The future Mrs. Charles

So, for those of you who don't know already.... I AM ENGAGED!!!!!!!! I am super excited. We went to Callaway Gardens yesterday to see the Butterfly House and we had a nice lunch. And he proposed to me on the way home. It was really sweet. My ring is beautiful. It's my great-grandmas 70 year old, 4th generation ring. 1/3 carat princess cut. I love it. It is totally unique, a family heirloom and no one else on earth has a ring like mine.

There are a gazillion things running thru my head right now, but I am stoked. Beth and I went to Wal-mart last night and bought wedding magazines and a wedding organizer, with everything you could possibly need to know about planning a wedding in it. I just wanted to share this with all of you, and let you know how excited I am. I love you all and will keep you posted of dates and info. And I am going to try to figure out how to post pics, so I can put some on here.

Do something... or shutup!!

It seems like every singles group I have ever been, at one time in my life or another, decides to complain and argue about stupid stuff. Like, the songs are too traditional, the speaker is too boring, the carpet isn't the right color, the speaker said something they didn't like... I could go on and on and on. So, our new Singles pastor at Hebron decided to join the Singles and College and Career group together two weeks ago. This means that there are people ranging in ages from 18 to 65 in our group.
Well, instead of going to our pastor and telling him their complaints, some of my friends in the group spent two hours at Johnnys Pizza on Thursday night arguing, complaining and criticizing our group, which happens to be called ONE. Ironic, huh? I was the only in the group who didn't agree with them, boy am I used to that? Anyways, they asked me what I thought. I said that I didn't care who came to our services, as long as God was there and that God would show up regardless. I also told them to stop coming, go to him with their problems, or shutup. Normally, I am a very laid back and tolerant person, but I was sick of talking about it and hearing all the negativity. I told them not to ask me anything about it anymore and that I was done with the whole conversation.
I think that one of the reasons it made me so mad is because in the Bible Study that I do with my best friend, Anne, we are studying Phillipians 2. As a matter of fact, we just finished talking about the verse that says, "Do everything without complaining or arguing." It just makes me sad that people let small insignificant things determine whether they are going to praise Jesus or not. It makes no sense to me.

Anyways, on to the rest of my life. Since my coworker got fired, I am now going to be able to work 40 hours a week... a blessing in and of itself. I am still trying to find a parapro job, but until then God has blessed me with more hours, which means more money, which means I won't freak out about money as much anymore and I can get out of debt that much faster! Praise the Lord.

And, for all you sappy, love struck girls out there ( Heather Anne and Sarah) and Freddie Hershel, my stepmom is giving me her engagement ring. It is fourth generation handed down, solitaire, 1/3 carat, PLATINUM, 70 years old and beautiful. Another blessing in disguise. Now Robert and I can take the money he had saved up for a ring and put it towards the wedding, honeymoon, or save it for a down payment on a house one day. He hasn't popped the question yet, but I have a feeling it will be soon. We are going to Callaway Gardens for my birthday to see the 40 acre butterfly garden and for anyone who has known me for more than five minutes, you know how much of a butterfly freak I am. Brooke, Beth and Anne all say it would be romantic if he proposed to me there, but we shall see.

So, I am bunny sitting this weekend, as well as staying at my friends house. It's pretty cool.. Internet access, cable, mountain dew and soaking in a bubble bath in her huge garden tub. Not too shabby. Let me just say that, although bunnies are cute, I could never have one as a pet. They stink, shed and just sit in a cage and wiggle their nose. And, I might add, cleaning out their litter box is no fun either. So, that's my weekend and that's what's been going on in my life. Talk to you guys later. Much love for ya!!!

An Ode to my mom

This time of year always makes me a little sad and I find myself breaking out old photo albums and reminiscing of years past. Since Mothers Day is Sunday, I have been thinking a lot about my mom. We were talking in my college and career group last night about how time is fleeting and how you never know how long you have to live on this earth. Depressing, huh? But, we were also talking about Phillipians and how even though Paul was in prison and facing death, he remained joyful and praised God!! Then, Jon (my singles Pastor) told us of a very prestigious surgeon in the area who is a devout man of God, and lives Christ out in his life. He found out a few weeks ago that he contracted Hepatitis C and doesn't know how long he has to live. He has a wife and three small children. Well, the human thing to do would be to cry and scream and plead with God while yelling out things such as "Why does this have to happen to me" and "Why did you do this to me, God?" Well, this doctor was joyful and telling everyone he met about Jesus, days after finding out he had a deadly disease. WOW!!

Well, this is how my mom was. She found out she had cancer in January of 1999. She was a parapro for Special Education at Winder-Barrow High School. She started chemo treatements a few days after her diagnosis. But, you would never know she had cancer based on her attitude. She went to school everyday, loved her job and those kids, and always had a smile on her face. Even when she was weak, pale and sick, she would tell me it's gonna be ok. I was and am still amazed at her character and attitude. She had the attitude of a verse in Romans that is dear to my heart-" Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." This was her life. She was a living example of Christ.

She taught me to love everyone, regardless of their situation, attitude or how they have treated others.
She taught me to never give up, even when times are hard.
She taught me to never take life for granted, life is fleeting and to make each day count.
She told me I was beautiful, that she loved me and was proud of me.
People tell me that I remind them of her, or that I look like her.
I hope and pray that I can be even half the woman she was.
My mom is my hero and I miss her and love her dearly.

So, on this Mothers Day and every day after, tell the people in your life that you love them and show them how important they are to you. Because, you never realize how much you love someone and how much they mean to you, until they are gone.

I love you mom!!!

Changes

Changes. They are hard and often, unwanted, however, in the end, they stretch you and ultimately make you a better person, right? If that is the case, I should be as stretch as a rubber band or a stretch armstrong doll ( if any one knows what that is). This past week is the week of changes. First of all, Beth and I have a contract on our house. After 4 to 6 months of zoning stuff, we will have sold the property and moved into her parents double-wide across the street. The awesom thing is that Beth's parents-whom I love dearly-will get to build their dream home, which they totally deserve. This means that we will be living with them while they build the new house. Which means, inevitably, that I will probably gain 20 pounds from eating Mama Ellen's (Beths mom) good cooking.

Then, I get a call from my dad saying that my stepmom got a new job in Blairsville, making double what she does now and that he, Rachael and Jacob, my brother, will be moving by the end of the summer. My brother will be starting school at Union County and will still be in band and drama and all that. They were going to wait until he graduated, but, due to a lot of issues with the band program and certain individuals at his school, he said that he was ready to start somewhere new. Now, you may not think this is a big deal. Blairsville is only an hour and a half away, right? Well, if you knew how much I love and depend on my family, you would understand.

It's funny- God has been showing me that I need to put Him before other people. I spend so much time seeking advice and counsel from other people, instead of coming to him with my problems. My daddy was and is like that for me. He always knew the right thing to say and would help me solve all my problems. Since I am out on my own, I have HAD to become more independent and I think that my family moving will further that process along. But, on the other hand, I will miss them terribly. Now all of my immediate family is at least an hour and a half away. Gas prices better go down soon, for my sake!!!

And, last, but not least, Robert and I have been talking more about the M word. We looked at rings and are talking about where we are going to live. I am so excited and scared at the same time. I know he is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with and I know that God sent him to me. Marriage is definitely a BIG change. I will keep you guys posted and will let you know when the 1/3 white gold, princess cut, size 5 is on my finger!!!!

Brokeness

Hey Guys!!! In lieu of Heather Anne, I decided to do my blog in her favorite color today. So, you know that song, Brokeness? Well, it has never been more important in my life than this past week. I have been struggling a lot lately with certain things in my life: Worry about the future, job situations, goals I haven't reached, etc. So, I was at my women's Bible Study group this past Friday night. I had only slept for an hour the night before because I had a six hour long nightmare. To make a long story short, it was about being trapped and not finding familiar people or surroundings. I was crying out for help and no one could help me. I felt so alone and scared. I was telling the ladies about my dream and talking about how I feel it related to my life. All of a sudden, six years of junk that I thought I had dealt with and moved on, suddenly sprang out of me and I burst into tears. It was definitely spiritual warfare and mass confusion. I talked for about 30 minutes about everything I was thinking and going through. All the ladies laid hands on me and prayed over me. That night, I went home and knelt at my bed. I cried out to God and asked him to help me and he did. I slept like a baby that night. I actually had fun on Saturday at my Defensive Driving Class and this past week has been amazing. Even on Tuesday and Wednesday when I had a stomach bug and felt like crap, God was still rocking my face off. I became broken and vulnerable to Him and to my friends and He released one stronghold that I had in my life for years and is slowly releasing the other one. God is awesome!! I will post more later.

I lose!!!

Well guys!!

I hate to say it...but I accidentally forgot to blog last week. It has been so crazy in my life. I have a to do list 5000 miles long. Today, in between work and getting my car fixed (yet again), I was looking for the closest Defensive Driving class in my area. Unfortunately, the judge said I can't do it online, which costs $25, I have to drive to Lawrenceville, sit for 6 hours and pay $75. I am beginning to think I should have just paid my tickets and gotten on with my life. Yesterday I spent 45 minutes on the phone with my credit card company. The funny thing is, I didn't even know I had a credit card anymore until I got a $3.95 bill from Blockbuster. The credit card company has to know everything about me, except for my shoe size it seems like. This past weekend was awesome. I did Disciple Now at Hebron. My friend Andie and I led a group of 11 7th grade girls. We had 4 salvations in our group and about 75 total. It was amazing. So, that is my life right now. Crazy, busy and time consuming. I wish I had time to finish the book that I have been attempting to read for a month, the Bible Study I am 3 days behind on and the journal entry that still needs to be updated. Oh well, that is life, I guess.

Been There, Done That, Don't wanna go back EVER!!!

This week was a first experience for me-I spent five hours of my work day yesterday in traffic court. I got a speeding ticket back in January because my speedometer was broken, well, actually I got two tickets. One for speeding and one for a broken speedometer. So, after spending $155.25 to replace my instrument panel, I figured I would go to court, show the judge my receipt and hopefully get my fines reduced. It was the scariest experience of my entire life. I sat thru five trials, was surrounded by inmates in orange jumpsuits yelling in the judges face, 75 angry and irritated people just like me, waiting to talk to the judge. The guy that sat beside me got escorted out of the courtroom and straight to jail for refusing to pay a fine. It was insane. After 5 hours, it is my turn....

I go up to the podium and the judge asks me how I plead. I say guilty to both charges, but I have a receipt. So, he drops my $85 speedometer fine, orders me to go to Defensive Driving School ( I haven't figured that one yet), my $145 speeding ticket was reduced to 50 bucks and he dropped my speed from 60 in a 45, to 59 in a 45, so my Insurance won't go up.

The Lord definitely showed me favor and blessing. If there is one thing I learned yesterday, it is that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of sound mind. He took a horrible situation and showed me that He was in control. Looking back on it now it was a great learning experience.

So, the next time I watch Judge Judy on TV, I can say-"Been there, done that, don't wanna go back-EVER!"

Patience is definitely a virtue

Wow guys!!! This has definitely been the week for patience for me. On Saturday, Robert bought a brand new Ford Ranger pickup truck equipped with a 6 disc CD changer, storage space and a bed liner. We went to Blockbuster (our home away from home), rented movies, went and picked up my brother and became couch potatoes. When we were headed to my house that night, his brand new truck died and we spent 2 hours waiting on a tow truck. He finally got it back today.

Then, I took my car to the shop on Monday to get the speedometer fixed, since it is a bit wishy washy. I got two tics and needed to get it fixed before court next Thursday. Four days later and the mechanic still has it. He didn't even have the common courtesy to let me know it wasn't ready yet. I have to call him and then we go all the way there and the gate is locked and my car is nowhere to be found. I better get my Bonita Blanca back today or the wrath of Amber may prevail. Scary, huh? We are going to visit Robert's mom this weekend!!! I will let you know how that goes next week. Three blogging weeks in a row. It's a miracle!!!

Blog Challenge-Week #2

Wow!! You get to read my post for two weeks in a row... it's a miracle. Someone better call Guiness and tell him to put it in the next edition of his book. I am sorry that my buddy Heather Anne is sick. I am praying with all my might that I don't get it. My coworker, Roberta and her entire family, have the stomach virus. My boss' wife degermified (don't know if that's a word) with 409, Lysol and every other cleaning product known to man. Since Roberta and I work in such a small space together, I am praying even harder. Hey Heather, at least you get to catch up on a lot of reading. I love you and hope you feel better soon.

Anyways, nothing new or exciting has happened since last week. Except that I celebrated my 1 year anniversary this past Sunday. We ate at Applebee's and saw Pink Panther, which was ok, but nothing great. I can't believe it's been a year since Robert and I started dating. Now everyone is asking us when we are getting married and all that stuff. I personally don't mind waiting. Some things in life are definitely worth waiting for. However, I will say this, I definitely know what Paul was talking about when he said that it is better to marry, than burn with passion. It is really hard staying pure until marriage. I realize that now millions of people have access to reading about my number one struggle in life, but that's ok. I am not ashamed and have nothing to hide. Jesus is working in me and He will get me through it and make it ok.

Well, kids, it's time for me to get back to work.... Lot's more churches to prospect and emails to send out. In the mean time, I will be thinking of where I want Heather to take me to dinner, when I win the challenge.

The Blog Challenge

So, guys, Heather Anne challenged me to write on my blog at least once a week, so here I am. As you can tell from the pics on her blog, we had an awesome girls night on Friday. Basically, I can sum it up for you in a few lines-Heather is in love with a Czech guy named Alex whom is really Hot, the chocolate mousse cake pie is heavenly, there is no telling what is bound to happen when you get us hyped up on Starbucks and Heather tries to sneak a peak :). Anyways, it was great fun. Robert and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary on Sunday.. Wow.. time flies, huh? And, Freddie Herschel is a married man. Who woulda thunk? Looking for a full time job with benefits, trying to make myself drink more water and less soda, and work out at least three times a week. That's basically my world right now.

On another note, God has been teaching me something pretty amazing. I fill my life with Bible studies, College and Career groups, Small group studies and so forth, but it isn't worth poo to Him if I don't spend one on one intimate time with him alone. So, I am cutting some activities out of my life so I can focus more on Him, but I am having a hard time figuring out which ones. That's my challenge for this week. See ya!!!

My Brother the Hero

It's been a long time since my last post, so here is an update. I had the best New Years ever. My brother, Jeremy, who has been serving in the Army in Iraq for a year came home last week. I am with him, my sister in law and my parents at their apartment right now. He looks so good. He goes to take his boards to become an E5 in March and will be a Sargeant. I am so proud of him. Thank you to everyone who prayed for and supported him and the rest of the troops. Many of his friends were killed, but thank God, he is alive and well. I thank my Savior for that everyday.
Robert and I will celebrate our one year anniversary on the 26th of next month. Wedding bells are in the air. I have 12 weddings to go to or participate in this year. It is insane. Almost half of my college and career group are married or engaged. My day will come soon, but I don't want to rush it. I just want to wait on the Lord and it will happen in his timing, not mine. It will be much better that way.
I just got another raise at work and am working more hours... praise God!! Finances have been tight, but my God has been showing me day after day in so many ways how he is my Jehovah Jireh-my provider when I don't know how I am going to put gas in my car, buy groceries or pay rent.
I love living with Beth. We have so much fun. Every Tuesday night is Roomate Date Night and we always do something fun-whether it's renting a movie and eating pizza, going to Buffalos to get all you can eat wings or spending hours in Walmart or Hobby Lobby. We have fun no matter where we go.
So, that's the latest with me. For those of you who keep up with my life by reading my blog, give me a call sometime and we can talk. I won't leave my number on the blog for all the world to see. But, if you need my number, you can ask Tori, Freddie, Mary Beth or Matthew Dale. Peace out, I love you guys lots!!!!

Random Update

Hey There!! Just wanted to give you all an update about the exercising plan. The first week was good. I worked out twice a day and ate salads and tuna. But, it is already getting harder. I say this while I am at Robert's mom's house eating French Onion dips and Ruffles and drinking Pepsi. So, I am contemplating getting another job for the holidays. I need more money, especially since Christmas is like five miles away. But, if I get a job, I won't be able to have a social life. I know that isn't the most important thing, but it's a high priority for me. So, I don't know what to do. When it nears the holidays, I start thinking a lot about my mom. She was born on Christmas and the holidays make me think of her more. Everyone says that as you get older, you get closer to your parents. I wish I would have had the opportunity to see if that was true. But, as she always told me, " That which doesn't kill me will make me stronger." She always taught me to work hard for what I need, that nothing in life is free. She taught me to stand up for myself and to be the best I can be So, this is kinda a tribute to my mom, whom I love, miss and will remember forever.

Exercise... Here I come!!

So, I am on a mission to lose more inches on my arms, waist and thighs than my roomate, Beth, by January 31 st. Last night we were at Buffalo's with our friend, Lindsy discussing how we were out of shape and needed to tone up and shed a few pounds. Lindsy suggested that Beth and I make a bet and up the stakes.. at first it was loser takes winner to Red Lobster, but that didn't give me enough motivation. So, Lindsy suggested that loser buys winner a new outfit, to show off their new look for $50. This was all the motivation I needed for two reasons- 1 I am broke and $ 5o is a lot of money to me and 2 I haven't bought myself a complete new outfit in like four years, so the race is on. Beth and I took down our measurements last night and worked out for an hour. I lifted weights and did crunches this morning and walked a mile on my lunch break. I am going to work out with Robert tonight. I WANT A NEW OUTFIT, but more than that, I want to feel better in general and be in better shape. If anyone wants to offer great work out ideas, please feel free. Gotta go for now, I have more lifting and stretching to do!!!

Long time no see!!!

Wow!! It's been a while since I got to blog and boy do I have a lot to say (big surprise, huh)? My car is a piece of CRAP!!!! That's the main lesson I have learned lately. Well, that's the fact. The lesson is that God is good and HE is always there for me, no matter what. No matter how much I go into debt and how many times I have to put gas in my car in a week, I am never stranded. Somehow, it always works out. Anyone who knows me for more than a minute can tell you how big of a worrier I am. I worry about everything- dumb stuff that doesn't matter. I have this mentality that I can fix everything on my own and I don't need any one's help... WRONG!! I can't do anything without God. I know we have heard it all our lives, but it's so true. It's a good thing that He is God and I am not, because if the roles were reversed, this world would be more screwed up than it already is. So, everyone thank God right now that Amber isn't in charge of the planet!!!

Robert and I are great. We are about to celebrate our 8 month anniversary. No wedding bells yet, but it WILL happen one day, for all of you hopeless romantics out there (Heather Anne )!!! Well, I must go for now, but I will talk to you all next month sometime.

Happy Anniversary Bonita Blanca!!!

After two weeks, I finally get my car back today. It's amazing how much I have missed driving... I never thought I would. Maybe it's more about the independence, I don't know. So, yesterday was a happy day for me!! It was the anniversary of having my Driver's License for a year. I wanna give some special thanks to Amy for letting me borrow ACE (she is a very trusting friend), to Freddie Herschel for fixing my tail light the morning of my test and buying my Chick-Fil-A biscuit and to Heather Anne for giving up a Saturday to teach me how to parallel park in two hours in Jones Elementary Parking lot. Thanks everyone for your encouragement, love and support. I really apprecite. And thanks to my car, Bonita Blanca, who, although she has cost me lots of money in the past few months, is a great car 0verall. I have lots of funny and weird memories of driving in the past year. Like getting stuck in the decelleration lane at Gainesville College and having an Oakwood policeman stop four lanes of traffic so I could get out, having to get the manager of Chick-fil-A get my keys out of my car before InnerG one night, because I locked them in there,driving to Red Lobster with Freddie in downtown Gainesville on a Friday night and complaining for 30 minutes because I couldn't find a parking spot. Those are just a few memories of the past year. I am looking forward to many more. Maybe by the next anniversary, I will have driven on 85 or 285, who knows?

Living Out the Word

God has a funny way of teaching me things, especially this week. In the Bible Study I am doing with Anne for this week, James 1 is the key chapter.. all about suffering and having joy in trials. Well, my car quit on Monday and is going to be in the shop until next Wednesday.. timing belt, valves, sensors, etc. And on top of all that, it is going to cost $800 to fix. Add that to the almost $1000 I have spent on a busted head gasket and radiator and the cost is close to $2000 in three months. All because my dad didn't take care of the car and now that he has given it to me, I have to pay. I was freaking out wondering where I would get that kind of money on such short notice with a part-time job and about $200 in the bank. A close family friend offered to let me put it on his credit card and pay it back every month, which is good, but now I owe about $2000 to two different Credit Card companies. I am going to have to have like three more jobs to pay for all this, plus rent and stuff. And with Gas prices being an insane amount, that makes it worse. However, God is in control and he has been working things out about the car situation. It stinks, but knowing He is there is what keeps me sane. Oh yeah, and on top of that, I got a summons in the mail yesterday saying I have jury duty at the end of September. I don't think my week could get any better.

There's a First Time for Everything.

Saturday morning I was awakened by Elliot the Spaniel scratching on my bedroom door. So, figuring that Beth was asleep and Elliot needed to go out, I dragged myself out the door. Much to my surprise, Beth was outside picking up limbs. Today is grass cutting day she said. I am going to teach you how to weeded, so it won't take as long. Oh great!! Just what I want to do at 8 am on Sat. morning. It can't be that hard right? So, she shows me how to crank it and how it works. This weededer is like a gazillion years old and as tall as me. And boy is is heavy. To make a long story short, the yard looks great and I did a good job. However, I burned my arm and am so sore. Next time, I am going to sweet talk someone into doing our lawn for us, or I can do as Robert suggested and move into a house with astroturf, or concrete. And then I won't have to worry about it. Power to you outdoorsy people who like that kind of stuff, cuz I don't.

Random Update

Hey Guys!!
I know I don't get to post a lot because I am at work behind a computer for six or seven hours a day, but can't check my email or post on my blog, except for every once in a while. How's life you ask? Well, I love my job, and am looking for another part time job for Fridays and Saturdays. Sarah told me to get an application from Goody's, so that's where I am going after work today. It feels weird not going to school. I mean I have been going every day for the past 17 years and now I am not. I am finding that I am more tired just working than I was working and going to school. It's really weird. It's probably because I still have a very busy social life. Mondays now that there is no more Inner G will be dedicated to my best friend and our STS-Search the Scriptures Bible Study that we do every week. Tuesdays are donned "Roomie" Day in which Beth and I eat pasta, drink coke and watch a chic flick. Wednesdays I spend with my honey eating french fries and watching the boob tube. Thursdays is Nexus, the Hebron Bible Study and my weekends are always jam packed. This weekend Beth and I are going to Buckhead to visit a friend from High school.
I love living on my own, but I miss living at home too. I miss my lil brother the most. He just started high school and will march in his first football game tonight at Johnson. Well, Winder is playing Johnson. I have to get used to taking out the trash, and stuff like that. Beth is even going to teach me how to weeded-which is really scary. I haven't cut grass in like, um, Well NEVER !!! So, it should be interesting. Anyways, I will post later!!

God is Good.. All the Time!!

I just want you all to know that God rocks my face off!!!! After struggling with the same sin over and over again, I finally decided to put an end to it once and for all. Without going into explicit detail about my sin and what it involves, I will say it has a lot to do with self control. So, after talking to numerous friends and family members, praying non-stop and diving into the Word, I have figured out a way to end the madness. It's been two days already and it feels great. It's really hard and I am sure that it is going to be a constant battle and some days I will fall flat on my face, but I will get back up, with God's help and keep going. Just wanted to share with you guys how awesome God is and how much He has been revealing Himself to me lately!!!

Long time, no post

Wow!! It's been over a month since I have posted a blog. That is crazy. I have been so busy at work that I haven't been able to write. Well, living with Beth is still awesome. We have a dog named Elliot and a cat named Noel. I have never had a cat before and it is definitely a different experience. We just bought a covered cat litter box, and boy were we excited. I guess it's the small things in life. I had an interview for a parapro job with Special needs kids, but I didn't get it. I am still looking though. Robert and I are better than ever. I love him soooo much. That's basically the extent of my life right now. Went to Florida twice in July and am glad to be home. Hopefully, I will be able to update my blog more often now. Talk to you all soon.