Awe

I think all of us can admit to moments in our lives in which we question not God himself, but His plan for our life. I am there right now.

Finishing school was stressful, with lots of loose ends to tie up before I could leave. I haven't made time for God lately and have been hearing that little voice in the back of my head telling me "Amy, it's time...sit down and read." I had also been thinking about looking around for a book that would hopefully speak to me and encourage me throughout this time in my life. Looking back this afternoon, I'm in awe of how God has put this all together. I'm forewarning you now, this may be a long one.

I had time to kill the other day while I was waiting on my new laptop to be installed with all the latest virus protection and spyware, so I went in Lifeway next door and walked down aisle after aisle looking for anything that would catch my eye. Something definitely did...the "ON SALE NOW" signs. I spotted a book entited "Wilderness Skills for Women," by Marian Jordan. I had never heard of the book before but because it was on sale for $3.98, I grabbed it! I did think it was probably on sale because it wasn't that great of a book, but hoping I'd glean something from this lady's wisom, I finally started reading it today.

Wow- I can't even describe what I'm feeling right now. I have no doubt that God sent me into that store last week and led me straight to the aisle where this book was waiting especially for me. We all go through periods of wilderness and search through God's map for us in hopes of finding a way out. This author uses her experience and her study to share what she's learned. And, my heart feels lighter after only reading the first few pages.

Marian first talks about the wilderness of rejection. We've all felt rejection before, whether it be from a relationship ending, a divorce, abuse, neglect, career changes, criticism, etc. She then related this to the story of Joseph in the Bible. We're all familiar with what happened with him. His brothers plotted his murder because of jealousy, they threw him into a pit and left. Have you ever thought what Joseph must have been thinking when this happened? I'd assume it might be similar to what I think, and probably you too, when I face things in life I can't seem to understand. "Why me?"

Things didn't get better for Joseph very quickly. As his brothers sat down conversing on what to do with their brother, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites approaching. When they decided there wasn't much in it for them to kill Joseph, they sold him to Potiphar. Potiphar found favor in Joseph and made him his personal aide. From there, we see that Potiphar's wife is relentless in pursuing him. He rejects her and runs away. But of course, she gets mad and has him thrown into prison. So, Joseph's trek in the wilderness isn't over yet. While he's in prison, he interprets dreams, which leads him to interpret Pharoah's dream. Can you see God's plan unfolding yet? In a matter of minutes, Joseph is taken from prison straight to Pharoah's house. Through Joseph, God warns Pharoah that a huge famine is about to occur. Because of this warning, they step into action. Joseph is now looked upon as a blessing and is seated in high rankings among the people.

Here's the application: This wasn't a situation of being in the right place at the right time. This is destiny! God brought Joseph to Egypt precisely for this reason. If his brothers hadn't hated him, then he wouldn't have been rejected. If he hadn't been rejected, they would have never sold him to the Ishmaelites. If they hadn't sold him to the Ishmaelites, he would have never interpreted Pharoah's dream. And you know what would have happened then.

In the end, Joseph forgives his brothers and can finally see the purpose in God's plan for his life. Marian says what seems like rejection is PROTECTION. God protected so many people through the life of Joseph. God makes known the wisdom of His sovereignty as He takes the events of our lives and shapes them for good. When Joseph stood weeping in front of his brothers, he unveils for them the awesome plan of a loving God who allowed the painful rejection to occur so that a great and marvelous plan could happen. We do not fear, we do not dread, we do not lose hope because we know HE IS IN CONTROL! My favorite thing she said in this chapter is this: "Did you ever think about the fact that the caravan was on its way to Egypt long before Joseph was ever thrown into that pit?" Wow- God's vision goes way past ours and His plan for us is in motion as we speak. It has been even before we were born. Aren't we so blessed to serve such an AWEsome God?

So as I sit exactly where I sat a little over an hour ago as I began reading this book, I now feel like I am sitting in the very presence of God...a God who is repeatedly telling me to not lose hope like I've been so tempted to do, but trust in Him and believe that "ALL things come together for good..." I hope that God has used this book and this blog to encourage someone, somewhere reading this to keep the faith and never, ever question our lots in life. God is good..and I'm so blessed to have been reminded of that in an ever so powerful way today. Praise Him!

NO VACANCY at the Dog Hotel!

Yes, I'm definitely living in a dog hotel! Some of my best friends in the world (the Rutledges) are gone to the beach and asked me to stay at their house and keep their pets for the week. I have three dogs (Ruby, Percy, and Lucy), a cat (Ethel), and a beta fish (Rainbow). If you know me well, you know I have never been a huge animal lover. However, I do have a bond with all these dogs since I'm around them so often. Plus, I consider these people my family and would do anything in the world for them anyway. So, here are the all-stars.

First, we have Percy.

He's much smaller than the other dogs here at the Compound. He's for sure not intimidated by the bigger dogs though. He holds his own very well and actually chases the others around the room barking if they attempt to touch his toy. He is very strong-willed and no amount of begging him will convince him to do anything he doesn't want to. He's really sweet though, and loves a little attention every now and then.

Next, we have Lucy and Ruby.

Lucy is the Boxer. She is Haley's dog. She is absolutely precious and definitely one of the smartest dogs I've ever seen. She can let herself in and out when she needs to "go potty" and is very protective of those she loves. She acts like she understands every word I say and is very well-behaved. She's lots of fun. Ruby is the bulldog. She's Adam's dog. Let's just say calm isn't exactly a word I'd use to describe her. When she was little, she would snuggle with you and lay on your lap forever. Now, not a chance. She's always excited and running around playing. I can let her out fifteen times a day, but when I come in from being gone or come downstairs, she pees in the floor from excitement. It never fails...The first time she did it she hid from me behind the curtains. HA! I love her, though.

Next, we have Rainbow. I don't have a picture, but here is Ann Marie's note she left me with a schedule of when to feed her.


Lastly, Ethel. HA- ETHEL the cat. She stays in the garage and I don't see her much. I'm allergic to cats, so thankfully she doesn't stay inside. She's very calm and isn't a bit of trouble.

So yes- this house is full for the week. I won't know what to do with myself next week when I'm away from my little friends. If you're going out of town and you need my services, let me know. JUST KIDDING!

This is exactly how I feel about now. However, I'm officially DONE! Praise God for summer!

My talented cousins!

Many of you know my cousins Paige and Brooke. They're super talented and creative! I'm excited to introduce you to their new sales blog. Click here to take a peek at what they're up to now. Also, don't forget to leave a comment and register to win a $20 Target gift card!!! Good luck, girls!

A Fight to the Finish

"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Ephesians 6: 10-18

Banana Pudding

So we all love some wonderful, easy recipes. I thought I'd share one of my very favorite with you. I just made it for a lunch at school tomorrow. It's one of those that tastes so amazing, people think you slaved in the kitchen for hours.

1 8 ounce Cool Whip
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
2 cups milk
1 box vanilla wafers
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
4 bananas

Beat milk and pudding with mixer until thick. Stir in Eagle Brand and Cool Whip. Layer vanilla wafers, bananas, and milk mixture. Refrigerate.

New Craft! Want One?

I thought I had an original idea when I thought of making a necklace out of an old Scrabble tile. However, once I began my research on how I would go about doing this, I discovered I wasn't the only one with this idea.

They're really simple to make- using scrapboook paper, tacky glue and super glue, mod podge, small bails for the pendant, and a glaze that dries to look like glass on the front. I searched for what to use as the actual necklace part, and settled on some thick, rope-like ribbon that I attached a clasp to.

If you'd like one, they're $10 and I'll ship for an addition $2. Just tell me what you'd like!