Monday, March 22, 2010

New

I was just sitting thinking of all the new things that are entering my life just in the next month alone. It's overwhelming and I found myself saddened by this change last night. However, when I remember that I serve a mighty God that is sovereign & just, I get excited by the new things and am eagerly awaiting what God has in store for me. As I shop for & buy new material things, I'm reminded of the old Amy that, at times, got too caught in the things of this world. I just expressed to a friend last night that I never want to be that girl again and I struggle to enjoy new material things now b/c I fear making them too important in my life. This morning God placed this on my heart, "He makes all things new." As I started to dig into that further I came across this verse -

Revelation 21:1-5
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.


I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying , "Look God's home is now among his people! He will live with them and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.


And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true".

WOW - I never cease to be amazed by God's goodness. I don't think He could have shown me a more appropriate scripture than this one today!!

He also reminded me of this scripture -
Isaiah 43:18-19
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

I am beyond grateful for the new life God has given me, for His promises and His faithfulness to make all things new and that His mercies begin anew each day!

And since I am excited about my new purchases, I thought I'd share a peak with you.

First, I am the proud owner of a new sofa! I'm also having fab-o pillows made that will look much cuter than what you'll see pictured here. :)



And I'm hoping this sofa will look awesome in my new apartment that I'll move into in just over 1 month!
But before all of that, my new ring is scheduled to arrive tomorrow!! Of course it's not preferred, but I'm so grateful to have the most incredible husband in my Heavenly Father, Lord & Savior!



But the sassiest of all are my new pink converse hi-tops that I plan to journey around Italy in. For months I've been searching for the perfect blend of sporty, yet cute & comfy, for the long days seeing this amazing country.







































Tuesday, January 19, 2010

...it's been a long while...

Well, it's been quite a while & I'm sitting down not quite knowing what I'll write.  In the last few months God has been bringing my true self back.  Praise praise praise!  For about 10 months God has been stripping me of all HE knew should be done & the change wasn't comfortable, but through it HE is shaping/molding me into the woman HE intended.  Having surrendered all, I'm now learning that shopping, travel, fun and anything else I used to love is not bad - it just should never be an idol....but it is part of who HE made me.  Joyfully, I'm accepting these things back into my life & it's so exciting.  I suppose I'll use this blog to touch on randomness that comes to mind & that my mind is on tonight-

1.  This weather is making me crave spring, sundresses and flip flops.  I went jogging tonight & just felt amazing looking at the pink cotton candy clouds God made just for me!

2.  I haven't traveled abroad in several years & I'm grateful to God for the opportunity to go to Italy in a couple of months with a great friend!!!  I plan to rejoice in HIM the entire time I'm touring that beautiful country!

3.  I registered for my 1st triathlon - the Aflac Irongirl - I'm nervous and excited but it's not until June so plenty of time to figure out how to breathe while swimming properly. :)  God has taught me about endurance in the last year so I finally truly understand this verse Paul wrote - I can do ALL things through Christ Jesus Who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

4.  I bought 2 new songs on iTunes tonight.  Those songs, paired with a devotional a sweet, sweet friend mailed me, have led to a great mood & the desire to rejoice in all things tonight.  Loving the songs..."For the Good" by Shane & Shane and the praise song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us".

5.  I'm focusing on blessings tonight & am SO very grateful for the girlfriends God has touched my life with...from home in Columbus and across the ocean to Norway to Oklahoma to Colorado to all over the Southeastern U.S...these are women I hope to always do life with. I am not deserving at all, but I am incredibly thankful!!!

6.  Clothes-I'm still a little out of touch with the latest & greatest, but I know I can still put together a rockin' ensemble at an even better price any day!...and I still love doing that!  I did make an online purchase last night that I'm tickled about.  A sweater dress...or two.  I don't know what it is about sweater dresses, but I just think everyone needs at least one.  My rationalization was this - 1. they were on sale!!!  2.  they are classics that I can wear for many years to come 3.  they are just perfect for the role of tourist in Italy!!

I think I've run out of things to talk about without going into the detail of how my sweet kitties are just adorable little flufflestiltskins!!

On another note....how are some things I think are purrrrecious at the moment!