I want to be compared to where I am. But God wants us to think higher than that! Thank the Lord for challenge. Thank God that I am not called to a stagnant religion where I am told to accept my condition because I can't do any better. WRONG WRONG WRONG! Jesus calls to a life of holiness and victory. With a constant pull to higher levels in all aspects of my life. How wonderful is that?! Why would anyone want a watered down religion that only gives a false sense of hope and peace when you can have an all-out relationship with Jesus and victory over the world and Satan. Thank the Lord for truth! and thank God for the challenge (and the strength and grace to live up to each one)!

Pickles on Grilled Cheese with Ranch Dressing

I wonder if that would taste good. Pickles. Cheese. Ranch. I will have to try one day.

Life is busy. Really busy. The past couple days have flown by. Probably because of the upcoming trip and the one I just returned from. Youth Camp was wonderful. I think most everyone enjoyed themselves, if not all. Service Sunday morning was blessed. I was encouraged with the thought that no matter what Satan tries to oppress us with, no matter what he does, WE ARE VICTORIOUS! Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. We have victory over Satan, we do not have to be defeated. Looking around and thinking of what God has done in the lives of other young people- what an encouragement. A broken heart, the loss of a best friend, struggles and tests, circumstances. Jesus KNOWS how we feel- and even more through HIM we can have victory over those feelings and circumstances!

Pray for the people of Haiti. We will be leaving on our trip soon. When I think of it, I wonder how God could use ME?! Who am I? Why not someone "better"? God has been faithful to remind me that He is not limited. I'm no one special, I have no superior abilities, yet God can take a nobody and use them. How awesome is God?! All He needs is a VESSEL! He does not need someone who in my thinking would be "more suited". He needs a willing vessel. How often does God take His children and lead them to actions that they themselves would not think they were suited to do. God is showing me more and more that I am nothing. Not in a bad way, but good- the more I realize really how little I am the more I will see how great He is. This morning God was speaking to me after I had prayed. It's not my actions that make God love me. Not doing away with anything-it does matter what we do and don't do. But God loved me before I ever knew to pray, before I was even born. God loved me. He does not love me because I chose to pray or because I visited a widow or because I testified in a service. God loves those times, He desires them, requires them. But God had a love for me before I even thought about Him. WOW! Have you ever crushed on someone and felt that pain- of thinking about them or loving them, and them show little or no inkling of interest in you? (I know you have!) WOW! Think of how God feels. How did God feel when I was so far from Him that He didn't even cross my mind! Yet He loved me and continued to love me and still loves me. How great is that love?! and how nothing am I? I ask that you would remember the trip and the Convention in your prayers, remember the people, that God would speak to their hearts and that they would be honest with themselves. That He would encourage His children that live in Haiti.

I still have to pack and purchase items for packing! It will be here before I know it. I also have to clean, do the dishes, go through some paper work, choose classes for the summer semester, put the laundry away and wash another load. And SLEEP! This girl has to have LOTS of sleep!!! Speaking of which it is past my bed time- I next to never make it to bed on time!! Oh and one more thing- the color is purple. :)

God is more than good!

The Untitled

Wow! Talk about not blogging in forever! Life has been life as usual. Busy, always something to do, always changing, always something new. Times that are productive and times that are... not so productive. :)

House is moving slowly closer to being completed. Possibly primer-ing this weekend. Long road. Wanting to maybe start unpacking and cleaning things so it's ready to go when the house is complete. I'm going to paint PURPLE! Girly and relaxing. Although I'm tempted to do pink because I don't want to be a deprived girl. I may have had a pink room when I was really little, but most of my life it's been other colors. And I've already had purple. Problem is Nana already made me a purple quilt. Not that I have to use it all the time, but there was a lot of love and time put into it.

Anyway! Spring is on it's way and soon will be here. Time flys. We've already lived here almost 22 mths. That's almost two years! TWO years! Thank the Lord for bringing us here.

Wow, what a choppy post! ;)

Anyway, anything you want to know, just ask. And I can blather on about it.

Putting My Brain on the Shelf

Sometimes that's what I want to do... take my brain painlessly out of my head and put in on a shelf. And get a new one that knows everything I previously knew, minus all of the things that had been previously consuming my mind.

There are tons of different ways I could go with this, and things I could write. Where to begin?

I don't even know, maybe it would be best just to not.

There's so much to it, I don't know where to start. Sometimes I think of me with my mind so consumed and clouded- not with "bad" stuff, just "a lot" of stuff. And then I imagine God, just waiting for me to "stop talking" so He can have a word. We have all been in a conversation with someone where we finally just give up trying to talk, because we know it's not going to happen- the other person just won't be quiet. All the while, if they would allow you to speak by stopping themselves, you would be able to share the solution or wisdom that you have to offer.

Then there's the things that God allows to consume your thoughts, that He will not leave you alone about until you make your move.

Philippians 4: 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God's Been Good

GOD'S BEEN GOOD (lyrics with a little tweaking)

Verse 1
Lately I've been looking back, along this winding road
To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known
I know it may sound simple but it's more than a cliche
There's no better way to tell you, than to say

Chorus
God's been good in my life
I've blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night
And though I've had my share of hard times, by my side He's always stood
Through it all, God's been good

Verse 2
Times replay and I can see that I've cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me, as I faced my greatest fears
You see I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt
As His grace rolled down upon me undeserved

Chorus

Bridge
For God has been my Father, my Savior and my Friend
His love was my beginning, and His love will be my end
I could spend forever trying to tell you everything He is
But the best that I can say it is this

Chorus

Hello, My Name is Aundrea

Wow, it's been almost a MONTH since my last post. A lot has happened. A lot has not. First of all, I would like to say that I love living in North Carolina. Moving hours from your home state and family is tough. But God never leads you down a wrong road. I am so happy to be here- surrounded by countless blessings. God has brought me to a better place. A place He chose- this is where I want you. It caused heartache and pain. Separation and changes. But the trial brought blessing. As it always does. It's been over a year and a half- there are still changes and adjustments to come, each day more blessings are given. I realize more and more how blessed I am.

And today was the first snow of the season. And what a blessing it is. There was only a 20% chance. Did it snow a lot? No- not a lot at all! But, it SNOWED and it is BEAUTIFUL. And even more wonderful is knowing that my friends will be able to make it home tomorrow despite of it. How wonderful- God blessed by providing the snow that I enjoyed seeing, but not enough for us to have to really worry about tomorrow nights incoming flight and drive home. :) God is good.

Another blessing is God's faithfulness to my soul. When He shows me ways that I can be more like Him. Thank you, Father.

Thank you for changing me. And for changing my ways.
Thank you for the new year, I endeavor to serve you faithfully.
Thank you for the friends and family that surround me and support me. And thank you for the friends and family that support me over the miles.
Thank you for the snow. Thank you for loving me enough to give such blessings-things that I want, even though I may not need them.
Thank you for your faithfulness to my soul. Thank you for saving me. Thank you for delivering me from myself.