tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39313312715264285492024-03-05T08:43:44.574-08:00Our JourneyAmy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-74448709731979957102014-10-19T18:01:00.004-07:002014-10-19T18:23:40.535-07:00One Year<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Almost exactly one year ago today, my world was turned
upside down. I never understood how an anniversary date of a tragic event could
place someone back in a venerable state of mind as they were that very day until
today. I can almost replay the entire day and the days
leading up to and that followed October 21, 2013. I debated whether or not to
share publically why this date for me but I am doing so in hopes it will make
just one small difference. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Please know I am sharing what I am about to share because I believe
this issue deserves more awareness. I’ve spent a lot of this past year ashamed.
I hope my story can bring comfort and hope for just one person. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This no longer needs to be a taboo topic. It
effects millions of families every day. Mine just happened to be one of those. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On October 21, 2013, my mother had a mental breakdown while
in Florida. Again, I say this out of full respect for my mother because after
all she will always be in fact my mother. However, I would not hide the truth
if my mom received a cancer diagnosis that day. I think the stigmatism behind mental illness
is there because people do not talk about it. This was the start of an ugly year. I lost my mother that day and shortly later had to mourn the loss of my parents' marriage. People sometimes pass judgment when I say I lost my mother that day but I have the grief counseling bills to prove it. I lost the mother who loved me unconditionally and was involved in my day to day life. In fact, the only times I have spent any time with my mother this past year was at the funerals of my uncle and my grandfather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I could write a book on how this one day changed
my life or how ugly this year has been. There’s been so much hurt and sorrow.
Some moments the hurt is still there. However, I have
already focused on that too much this year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I focused on that so much that it caused me to
have crippling anxiety at times. Instead though, I want to do what I set out to
do 41 days before the tragic date of October 21, 2013. On my 28<sup>th</sup>
birthday, I decided it was going to be the year of smelling the roses per say. I
was going to offer praise to God for something new every day for the next 365
days. I’ve said this before and I will say it again, God knew what was in store
for me. He knew how badly I needed Project 28 as I called it. There was going
to be so much bad that I had to focus on the good in order to survive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Tonight as Greyson and I were driving home from
dinner, I made him pull over the car so I could take a picture of the sunset.
Nothing illustrates my year better than this picture. Beautiful things happen
when darkness and light meet just as they did for me this year. I know what
Charles Dickens meant when he wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst
of times.” I never knew some much good and so much bad could co-exist. I think I
will always cringe when I initially reflect on this past year but I think I will
also quickly remember all the good. It was the year I learned that I have the
best support system on this side of heaven. It was the year I was president
of MYP and gained so many new and precious friendships. It was the year of
great trips. It was the year my relationship with my husband was strengthened. It
was the year I learned how to smell the roses even in the midst of storms. Most
importantly, it was the year my dependence on God deepened. I have come to
fully understand that He is my only constant. He is the only one who will never
let me down. Because of my relationship with Him, I have truly discovered that
in the end everything will be ok. The darkness may be ugly but the light that
comes in these dark times far outweighs it.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-50621641037202090252014-07-10T18:23:00.001-07:002014-07-10T18:23:18.053-07:00Trust<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="background: white;">I
always thought I trusted God. Why would I not and how could I not? I recently I
realized that was not the case.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">After
some encouraging from one friend and a good kick in the butt from another, I
decided to start seeing a counselor the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="aqj"><span style="z-index: -1;"><span data-term="goog_960715774" style="z-index: 0;" tabindex="0">Friday</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> before
Mother's Day. It took a lot of swallowing of my pride to acknowledge I needed
help dealing with my mother's breakdown and my parents' divorce. It was the
best six hours and money I have ever spent. I’ve always been an advocate of
counseling but after six sessions, I told my counselor that I would be happy to
become the poster child for her. I knew it would help but I did not realize how
it would drastically change the way my anxious mind saw the world. Since
essentially I was recovering from a traumatic event, I participated in EMDR
therapy. When my counselor starting talking about helping me think in a clear
way, I thought oh no… she’s a quack. She thinks she can hypnotize this control
freak….. That. Ain’t. Happening. Well I was happy to learn that EMDR does not
involve hypnotizing me. Basically EMDR uses things to stimulate the brain
because research has proven over and over again that the brain heals quicker
from a traumatic event when it is stimulated in a different way. The method
used for me was I held little vibrators that buzzed back and forth in my hands….
It sounds hilarious. I realize this. I use to tell my friends I was off to hold
my vibrators. But kid you not, this stuff works. In six short sessions, I became
a new and improved Amy. Does what happened still hurt? Heck yes! But the
anxiety that was crippling me is gone. I went from not sleeping and not being
able to concentrate to sleeping like a baby and becoming my focused ole self. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">It was
during one of my therapy sessions that I realized my trust in God was not as
grand as I once thought. All I could think about was all the unknowns. Will mom
and I ever have a healthy relationship again? Will dad be ok? What’s dad’s
future going to look like? What’s my future going to look like? These thoughts
and my anxiety consumed every ounce of me. I finally realized in order to
have peace back in my life, I had to increase my trust in God. And turn
it over to Him to make it right again. It was like during the midst of this
tragedy I forgot what kind of God I served. I serve the God that no matter what
has all the unknowns taken care of. No matter how ugly or hurtful everything
was at times, that He would see me through. In the end everything would be ok. There
is no greater source of comfort or peace. The God of the universe has it all
under HIS control. <br />
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<!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">July 2 <i>Jesus Calling</i></span>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Disciple your thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your
life. Pray about everything and then leave the outcome to Me. Do not fear My
will, for through it I accomplished what is best for you. Take a deep breath
and dive into the depths of my absolute trust.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">July 5 <i>Jesus Calling<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your
security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy. You will never be in
control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control.
Instead of thriving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in
greater depth. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-54485712135387502552014-06-04T20:35:00.001-07:002014-07-10T18:23:44.034-07:00Sweet MissyMy childhood dog who lived with us this past year passed away a couple of weeks ago. Ironically, it was on our wedding anniversary while we were at the beach. Missy was in Florence at the house where we both grew up.<br />
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It was love at first sight for me and that pup. When I was in the 6th grade, my parents told me I could get a dog for Christmas. My parents spent time researching the best dog breed and patrolling the paper for that perfect dog. A local civic organization hosted a live television auction on channel 3 (which in most small towns is "the local channel") every year before Christmas. I was flipping through every so often on that Saturday morning and the lights from heaven shined down on this tee tiny black and white puppy. She was eight weeks old, from the local pound. The starting bid was $20 which not only included the adorable dog but also free spaying and 10 free visits to Di's Dip and Clip.. I tell no lie! I ran down the stairs as fast as I could yelling for dad to turn it on channel 3. He did as I demanded. I picked up the phone. "I'm bidding $40." My dad quickly told me I could bid $25 and that was it. No other bids. No matter what. Well just as luck would have it. I was the only person that made a bid on that sweet mutt. </div>
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Missy came to live with us last year. I will be forever thankful for this extra time I spent with her. It's crazy to think about just how long I had her. I am so thankful for each one of those 16 years. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While it wasn't easy saying goodbye, I am thankful she did passed away "at home." I just hate my poor dad had to suffer another loss. It's crazy but the night we left her in Florence before we headed to the beach, I couldn't help but think that Missy felt my pain of being back home with mom gone. As crazy as it sounds, I know she sensed the change and the deep hurt within me that last night I stood with her in the backyard of both our childhood home. I can't help but think that Missy knew it would be best to go while I was away.... I without a doubt know the Big Man Upstairs did. It's overwhelming to think that God even planned the right time for my dog to pass away but He did. He knew how much worse it would have hurt to have seen Missy in her final hour. He knew how much heartache I've endured this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While we've since adopted a new dog, there will never be another Missy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> That crazy wild pup turned into the most laid back and loyal dogs. We will miss you, sweet Missy but we know you are running around and feasting on the best table scraps heaven has. </span></div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-73392814499877091852014-05-20T17:48:00.001-07:002014-07-10T18:25:54.848-07:00Happy AnniversaryThis week G and I will celebrate four years of marriage. It is so hard to believe. I guess we are no longer newlyweds nor have we been for a while. I can honestly say I still look back on our wedding day and say it was the best day of my life.... Hopefully G feels the same way, ha. I will never forget the energy, the love and the fun of that day. I wish I could go back in time and soak it all in.<br />
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Oddly enough, my parents divorce has had many relationships in my life stronger and that includes the one with my husband. G has seen me at my absolute worst several times over the last seven months. Yet he has stood beside me in every sense of the word. I cannot imagine him being more patient, understanding and supportive. For that, I am upmost grateful and have found a whole new respect and love for him. I am also determined to protect our marriage at whatever the cost. I never want to take the easy road when things get hard. Life isn't rainbows and butterflies. It is hard. Marriage is hard. It is also one of the greatest blessings in life but like anything you have to work at it. I'm so thankful for God designing us for a partnership with our mate. I cannot imagine life without a partner after having one for four years. There is no one else in this world that I would want to walk step by step in this roller coaster of a life than my G. Thank you for being the most patient man on earth and loving me for me. </div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-30404269232525293472014-04-08T19:41:00.001-07:002014-07-10T18:23:57.675-07:00Quiche<div>
This recipe is a variation of a quiche featured in Southern Living this month but no flour or evaporated milk (yuck, that stuff grosses me out). It also makes two quiches and you might as well because those frozen pie crust come in packages of two. We believe in having leftovers around here or one to share. We're Baptist so food curses all.<br />
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Two frozen pie crusts</div>
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3 large eggs</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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1/2 cup chopped onion</div>
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1/2 cup chopped green pepper </div>
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1 lb ground pork or turkey sausage </div>
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1 1/2 cup shredded cheese </div>
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Salt and pepper to taste. </div>
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Cook (brown) sausage in skillet for 10 minutes or until brown. Drain grease but save 1 tbs of grease. Sauté onion and green pepper until tender in saved grease. Whisk three eggs in a mixing bowl and mix remaining ingredients together, divide and pour into frozen pie shells. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees. </div>
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Tips: </div>
<div>
Buy frozen chopped green peppers and onions. </div>
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Bake pie crust for 5 minutes before ingredients are poured in. Helps to have a more flakey bottom. </div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-76788590093957110612014-03-16T17:56:00.001-07:002014-03-16T17:56:13.645-07:00Pot Roast
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have finally mastered Pot Roast in the crock pot! It took some time
but I finally have a recipe that is amazing. It makes the beef so tender that
it falls apart with the touch of your fork. It is a dish G doesn't mind eating leftovers all week. So here it goes….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Chuck Roast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 cup of water<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In crock pot mix together 1 cup of water, packet of Lipton Onion Soup
Mix and can of Cream of Mushroom Soup. Once ingredients are mixed, placed chuck
roast on top of mix and spoon some of the mix over the top of the chuck roast. Cook
on low for 8 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some people cook their veggies (typically carrots and potatoes) along
with their roast and that is perfectly fine to do with this recipe. However, I
prefer to cook my veggies separately. In a 9x13 pan, I roast my diced potatoes
and baby carrots in extra virgin olive oil along with salt and pepper and sometimes onion in the
oven on 350 degrees for 45 minutes. I just prefer the taste and this way all of
my food doesn’t taste the exact same. This dish is also paired well with good
ole mashed taters and green beans. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hope you enjoy this good ole comfort meal</span>Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-81007527617375606992014-02-28T20:50:00.001-08:002014-03-16T17:39:41.540-07:00Wasn't I Just Talking About This<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2I8ID7pGnMdUQHOvv3lAqh2R4TmZC1oMbtPhS1AMF6SuuKrvz_NOwOua8qfUrLdWHv_Ab1SLl4GoiHLXbS4gclW80C4LFLF5SXI4A_9tP83QSTXOTyGINqNAEoJX9g7rHPhwMJhojtM/s640/blogger-image--2097601530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2I8ID7pGnMdUQHOvv3lAqh2R4TmZC1oMbtPhS1AMF6SuuKrvz_NOwOua8qfUrLdWHv_Ab1SLl4GoiHLXbS4gclW80C4LFLF5SXI4A_9tP83QSTXOTyGINqNAEoJX9g7rHPhwMJhojtM/s640/blogger-image--2097601530.jpg" /></a></div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-91405607529219216672014-02-26T19:09:00.001-08:002014-03-16T17:39:26.085-07:00I Want to See the SON Even When It Rains<div>
I had an ah ha moment tonight as Oprah would say. So many times lately I've focused on how different my life will look once my parents divorce and all the stuff I will be missing out on. I also think about my relationship with my mom and how drastic it has changed. I allow myself to question if I'm the person she sees me as. </div>
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But then tonight I began to think about all the amazing friends I have. They love me for me. The Amy that can be controlling, has to eat every so often, can be a neat freak and a slob, can sleep all day and has to have things a certain way. Yet they still choose to love me. They opted to spend time with me. They take every opportunity to encourage me, to support me, to guide me and to love me. So many people would die to have those friendships. And I have them. Those are the relationships that are going to have my focus. </div>
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This year is supposed to be the year I focus on my blessings. As you may remember, for my birthday in September I began a gratitude journal and started writing down something new to be thankful for each and every day. Sometimes I'm not going to lie, I really have to search a little too long for something to be thankful for because the day has been so crummy. I want to change that. I want to continue to see the SON (Son of God) even when it rains. I truly want to train my thoughts to think of all that I have instead of all that I'm lacking. </div>
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So hold me accountable friends. </div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-69210387398700173712014-02-10T18:09:00.001-08:002014-03-16T17:38:55.774-07:00Why I Put It All Out There<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Thank you to all those who have shared their stories with me. </div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-25441327599510267032014-02-05T20:42:00.000-08:002014-02-05T20:42:37.483-08:00The Roller Coaster Continues<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This roller coaster that I’m on has more twist and turns,
highs and lows than any other imaginable. I wish the stupid ride would just
stop. I’ve grown a lot through the highs and lows. A lot of great stuff has
happened lately but there are moments when the lows try to trump all the good.
Take two weeks ago for instance. It had been a great week both
professionally and personally. Then I receive a text from home in Alabama and
it does something to me. I know I need to just let it go and push those
feelings aside but as I am thinking this I am calling that number. The next
thing I know, I am in a fit of range. Words and her actions have attacked my
core once again and I’m attacking back. I’m spewing out words, crying
hysterically and snorting up snot all the while, I am frantically walking
through my house getting ready to host an executive committee meeting. Sadly
this is not the first time this has happened. I think I’ve mastered the act of
“getting it together” after a meltdown and before an important event. That’s
the funny part. I can be poised and pleasant around everyone in the entire
world except this one person. She knows where to go and she goes for it. I on
the other hand, know how to conduct myself and know what I am supposed to do
but no matter what the worst in me comes out. How can someone bring out the
absolute worst about you? You see I know all the right things to say not just
to people but also about my walk with Christ. Let’s be really real…. sometimes
Christians just pick up the lingo without picking up the real meaning of our
words. I really have done a lot of growing the last few weeks and truly felt
some of those right things to say. I’ve made tremendous strides. I really am
thankful for the heartache because of the growth I’ve experienced. I place a
high value on my greater dependence on God. Yet, I can say and feel that but I
spew words like I am Satan himself and I’m not brining any glory to God during
these moments. How do I make it stop? Should I just stop talking to my mom? Yes,
I said my mom. I don’t understand how the woman that gave me life can bring out
the worst in me. I never imagined the hurt she would cause and the anger that
would explode within me. How do I stop this nasty cycle? The only way I see is
to stop talking to her a while. But when is that deemed suitable? The most
peace I’ve experienced is when I am not in contact with her. I know what light
this puts me in. However, I just want to be real. Life cannot always be seen
through rose colored glasses and sometimes we can’t even pretend. As much as I
would like to say that now I get it. Now I have a plan. Now I can hold myself
together. I don’t get it. I don’t have a plan. And as much as I would like to
hold myself together, my track record is not promising. I don’t have an
important message in all of this except for the acknowledgement that I do not
have it all together. I am not always that girl you see at the boardroom table.
And my not so proud moments give me another reason to be thankful for God’s
grace and mercy. Without it I would just be the girl that knows all the right
things to say and feel but would have no one to wipe me clean when I fall into
the dirty pit of despair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-3271872588454536682014-01-30T16:58:00.000-08:002014-02-12T12:00:37.063-08:00Move Over the Millers <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">CBS debuted a new sitcom this fall called “The Millers.” It
was an immediate new favorite of mine. The sitcom is about two grown children
whose parents divorce. It’s very ironic to me that this is now one of my
favorite shows because this sitcom is living out a funnier and friendlier
version of the nightmare I am living through. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwESKOFHflI-h_ZfSzaMtjn2NKqpuGxkNQ8tZb3PeMm0h-15hB-y7uwsvbgfAV_pjPh2ZBiBYrq8qNVM-TANVpcqABZ7iBJ7cchNhLv4tT7G4bDo3_AFUd4udk9KhozWjhYL1RNM57858/s1600/111.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwESKOFHflI-h_ZfSzaMtjn2NKqpuGxkNQ8tZb3PeMm0h-15hB-y7uwsvbgfAV_pjPh2ZBiBYrq8qNVM-TANVpcqABZ7iBJ7cchNhLv4tT7G4bDo3_AFUd4udk9KhozWjhYL1RNM57858/s1600/111.png" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents will be divorced soon. WOW! It still stops me in
my tracks. It can’t be my life. No, my parents loved and adored each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were also best friends. Suddenly this
all changed without any warning. I’m still recovering from the shock that my
mother moved out and filed for divorce without any warning and no explanation.
There was no phone call, no text, and no visit. I bawled my eyes out watching “Parenthood”
last week. Yes, I know I watch way too much TV. One of the couples sat their
small children down to tell them that daddy was moving out because they fought
too much. Boy, did that hit a little too close to home! The foundation of the battles
(fights are too civil for what we’ve been having) I’ve been having with my
mother all go back to the fact that this has all happened without any warning. Imagine
calling home on a Sunday evening after a trip and ask to talk to mom before you
run into the grocery for a recipe and be told by your dad that she’s moved out.
Each time I bring this up to my mom, I am told her divorce doesn’t concern me
or that it has no effect on me. No effect! Are you serious? Obviously her
parents are still married. Now my parents will reside at two different places.
My childhood home now is missing my mother. This impacts everything: birth of
future children, birthdays, holidays, every day life and you can’t forget
funerals. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to kick and scream that
this is not fair. I can’t help but feel like my life has been a complete lie. Just
on my birthday in September, my mother posted on Facebook that the greatest men
to ever walk this earth were my father and G. How can I not feel like my life
has been lie? How can something change so drastically within a person without a
warning sign to anyone? I am told this feeling like your life was a lie is a natural
reaction for adults whose parents are divorcing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But enough of that. I’ve done pretty well at
focusing on the good in my life but I still have moments such as now when I want
to wallow in all the hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has been gently reminding me that I’ve depended on my
parents too strongly for too long. My dependence should lie within Him. But it
has been so easy to rely on my fleshly father when he is right there and always
there. It’s been a spiritual battle within me as I realize that only my
Heavenly Father can make it all right. He can wipe away this hurt and anger
that I have and use it for His glory. I just need to work towards getting
there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-2597872425448741392013-12-27T22:22:00.000-08:002013-12-27T22:23:08.950-08:00Looking Back <br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember when I wrote </span><a href="http://amyandgreyson.blogspot.com/2012/12/dear-2013.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> last
year? I hate to say I was right but boy was I right. 2013, you were indeed not
a “lucky” year as I suspected. However, when I was reflecting back and flipping
through photos of this year, I see you were pretty kind until October. October
21 to be exact but I promise to try not to focus too much on the last 67 days. I
want this posting to be a recap of all the great things that happened the other
298 days. If you remember, I also wrote </span><a href="http://amyandgreyson.blogspot.com/2013/09/project-28.html"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">this</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in September
about how this year (meaning my 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> year on earth) would be the
year of focusing on the blessings in my life. So yes, enough with the bad. Let
me make room to reflect on all the good.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-5Yxn4Un-oUYJrWs9bW8tI89uGjA8-_jdUuCTGurdF5gVsG8E62m5ArUSpRik2L2IbVbkm_LnnJTJggkFNkcArUgvcnlncXpQA9hUHmK6dpNdT4aaxxCj3ELCwjoOUXJTBYPdcJkFE0/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-5Yxn4Un-oUYJrWs9bW8tI89uGjA8-_jdUuCTGurdF5gVsG8E62m5ArUSpRik2L2IbVbkm_LnnJTJggkFNkcArUgvcnlncXpQA9hUHmK6dpNdT4aaxxCj3ELCwjoOUXJTBYPdcJkFE0/s400/PicMonkey+Collage1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We moved AGAIN! Yes, call us crazy. In short
summary, we received a notice in January that a 300+ unit apartment complex was
going to be built in our backyard. We loved our home and had been in it exactly
one year but we did not want that many neighbors behind us. We decided to stick
a for sale sign in the yard to see what happened. Well we sold our house in 13
days. We found our new home in which we love even more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2013 was the year of weddings. Three of my
closest friends got married. Lara married in April and I was honored to serve
as her wedding coordinator. Rachel married in June and I was honored to serve
her as one of her wedding photographers. Then Andrea married in September and I
was honored to serve as her matron of honor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My childhood dog Missy came to live with us in
June. We thought Missy’s time was coming to an end so my dad brought her to me
this summer for me to take to my brother-in-law who is a vet. Well wouldn’t you
know it a week here with me with some baby aspirin as prescribed by Michael was
all she needed to be back to her ole self. Sweet Missy turned 16 in October. I
absolutely love having her with me again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greyson and I did a lot of fun stuff this year. We
celebrated our third wedding anniversary with our friends, Andrea and Steve at
Lairdland Farms, where we got married. We also went to the beach twice this
summer. Once with his family to Pawley’s Island, SC and once to Saint Simons,
GA with our friends, Trina and Marshall. We were able to celebrate Trina’s 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
birthday while we were there. This fall we went to a University of Tennessee
vs. Auburn football game in Knoxville. This was the first time our teams ever faced
each other since we’ve known one another. We had a great time (expect for all
the walking but that’s another story) especially since Auburn won. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Professionally it has been a great year. I
exceeded all of my sales goals for the year. I also had the privilege of
serving on the Chamber of Commerce’s Business Women’s Council again and
Murfreesboro Young Professionals as Director of Membership/ Chair- Elect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">These things and
all the other great things that happened are the things I want to remember
about 2013. Am I sad to see 2013 go after my time of reflection? Heck no. You
still can go and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. However, I do hope
that in years to come when I am reflecting back on this year that these things
come to mind long before the memories of the heartache. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of NYE.
How about a blast from New Year’s Past. Looking forward to carrying on the
tradition another year. </span></div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-66040201412725719342013-12-19T19:17:00.000-08:002014-02-05T20:41:58.145-08:00How Did We Go from the Manger to Madness?<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I've been dreading
the holidays, particularly Christmas this year. I first threatened that I
wasn't putting up a single Christmas decoration. Then I decided I needed the
distraction of decorating and entertaining this year. I've stated to
wonder why it seems even more painful to be going through stuff during the
holidays than any other time of the year. I think it is because we set all
these expectations for ourselves and feel all this pressure to have the perfect
holiday. When in fact, we live in a far from perfect world where no perfect day
or season exists. No matter how great your mantle or tree may look, you have
neighbors hungry or hurting. There are family members who are not with us again
this year. There's illnesses, divorce, poverty and so much more robbing us all
of that perfect holiday we think everyone else is having. And we can't be
left out by having a far from perfect Christmas. Besides songs tell us it is
the most wonderful time of the year. And how could we not feel left out thanks
to everything from Christmas commercials to everyone's overly joyous Facebook
posts! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Sure your Elf on the
Shelf has done some funny things this year. But how much time did you spend
setting up your elf’s shenanigans and then take the perfect picture and then
lastly upload it to every social media outlet? But really who am I to judge? I
just spent days (ok really a month) planning the perfect Christmas party for my
girlfriends. Why? I had to overcompensate that my entire family wouldn’t be
together on Christmas day. This party had to make up for my less than perfect
Christmas I have planned with one parent instead of two. </span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">How in the world did
we go from such humble beginnings of this holiday in a manger to all this madness?
Our Savior was born in a stable surrounded by animals and all the “gifts” that
come with barn animals. And He did it for you and me. And how do we commemorate
this glorious day and seasons as Christians? We stress ourselves out to the max
to take the perfect picture for the perfect Christmas card. The most thoughtful
gifts must be purchased for everyone we know and stuffed in the cutest gift bag
imaginable. We have to plan the perfect menu for the perfect party. And let’s
not forget we have to attend 1,001 Christmas parties. Our Christmas decorations
must be grander each year. We can’t be the only house on our street without a
blowup Santa and every bush has to be adorned with lights. Our Christmas tree
has to be filled with all color coordinated ornaments that match every other
Christmas decoration in the house. And why do we do all of this? To have the
perfect Christmas! Everything else in our lives should be perfect as well.
There’s no room for heartache on Christmas. If the Joneses are having a great and
over the top Christmas then I should be too. Those are the expectations we've
set for ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">So how do we get
back to what’s important? How do we take the pressure off of ourselves to not
be like everyone else? How do we make this season hurt a little less when we
are enduring so much heartache? I think for me it is to truly acknowledge that
nothing is perfect and can be perfect. The word really shouldn't be in our vocabulary.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">I pray that over the
next week I place my focus on the manger. My hope is to have a grateful heart
because even in the midst of this far from easy holiday, I still have countless
blessings. First and foremost, I serve a God who sent His only son to this
imperfect world to save me from my imperfections and the imperfections of this
world. And that in and of itself is a lot to focus on and to be thankful for.
So if you see me start to have a pity party this week or try to over compensate and start planning the "perfect" Christmas dinner, make me re-read this
post. Help me refocus if needed and send me back to the manger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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and Merry Christmas! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-8645318363829529872013-12-18T21:26:00.001-08:002013-12-19T19:21:45.152-08:00Stopped. Me. In. My. Tracks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Lord, I pray I am teachable and even in the midst of this storm I praise your name. </div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-28760721337378263572013-12-16T18:07:00.001-08:002014-02-05T20:42:59.826-08:00ThankfulnessProject 28<br />
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-81611385972749429342013-12-14T22:58:00.001-08:002014-02-05T20:37:02.549-08:00Hell on Earth<div>
Today (or should I say yesterday and today since it is past midnight) I've wanted to do nothing but kick and scream. I am tired of this nightmare I'm living in. In a nutshell this has been what's going on. My mother had a medical set back in late October. During her recovery, she filed for divorce from my father and moved out. At times this all feels like more than I can bare. I have so many questions but there are no answers. My mother continually shuts me out. This causes me great hurt. This hurt builds up and turns to anger so when we do talk it gets ugly. I take blame for the ugly part these days. However, imagine the hurt if your mother wouldn't even tell you where she lives or didn't even tell you she was filing for divorce. I know I have to learn new coping mechanisms. I've also been fighting for better treatment for her and my parents' marriage. I'm trying to stop fighting her battles. But then I listen to the despair in my fathers voice each day and it tears me a part. My mother and father have always adored each other. Wow, just typing all of this brings me to tears. I cannot believe this is my life. My family life has spiraled out of control over the past two months. If you would have told me on October 19 that all of this would have happened I would have called you a liar. I use to talk to my mom daily about the most insignificant stuff like what I was having for dinner and now I have no clue what is going on. Everything about my mom has changed like the flick of a light switch. And nothing about this nightmare ever gets better. It only gets worse. That first week was easy street compared to the weeks that have followed. </div>
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What's the point of sharing this? It certainly isn't to air my dirty laundry. In fact, I've been doing a lot of blogging but not publishing. I've been scared of the backlash. But you know what, this is what is happening in my life right now. This is my journey in life and that's what this blog is about. I pray that I look back a year from now and can't believe we went through all of this. I pray for healing all around. I pray this isn't the end to my parents' marriage. I pray we celebrate their 34 wedding anniversary next year. Most of all, I pray we survive this mess. My dependency on God has significantly increased and I am thankful for that. Because although my parents are not the same, the God I serve never changes. </div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-89041826737167474262013-12-06T19:28:00.002-08:002013-12-06T19:30:29.004-08:00Christmas Cards, Invites and Prints For pricing information, please contact me at amy.stokes.painter@gmail.com. Merry Christmas!<br />
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<br />Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-23379852288012045702013-12-01T18:12:00.001-08:002013-12-19T19:22:59.340-08:00Conversing with God<div>
Lord, I didn't ask Psalm 26:2 for my life. I am being tested and tried and I did not ask for it. You see there must be a mistake. I signed up for the easy track. You know the one where only these type things happen to other people. My form must have gotten mixed up with someone else's. It's ok though. You can fix it real quick and everything will be ok. Alright? </div>
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What do you mean you never promised me an easy track? It's been pretty easy so far. Sure there have been bumps along the road but I've been able to take care of those bumps. What's that? Yes, I realize I said I've been able to handle them. That's what I do. I'm a problem solver. I have a career in the hospitality industry. I was born to solve problems. But now I can't fix this one. I can't get through to the one who needs to be fixed. Wait, wait, wait a minute! You want me to step back and surrender my control to you, Lord? Do you really know what you're asking of me? Of course your ways are greater than mine but you can use me to solve the problem. I don't mind at all. In fact, I want to help. </div>
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I don't understand you when you say you don't need my help. Of course you do because this impacts my life and so many others. I need to have some of the reigns. </div>
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Alright, I will try to listen. I will lay it all at your feet. Please forgive me when I try to pick it back up. I want to honor you. After all, you do know what's best.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Lord, I want to let you know that most of the times things don't go right if I'm not in control. I've seen things come crashing down too many times without me. That's right you are the Alpha and Omega. So I'm laying it at your feet once again. Asking you Father to bless this situation. Sharpen us Lord. Let us grow in you. Let us glorify you. Change heavy and stubborn hearts because if anyone can do that it is you. Help me not to correlate my hope and joyfulness with the outcome of this situation or how it plays out in the process. My hope is in you. My strength is in you. </span></div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-1657637168559286642013-11-18T20:22:00.001-08:002013-12-19T19:23:18.085-08:00UpdateWhen I began Project 28, I never could have imagined the trials that were going to be a part of my path. This past month has been tough. It has without a doubt been the hardest thing I've ever been through. Having a sick parent is painful. There has been a lot of ups and downs but mostly downs. My whole world has been shakened. Some days it has been a real challenge to find something to give thanks for. While other days, I've been overwhelmed by God's great blessings for my life. God knew what He was doing though when He gave me this idea on my 28th birthday to find something new to give thanks for everyday. He knew of the trials ahead and knew I needed to focus on the good and the blessings in my life. As I told a co-worker who sent me an encouraging text the other day, I've always been the glass is half empty type of girl. It is time for me to focus on the fullness. Although it has been challenging at times to look for new things to be thankful for, this trial has also given or shown me new things. For example:<br />
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Day 43- the ability to take everything to God in prayer</div>
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Day 48- God's design of marriage. I'm so thankful to have a helper in this crazy thing called life. </div>
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Day 64- The promise of brighter days ahead. </div>
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Day 67- Comforting words </div>
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Before I end this post, I must thank my incredible support system. God is so amazing how he has put some many people in my life right now that are able to relate and have opened up their loving arms to me. You all deserve more than just one day of thanks. </div>
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So there it is folks. Here's your update on Project 28. Until next time. </div>
Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-16355095077625351782013-10-29T21:39:00.001-07:002014-02-05T20:43:22.067-08:00What a Difference a Week MakesWow. Last week was a doozy. There is nothing more stressful than having a very sick loved one and nothing you can do to help (except lay it in God's hands). I don't want to go into details about what happened out of respect for my family. But the reason for this post is to express my overwhelming gratitude for the AMAZING and BEST support system anyone could ever ask for. I never knew how truly loved and cared for I was until last week. All the prayers, kind words and continuous texts and phone calls held me together when I felt like I was going to crumble apart. Great things happen when you have a network of people praying for you and great things have. I am beyond blessed to be so cared for and to have friends who pray for each other. So if you sent a text, made a call or said a prayer last week for my family and me, THANK YOU.<br />
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And thank you Lord for carrying me through and giving me so many amazing friends. God is so good and faithful.<br />
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-68708467323020488272013-09-12T18:32:00.000-07:002013-09-12T18:32:50.616-07:00Project 28<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tuesday was my 28th birthday. I previously shared some of my
anxiety about getting older. I'm relieved to say that my anxiety is now gone. I
woke up an hour early on my birthday. Our air conditioner was out on our entire
main floor. Since it was 81 degrees at bedtime the night before, I decided to
sleep on an air mattress in the bonus room because we have a separate unit
upstairs. I surprisingly had an overall great night’s sleep but awoke to an
aching back (that part was not a surprise). I went downstairs to get
ready and prepare for my 12 hour workday ahead. I decided I was going to use some
of my extra time to meditate. I'm not very good at meditating. My mind tends to
wonder very quickly and often. I decided I would try to focus my prayers on all my blessings over the 28 years of my life and not so much
my requests. I praised God for so many loved ones and named them individually.
I gave God all the glory for my successes and where I am in life. When I was
finished praying, the phrase smell the roses came to mind. I then thought, there's no need of worrying
about what the future holds or what it is going to look like but I need to stop
and smell the roses every day. I just imagined how much fuller my life would
feel if I consciously took time to look for something new to be thankful for.
I've decided to do just that. I'm going to thank God for something new and
different for each day of my 28th year on earth. I am going to share them on
here as well. I know it's going to be hard to post everyday and I certainly
don't want to bore my surprisingly growing followers to tears. However, I do
plan to journal something every day and share my list periodically.
I'm beyond excited now about being 28. It's funny how quickly your prospective
can change. I know one day I will look back and laugh at myself for my fear of
getting older when I was only 28. For those who know me well, you know I'm not a naturally
positive person. It is going to take some effort and disciple on my part
to focus on the blessings. I hope in this year that I can change the way
I see the world. I also hope that my relationship with God will deepen and that
my praises do nothing but glorify His name.</span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Funny
thing after I decided on doing this, a friend posted this on Instagram. I'm
hoping project 28 will do just that.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Also,
my devotion on day 2 was this. I think God is reaffirming with me that this is
a good plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">And
here's my items of thankfulness so far… <br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1.
All the love I was surrounded with on my birthday.</span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2.
This gorgeous sunset. This sunset actually gave me chills. It's beyond humbling
to me to know that the God that created the universe loves me.</span></span>
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3. A supportive group
of family and friends that prays for me. </div>
<br />Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-55291935831866857292013-09-08T18:56:00.000-07:002013-09-08T18:56:01.741-07:00Another Crazy Fall <div class="MsoNormal">
Oh I wish I could say I am looking forward to fall but just thinking
about the next couple of months brings me nothing but anxiety. I have a full
plate. I realize having a full plate means I have a lot to be thankful for. I have
a job where I am in demand. However, just looking at my schedule gives me an
ulcer. No kidding, I really think I’ve developed a stomach ulcer. When I think
about my upcoming week this week makes me want to run to my momma’s house. You
know because running to your momma’s house means no responsibilities and no
real worries. First off, this work week is going to be like 60 hours! And it is
my birthday. Doesn’t that sound like a lot of fun? Oh my birthday…. That brings
another load of anxiety to me. If I skip the presents and cake can I skip
getting older? It’s a deal so don’t worry about writing on my Facebook wall on
Tuesday because I am skipping it this year. I do not know why I am having such
a hard time as I inch closer and closer to the big 3-0, especially when my
friends who have already reached that milestone birthday take it in stride and
make it look not so bad after all. Each year just goes faster than the one
before. I need things to sllllooooowwwww down a little. I cannot believe how
fast the months fly by. </div>
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I am also very grateful that in the midst of my crazy fall
schedule that we have some really fun things planned. In ten days (if I survive hosting Business
After Hours and a football team) we leave for the beach. And just not to any beach. I am going to my
happy, happy, happy place which is Saint Simons Island, Georgia. I must keep my
eye on the goal. I am so excited that our friends Trina and Marshall will be
joining us. While we are there Trina will turn 30 (which adds to my own anxiety
about getting older but this is the part where I am supposed to focus on the
positive… ha ha). We are also planning to attend the UT vs. Auburn game in
November. Plus my best friend is getting married at the end of this month. I
cannot wait! I must keep focused on all the good and exciting stuff and not how
overwhelming and almost impossible my schedule seems. I would appreciate any
prayers and support. </div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-83049094981621712922013-08-18T16:20:00.001-07:002013-08-18T16:25:40.338-07:00A Bridal TeaI hosted a bridal tea for my best friend Andrea last Sunday. It was the first tea that I've ever hosted. I had three teas when I got married (one from my church in Florence, one from Greyson's church in Hartsville and one given by my bridesmaids in Murfreesboro). I've learned that bridal teas are not as popular here as they are at home in Florence. I've found myself having to explain the difference between a tea and a shower to a lot of people the last couple of years. Here are the main differences in a nut shell.<br />
1. For showers there is normally a set arrival time but at a tea it is flow event. Teas are usually an hour and half to two hours. That is why tea invitations have a start time and end time listed and showers mostly have just a start time. <br />
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2. The honoree doesn't open her own gifts at a tea. The hostesses unwrap the gifts as they come in (typically in another room) and records the gift and who it is from and then takes the gifts in the main room and displays them on a table.<br />
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3. My favorite difference. There are no games at teas! Sorry gals, there is no toilet paper bride or how well do you know your groom games. I know, I am no fun. Your time at a tea is just spent visiting with guests and eating.<br />
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So now about Andrea's tea.</div>
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I absolutely loved her invitation. Ignore the black line, I had to black out my address. </div>
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Now my favorite part... THE FOOD. Her menu was as follows.</div>
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I worried myself to death about coming up with the perfect menu and the perfect recipes. I am not sure if it was perfect but it was pretty close in my "humble" opinion. A huge shout out to my mom for coming up early to help me prepare all the food. </div>
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In typical Amy fashion I used several recipe specs to come up with my very own and great chicken salad recipe.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1/2 cup light or regular mayonnaise<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1/2 cup light or regular sour cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 teaspoon salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1/2 teaspoon pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2 pounds skinned and boned chicken breasts,
cooked and chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3 cups red and white seedless grapes, halved<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 cup chopped pecans, toasted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">½ cup celery finely sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Directions:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-right: 7.9pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Stir all ingredients together adding the grapes last. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving. We scooped the chicken salad into little puff pastries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I also found this amazing recipe for chess squares. They were a hit at the party. We actually followed this recipe exactly how it is listed. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dessert/chess-squares.html">http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dessert/chess-squares.html</a> </div>
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The last recipe I want to share with you is Almond Tea. I fell in love with this stuff at my bridal tea in Hartsville. I think it is a must to any bridal tea. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Almond
Tea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2
cups sugar or Splenda (I’ve used both)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1
gallon water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">8
tea bags<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2
TBSP almond extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Directions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brew
tea, add sugar to warm tea to dissolve and add almond extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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There you have it folks. It was a great tea for my best friend. Let me know if you decide to host a tea of your own. </div>
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<br />Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-27985032960977857182013-08-09T20:34:00.001-07:002013-08-09T20:57:48.637-07:00Cranking Out More DesignsI am having a blast designing invitations and custom prints for friends and family, in addition to making more samples. Here are a few of my latest projects. Please remember custom designs just start at $5! Please contact me for more details.<br />
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<br />Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3931331271526428549.post-64256276674827849302013-07-30T17:16:00.000-07:002013-07-31T11:26:10.599-07:00Allison<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been proud of my friends before but I don’t think
anything even comes close to how proud I’ve been of my friend Allison these
last four days. Allison lost her mother to an aggressive and a considerably
short battle with cancer on Friday afternoon. The service for her mother
yesterday was nothing like I’ve ever experienced. It was such an amazing
tribute to her mother and an even greater one to the God her mother so
devotedly served. The song “I Can Only Imagine” was played yesterday at the
funeral. This song has always had an overwhelming emotional effect on me. I
cannot listen to it without crying. The thought of one day standing in the
Glory of God brings me to tears. Yesterday, the song literally took my breath
away. I think the entire congregation heard me gasp for air between my sobs.
Just thinking about Allison’s mom there with her new heavenly body that is
cancer free </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">standing in the presence of our Savior was a
true worship experience unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left there yesterday feeling so close to
God and in awe of all His wonder. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">God laid two important lessons on me during the service. One
is I want to live a life worthy of my calling. I want to impact the lives of
others and serve mankind just as Mrs. Hinton did. She was a great example of a
servant heart. The things she did were not always something noticed or
acknowledged at the time either. One example is she would smock burial gowns
for stillborn babies. I cannot imagine the impact those small gowns had on so
many grieving family members. I really left there thinking that I need to be
doing more. I need to show others the love of Christ through service. Secondly,
Mrs. Hinton was in full submission to God. She surrendered everything to Him.
Throughout her battle with cancer, she would always say she would be healed by
God, whether that was on Earth or in Heaven. She prayed for His Will to be done
over all else when it came to how she was healed. Her full trust was completely
in Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I told Allison last night that she and her family did
an amazing job planning the service and that I was so proud of her grace
through it all, she quickly reminded me that the praise belonged to God and not
to her. She faced the hardest thing any of us in our group of friends has faced
and she did it with such grace. She has continued to praise Him in this storm.
She hasn’t questioned His ways but has accepted His will. She has actively
chosen to see God. While others would declare this a tragedy and question God,
Allison has acknowledged God’s will was done. Not only has she continued her
mother’s legacy through doing this but she has also honored her Heavenly
Father. And all this is why I cannot be any prouder of her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I feel like I should also mention how humbled I am to have
such an amazing core group of friends. We came from all over and dropped
everything to be there for Allison. My friend Ashley and her husband, David
drove from Chattanooga, TN to Florence, AL and back in one day just so that
they could be there on the day of the visitation. A large crew of us all piled
into my parents’ house for two days just to be there in Florence. We wanted to
be there to pay our respects and offer whatever support we could. The support
and love that was there this weekend was beyond overwhelming to all of us. Allison’s
baby girl, Alexis is probably happy not to have at least three of her mom’s
sorority sisters in her face at all times. Although, we did have a lot of fun
fussing over her and blowing bubbles in the backyard. I know Allison was
extremely grateful and honored by not only our presence but the presence of so
many. The line at the visitation wrapped around the funeral home. I think this
speaks volume to Allison and her family as well. I’ve always said Allison is the
friend that will drop anything for any of us, no matter what it is. I am so
pleased we were able to do that for her. I am so thankful for the gift of friendship.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allison wrote these words below and they were shared at the
service yesterday. As the preacher who read this said, “This was spoken better
than any Baptist preacher.” Allison, my friend, you have a gift in your
writing. You also have the gift of a servant heart just like your mother and
you’re a Godly lady that seeks Him first. You demonstrate love just as 1
Corinthians Chapter 13 reads. And that my friend, will forever make me proud of
you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also acknowledge that the glory
does belong to Him above. </span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To some of you she is
known as a teacher, friend, mentor, creative individual, seamstress, quilter
and even more characteristics than I can think of at the moment. To one person
for 42 years she is known as wife and companion. To mine and my sisters’
children she is known as grand momma and finally to my sister and I she is
simply known as mom. <o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I kept thinking of
this verse and this version throughout the time we have all been on this
journey. It was a quick nine months but even with all the ups and downs along
the way one thing remained the same LOVE, I witnessed firsthand 1 Corinthians
13:4-7, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Love
is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or
conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence; and is not
resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the
truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever
comes.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To endure whatever
comes, my dad showed this above all measure. He nurtured her, had everything
programmed down to the second as to where he wouldn’t miss one little thing. He
prayed along with my sister and I without ceasing for ultimate healing, Earthly
or Heavenly. There was always trust and hope in the LORD and knowing that he is
in control.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the very start of
this journey mom always told us that wither she had Earthly healing or Heavenly
healing she was a winner either way. Selfishly we all wanted her here with us,
but the LORD knew that he was preparing a place for her and knew just when he
was going to call her home to him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was a pleasure and
humbling experience I know for me and I’m sure my sister too, to be able to be
there these past few weeks. Take some of the weight off of dad, sit there and
talk with mom, pray for her, just be near her. Witness her visits with the
grandchildren and her sons-in-laws. We all have our meeting places with her in
Heaven and what a wonderful reunion that will be.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our mom might not be
physically with us anymore but she is and always will be forever present in our
lives. The values, beliefs and traditions that she incorporated into our family
will live on. The memories of her loving our children so much that no matter
what was going on that day she would always come to their aid if one of them
was sick or just needed her. One time she drove from Mississippi after taking
care of Caleb back to the house in Florence to repack and drive all the way to
Nashville to take care of Alexis all in the same day. That was just another way
that she showed her love not only to the grandchildren but to us girls. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some parents you can
ask which child do you love more, now smart parents will say I love all my
children the same. My mom was a smart lady, even though I tried to get her to
slip up from time and time and admit it was me. But mom truly loved her children
the same, neither Adrienne or I lacked the same amount of love, it might have
been expressed differently from time to time but she loved us both very much
and did everything in her power to make sure that we were ok. Mom would say
that God gives you children to keep your prayer life current. Those long time
friends of the family know exactly what we are talking about, if it wasn’t a
four wheeler wreck resulting in a coma in Birmingham Hospital or Kidney Stones
resulting in being airlifted from the Bahamas to Florida or numerous other
illnesses and accidents. Mom would also say that my guardian angel was off
playing in left field when some of those things took place. Well now I know not
to worry anymore about my angel getting off track. Our mom is in heaven today
glorifying God with her new cancer free body. And she is also giving our
guardian angels just a few pointers on how to take care of us just a little
better. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We don’t look at it as
mom lost her battle, she got the ultimate prize. Being in Heaven with our
Heavenly Father, who we will all see not all too soon enough. The angels were
rejoicing when mom walked through those heavenly gates on Friday and she not
only walked but ran into the arms of Jesus and all of those we have lost
before.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you walk away from here to remember
anything remember that through everything she did, she did it through love.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“These three things continue
forever: faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>1 Corinthians
13:13<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And her love for the
lord, family and friends has left an imprint on our hearts that will last
forever. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gone but not
forgotten,<br />
a memory deep in my heart,<br />
a promise of tomorrow,<br />
of one day we won’t part,<br />
You went ahead of me,<br />
seeing all I want to see,<br />
but I know where you will wait for me,<br />
its just beyond where I can see,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
time might be slow before we go home,<br />
to reunite on Gods golden shore,<br />
but I know where you wait for me,<br />
its where you have no pain anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know where you wait
for me,<br />
in the presence of our King,<br />
He’s preparing a place for me,<br />
only he knows how long I’ll be.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But I know where you
wait for me,<br />
It’s just beyond where I can see. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Amy P. http://www.blogger.com/profile/05157307741204886046noreply@blogger.com0