tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20041495124523453252024-03-14T04:08:19.473-04:00Live to Love.Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-14753092466999180482011-05-01T09:53:00.000-04:002011-05-01T09:53:12.832-04:001 Peter 1:6-7<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I figured since I was going through 1 Peter and wanted to dig deeper, I'd continue to post things when the Lord showed me something really incredible. :) So here it goes for today...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1 Peter 1:6-7</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
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</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-GREATLY rejoice- this is a joy that comes from the unchanging, eternal relationship with God. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Various trials=troubles</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Peter reveals characteristics of "troubles" in these verses</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. "little while"- trouble does not last.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. "if necessary"- trouble serves a purpose.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. "distressed"- trouble brings turmoil</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. "trials"- trouble comes in various forms.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. "greatly rejoice"- trouble should not diminish the Christian's joy. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-God's purpose in allowing trouble is to test the reality of one's faith. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-When a believer comes through a trial still trusting the Lord, he is assured that his faith is genuine. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>(Genesis 22:1-12, Job 1:20-22)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-The revelation of Jesus Christ refers to His second coming- specifically when He comes to call and reward His redeemed people (the rapture) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After reading this it was so evident to me that this past season has been a trial. It's been challenging and draining and at times has pushed me to the edge. It seems as if this trail is coming to an end. My only thought is, "how am I coming out of it?"Am I coming out with my faith firm and rooted in the Lord? Am I coming out with my faith broken and shattered? Or am I coming out the same as when I went in? Unfortunately, I'm not too sure where I'll be coming out. During the trial, was I greatly rejoicing? No, I wasn't. Even though on a daily basis my sweet fiance would simply remind me, "Rejoice." But if you were to ask me today, "Are you rejoicing?" I would say yes. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This season has grown me more than I could have imagined. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So think about where you're at today. Are you in one of those seasons of trial and trouble? If not, you're probably about to go into one. My advice would be to make a mental note that it wont last, serves a purpose, brings turmoil, comes in various forms, but ultimately... that it should not diminish your joy! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, when a trial comes, rejoice! </span></div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-4793032268055499492011-04-30T10:58:00.001-04:002011-04-30T11:00:27.013-04:00This. Is. It.<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are just a few thoughts from my time with the Lord this morning :) </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's start in the best place to start, the Word. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Peter 1:3-5</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wow. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I read this this morning and realized how much TRUTH was in these three verses. I wanted to dig deeper. Here is what I found...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- First, the glory goes to God. "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..."</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "Our" indicates an intimate relationship.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- The Lord's </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">great mercy</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> recognizes our sinful nature and offers us glorious salvation REGARDLESS! The Lord truly is merciful. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- A living hope = eternal life. Beautiful.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Hope" means confidant optimism. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Hope comes from God </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 43:5 - "Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Hope is a gift of grace </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Thessalonians 2:16 - "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace...")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Hope is defined by Scripture </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Romans 15:4 - "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of Scriptures we might have hope.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span> </i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Hope is a reasonable reality </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(1 Peter 3:15 - "...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...") </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. Hope is secured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(John 11:25-26 - "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">John 14:19 - "After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also."</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> 1 Corinthians 15:17 - "and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins."</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">)</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. Hope is confirmed in the Christian by the Holy Spirit</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> (</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Romans 15:13 - "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. Hope defends the Christian against Satan's attacks </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(1 Thessalonians 5:8 - "But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Hope is confirmed through trials </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Romans 5:3-4 - "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. Hope produces joy. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 146:5 - "How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. Hope is fulfilled in Christ's return. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Titus 2:13 - "Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.")</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-The living hope means nothing without the resurrection of Jesus Christ.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Eternal inheritance is...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Imperishable- something not subject to passing away, nor liable to decay. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Undefiled- unpolluted, unstained by evil. The undefiled inheritance of the Christian is in contrast to an earthly inheritance, all of which is corrupted and defiled. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Will not fade away- "fading" is the image of a withering flower. Eternal inheritance has NO decaying elements. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Our inheritance is reserved!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- "Protected by the power of God" - this is a supreme power. Omniscience. Omnipotence. sovereignty. This not only keeps the inheritance, but also keeps the believer secure! </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Faith- this is our response to God! The saving faith is permanent and it will never die. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To me, This is it. This is truth. This is the central message of the Gospel! Do you see it? There is something so beautiful about all of this. I am secure! I am rooted in the Lord's hand and will not be removed. I am here only because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Without that, I have nothing. Because of that, I have everything. I am promised eternal life with the Lord. Eternal life that is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away. I have that living hope of eternal life. I have a confidant optimism, which means SO much. And this is all because of the Lord. He is merciful. And ALL the glory goes to Him. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you see the truth? </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This. Is. It.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-51779415791987634022011-04-30T10:25:00.000-04:002011-04-30T10:25:19.189-04:00I'm Back!<div style="text-align: center;">Obviously I have been terrible at blogging for the past... oh, 3 months or so. Mostly since I've been back at school. Any of you who have been around me lately or have talked to me frequently know that school has been controlling my life. Well, I am happy to say that I'm done. (Okay... I still have four finals and a portfolio to assemble. But other than that, I'm DONE!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday I was talking to Matt and my best friend Michele about how when I was in Haiti over the summer I thrived on spending time with the Lord first thing in the morning on the balcony outside the room. There was something about being outside with a cup of coffee (in the heat) surrounded by mountains and beautiful trees saturating my heart with the Word. I loved it. I recently saw an email I had sent to Matt on one of those beautiful mornings saying that wherever we end up living, we have to have a balcony. And sure enough, our apartment (his until were married) has a large, beautiful balcony overlooking a lake/canal. Lovely. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've struggled so much recently to start my mornings digging into the Word. It's been a challenge because in the profession of education, early mornings are mandatory for work, which doesn't leave too much time for anything in the mornings. I can handle waking up early, but in all honesty, this semester I've completely neglected waking up an extra hour or so early to spend time with the Lord. If it fits in my day, great! If not, tomorrow will make up for it. Oh how sinful my heart is. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, all of this to say, I'm back. I realized how much more I thrived on the Word when I could be away from my roommates (I love you guys, but there's something about being ALONE with the Lord... kinda hard to do with 4 other roommates. I know you all feel the same :) haha). I realized how much I grew when I could dig into the Word, surrounded by Creation, and how much I LOVED blogging about what the Lord was teaching me. I've always had a journal. I've always written out Scripture, prayers, thoughts, whatnot. But there is something about blogging that hits home in my heart. My thoughts come easier, I can type much faster than handwriting. I've missed it. Truly missed it. This morning I spent time digging into just a few verses, I wrote everything down in my journal. But then I decided I wanted to transfer it to my blog. I want to start this again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My heart is so excited for what will happen in two months and two days. Yes, my wedding. I am going to marry a man who's heart is after God and who longs to see the Kingdom multiply and grow. I truly believe that through our marriage, we will be able to reach the Kingdom so much more effectively than alone. :) That's the beauty of marriage. But something I'm looking forward to (not quite as much) is living at our apartment and being able to spend the mornings on the balcony digging into the Word. I'm SO excited. It will be absolutely lovely. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So now, I will say, I am back :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Originally I was going to write about what the Lord showed me this morning and share some truth with you all, but this post is long enough. So I will end this post and then post Scripture along with some thoughts next. :) </i></div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-8238559938119493752011-02-17T13:07:00.002-05:002011-02-17T13:07:29.054-05:00Oh hi.I've been so busy I forgot I had a blog. Woops!Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-70013214477908943202011-02-06T17:37:00.000-05:002011-02-06T17:37:48.001-05:00Engagement Pictures!!<div style="text-align: center;">My sweet friend Ashlee (Ashlee Nicole Photography) took Matt and I's Engagement Pictures Saturday. She's such a talented photographer and we are so blessed to have her as our photographer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few of my favorites I've seen so far: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXVuh0NaIrrYlaLoffwQBHrdRyRJTRWFiUXgF27v3XkZZC-y6hJcEkRZcKIXOUv41yj4dy9UWfYPxMLB2RKboT884txNIForJNGwvu5MyZWR02fUM_NNpdVuZNmjqiyJJqtHbOSHzayPI/s1600/167330_10150094337139824_29191814823_6048526_6567899_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXVuh0NaIrrYlaLoffwQBHrdRyRJTRWFiUXgF27v3XkZZC-y6hJcEkRZcKIXOUv41yj4dy9UWfYPxMLB2RKboT884txNIForJNGwvu5MyZWR02fUM_NNpdVuZNmjqiyJJqtHbOSHzayPI/s320/167330_10150094337139824_29191814823_6048526_6567899_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU47Auwu2XW3JNgYcgQKB8O4QoxKYSBMPDCKNhUnJY7BlzhlOkllDisD4khiZI_MXVIICCx8c5wqjnBuuOtfRfLPHLhDg7VJdPQywcC73F4NNH1ZHFlYH1Z0cAEqRksMi17M4vzHpzQ-mu/s1600/179021_10150094368784824_29191814823_6048971_1745234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU47Auwu2XW3JNgYcgQKB8O4QoxKYSBMPDCKNhUnJY7BlzhlOkllDisD4khiZI_MXVIICCx8c5wqjnBuuOtfRfLPHLhDg7VJdPQywcC73F4NNH1ZHFlYH1Z0cAEqRksMi17M4vzHpzQ-mu/s320/179021_10150094368784824_29191814823_6048971_1745234_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hz83yZNOO3ZDu0rIf6ITqEucNXrx37DtarJf5ly3-dk6gCl4oiCltf7KUcVocqlQ_bFKX801mkaqTzgXlXFPOjBFoeISYr9SVdKpFd675vFfs5kJHkMFJruczcrSE0WzvrrQGqTo0ll-/s1600/179653_10150094330884824_29191814823_6048485_8087362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hz83yZNOO3ZDu0rIf6ITqEucNXrx37DtarJf5ly3-dk6gCl4oiCltf7KUcVocqlQ_bFKX801mkaqTzgXlXFPOjBFoeISYr9SVdKpFd675vFfs5kJHkMFJruczcrSE0WzvrrQGqTo0ll-/s320/179653_10150094330884824_29191814823_6048485_8087362_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEuN5NnokCJZeLiYWo-IKdm-jBrufb3N7gIPxP_BUjmweFaxujAQtkk7A4qr56GaPlKVcJmqMZnWaDXUbUtIwVuxpYty6NQ0TPAOVkOTW3YW4J8MT7silT0OjH4G35RUbR_2fzHMDrNQf/s1600/179998_10150094331374824_29191814823_6048494_4642724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEuN5NnokCJZeLiYWo-IKdm-jBrufb3N7gIPxP_BUjmweFaxujAQtkk7A4qr56GaPlKVcJmqMZnWaDXUbUtIwVuxpYty6NQ0TPAOVkOTW3YW4J8MT7silT0OjH4G35RUbR_2fzHMDrNQf/s320/179998_10150094331374824_29191814823_6048494_4642724_n.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks again Ashlee! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm blessed to be marrying this man in 146 days!</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-35450306289143628032011-02-01T23:51:00.000-05:002011-02-01T23:51:07.772-05:00Well, I haven't blogged in quite some time. I'm not sure why not. I guess because I don't have time. And when I do have time it's because, well, frankly I don't feel like it. So for those of you who actually try to keep up with my life, I'm sorry- I'm trying to keep up with it myself.<br />
<br />
I could sit here and write about what's happening in my life, but I'd bore you all to tears and in all reality, there's really too much stuff to include. So instead I'll tell you a brief story...<br />
<br />
You know those moments in your life where in one instant something happens and you immediately go back to a prior time and place. Somewhat like deja-vu. Tonight I was sitting in my car with Matt, pouring my heart out to him, which basically resulted in tears (Shocker, I know). Now, this may sound like I'm flaunting what I have, but hear me out. I'm just being honest. My fiance is truly the best. His love for me blows my mind on a daily basis. As I'm sitting there blubbering about the things on my heart, he gently reached over and wiped my tears. In that instant I was back in Garca, Brazil in the year 2005.<br />
<br />
Strange, right? Let me explain...<br />
<br />
The last day of our trip to the Alpha & Omega orphanage in Brazil, I went into sweet Isabella's room to give her a new pair of sheets and a pillow. She was the sweetest little three year old girl I've ever met. She took me to her bed and as I sat down I realized what I was sitting on. Her bed had one "sheet" on it. It was one of those really scratchy blankets full of little holes. She had me lay down next to her and I sang her a sweet song. She didn't even have a pillow. I began to cry, I couldn't contain it. Everything in me wanted to stay in Brazil with sweet Isabella, and my heart was torn. She realized I was crying and reached over and wiped my tear off my face. In that moment, Isabella was Jesus to me.<br />
<br />
See the connection?<br />
<br />
Well that's the trip my mind went on when Matt so sweetly wiped my tears from my face, it reminded me of that sweet love that I experienced almost 6 years ago.<br />
<br />
I am blessed to have someone who will wipe my tears and comfort me in the midst of restlessness in my heart. Matthew Johnson, thank you for being Jesus to me to tonight.Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-53847694104361014602011-01-19T17:55:00.000-05:002011-01-19T17:55:10.233-05:00The Lord Provides.<div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I've seen this to be true. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Time and time again the Lord provides for me and I feel His love more than ever. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The concerns of my heart are important to Him. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He knows the things that break me, and the things that fill me with joy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He provides comfort to my restless heart. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He blesses me with a joy that is endless. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh how I've seen this to be true. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Time and time again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-51901496187801507232011-01-15T09:42:00.000-05:002011-01-15T09:42:15.982-05:00Wedding, Wedding, Wedding.The wedding planning has begun. :)<br />
<br />
We've officially found our venue and I'm obsessed with it! It's gonna be fun and classy but beautiful too! I'ts so perfect. Pricing is amazing and I feel SO blessed to have found this place.<br />
<br />
And today, is going to be incredible! WEDDING DRESS SHOPPING!<br />
<br />
This is not real life :)Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-81171751214074821742011-01-11T16:08:00.001-05:002011-01-11T16:08:29.019-05:00It is Day One.Of my Tuesday/Thursday classes.<br />
<br />
I'm already stressed.<br />
<br />
CAN NOT HANDLE THIS!Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-23199454452732277862011-01-10T18:45:00.003-05:002011-01-10T18:46:22.429-05:00That Girl.<div style="text-align: center;">I've never been the girl who looks in the mirror and wants to cry. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never been the girl who counts her calories.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never been the girl who cares what/how much she eats. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've never been the girl who has to work out and burn calories. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But there are days where all i hear 24/7 is...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I'm gonna eat this because it's healthy" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I have to work out soon. I have to." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Can I eat this? Is it gonna make me fat?" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"There's too many calories in that." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And with all these voices in my head it's really hard to be the girl I've always been.</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-78224354615019389562011-01-03T12:58:00.000-05:002011-01-03T12:58:50.562-05:00The Story<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">On December 31st, 2010 he asked, I said "yes!" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We were spending New Years Eve with our families. After dinner we came back to my house to play games and enjoy the night together. We played a hilarious game of Apples to Apples and then it was time to open presents. (We didn't get to exchange presents on Christmas so we waited for both of our families to be together to do it.) We started with gifts from family members and to family members. It was lovely. Then when we got to our presents for each other Matt said he wanted it to be just the two of us, so everyone else went into the other room. He asked my mom to stay and take pictures of us opening our Christmas presents. He went first and we took turns. It was so sweet to share this memory together. Finally, we got to my last present. I opened it up and almost began crying instantly. He had created a photo book of our past year together, which is basically our love story in photographs. (Sidenote: I love photography. So to have our love story in a photo book is the most precious thing to me.) He came over and kneeled down next to me as we were looking through the pictures together and reminiscing on the past year. We were laughing and could not stop smiling as we looked back on an amazing year together. When I was on what I thought was the last page of the book I almost shut it, but for some reason I left it open as I looked at him and smiled. Then, I noticed that there was another page. As I turned the page my heart began racing and I realized what was coming. The last page was a picture of an open ring box with no ring in it. Underneath it reads "There's one thing left to do to make this year really complete...". In that moment I looked over at him and he pulled out the most beautiful ring I have ever seen. I'm not entirely sure what he actually asked me because I was screaming "Shut up!!!" over and over again. (Woops.) He placed the ring on my insanely shaky hand and we leaned in for our very first kiss ever. It was beautiful. Both of our moms were there to photograph the moment, which makes this moment even more precious to me. Within just a few seconds of it being “official” some of our best friends ran in the front door surprising us. After a few hugs, tears, and laughs, we all headed into the kitchen where the “engagement party” began. My mom had an engagement cake made in the shape of Haiti and it was decorated like Mission of Hope, Haiti where Matt and I fell in “like” (We met by leading a missions trip to Haiti together). The rest of the night was full of smiles and excitements. And, well…. The rest is history in the making. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uR2H7x1FNDJnr2FuGZFrMwnt8yh22I5VdUpyjufleIvlDgkR5d7jfvdeWJdAdzHY0TqlEh96AokKYpEZ4bfKmpJxxpnkhxgxvE8PUWS31vN4z3-Mw7rr_1BrZ6cuTyd_XTC5DF5jKrhr/s1600/DSCN2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uR2H7x1FNDJnr2FuGZFrMwnt8yh22I5VdUpyjufleIvlDgkR5d7jfvdeWJdAdzHY0TqlEh96AokKYpEZ4bfKmpJxxpnkhxgxvE8PUWS31vN4z3-Mw7rr_1BrZ6cuTyd_XTC5DF5jKrhr/s320/DSCN2209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking through the book (Didn't notice his hand in his pocket).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbQqRErLyQ-R95wjWQyCnCzHos5hJNIWFf6urT1O11-5KvK0H3z-mOoZUq3y6FQ5EVDN4UM5O8ft59OHt68HuRW0Q7pIlX9FQoc6MuPemGs5MP76iWpMsZUGcIs61mpvtBidmGbTKhoCe/s1600/DSCN2211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbQqRErLyQ-R95wjWQyCnCzHos5hJNIWFf6urT1O11-5KvK0H3z-mOoZUq3y6FQ5EVDN4UM5O8ft59OHt68HuRW0Q7pIlX9FQoc6MuPemGs5MP76iWpMsZUGcIs61mpvtBidmGbTKhoCe/s320/DSCN2211.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">:) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJi-ozIXX_tlNdPSDYGp-hGCjlcCkggrkqKEmqPchj86N3Vs98gkNhd_MO82wfVngngCcgKD3QBADnxAM8bu4QA23-TVMXIva1VIMZYkJPhV7oLUOF_0pnjtGU8Di0c7JErMAcuOnkKR6/s1600/DSCN2214+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJi-ozIXX_tlNdPSDYGp-hGCjlcCkggrkqKEmqPchj86N3Vs98gkNhd_MO82wfVngngCcgKD3QBADnxAM8bu4QA23-TVMXIva1VIMZYkJPhV7oLUOF_0pnjtGU8Di0c7JErMAcuOnkKR6/s320/DSCN2214+-+Version+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first kiss.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGgSXVR_8BO92tYX17nt1I1RcY5euU2NCGZDe6Jm4WAp5I9Ox19v8QWaRKO786yivTN-9daiUDs50LkZC2zv5mMafohpX9X6xCEN_BXOTNtDvLVoWtIMS-RXjr5hoT0OVlUBA8wTXovp/s1600/IMG_5398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKGgSXVR_8BO92tYX17nt1I1RcY5euU2NCGZDe6Jm4WAp5I9Ox19v8QWaRKO786yivTN-9daiUDs50LkZC2zv5mMafohpX9X6xCEN_BXOTNtDvLVoWtIMS-RXjr5hoT0OVlUBA8wTXovp/s320/IMG_5398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our parents :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhg0n2rsg7eDkXM1TTmXil3WsoH4vvbjS2R0mqjQ0OPpnOEbhHK6iHemjwmkBk4dhr2xsmBHSa2q6skRv-wntrJCP09tJL8ZTgbpEUrO5DxFi6XmRfFbXpG5Y8NNSCXav075-RLaaxQDu/s1600/IMG_5418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhg0n2rsg7eDkXM1TTmXil3WsoH4vvbjS2R0mqjQ0OPpnOEbhHK6iHemjwmkBk4dhr2xsmBHSa2q6skRv-wntrJCP09tJL8ZTgbpEUrO5DxFi6XmRfFbXpG5Y8NNSCXav075-RLaaxQDu/s320/IMG_5418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our amazing Mission of Hope cake!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstHRq1zn4ZtCPTDqSp1wo__sjErAtaQ58ZDthxHbasvX7BQKPQ6DEUXdXcUDEmPUL69gtrF0qYtTp3h-DOzoiP8icIn9Ghrj0VfX7k-QsKsIYOwfBjy8ndZ7FcdMyieV4AAnYdX_nbPJe/s1600/IMG_5426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstHRq1zn4ZtCPTDqSp1wo__sjErAtaQ58ZDthxHbasvX7BQKPQ6DEUXdXcUDEmPUL69gtrF0qYtTp3h-DOzoiP8icIn9Ghrj0VfX7k-QsKsIYOwfBjy8ndZ7FcdMyieV4AAnYdX_nbPJe/s320/IMG_5426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandma :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAjbjdH0_DKZfrRWyAMvuyUK5XIhjhlsn1QuoHAnKRE4tpf2oCIxoTyvX2FARPDlPrCCTxrXsbu1ws_kLjCyrQ8AKcqz5jZHpbF0MWIIfYG8MWLro3CyMnVGWzhc1Fb3hVQBsQkCbk87b/s1600/DSC_1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAjbjdH0_DKZfrRWyAMvuyUK5XIhjhlsn1QuoHAnKRE4tpf2oCIxoTyvX2FARPDlPrCCTxrXsbu1ws_kLjCyrQ8AKcqz5jZHpbF0MWIIfYG8MWLro3CyMnVGWzhc1Fb3hVQBsQkCbk87b/s320/DSC_1757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it's perfect.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-69646201291910647522011-01-01T03:42:00.000-05:002011-01-01T03:42:23.848-05:00One Last HighlightLast thing that happened in 2010....<br />
<br />
He asked.<br />
<br />
I said, "Yes!"<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<b>We're engaged!</b>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-62276990608756215602010-12-31T14:08:00.003-05:002010-12-31T14:09:55.892-05:00Highlights of 2010I was going to make a list of the things in 2010 that stood out to me. But I'm feeling quite uninspired to make a list (which is very strange for me).<br />
<br />
So we're gonna make it brief...<br />
<br />
<br />
Traveled to Haiti in March with the sweetest group of people from my school. Oh, and fell in like with my co-leader that week :)<br />
<br />
Let Matt pursue me and we developed a beautiful relationship, striving to keep God at the center. So lovely. I am beyond blessed.<br />
<br />
Spent the most wonderful summer in Haiti. I got to teach beautiful women (And an amazing man) English. I built the sweetest relationships with the most lovely girls. I grew in the Lord and saw that He has an incredible plan for my life. I just have to be still and know that He is God and wait on His timing.<br />
<br />
Had a very challenging semester. It pushed me and pulled me in every direction. It stretched me physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. And I finished with all A's! (Yes, I'm bragging. If any of you saw me on a regular basis this past semester you would understand why I'm so ecstatic about this. hard work finally paid off!)<br />
<br />
Most of all I'm beyond blessed by the people in my life who supported me and loved me through one of the most challenging, incredible, beautiful years of my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
2010 has been lovely. One of the best years yet. But I know the best is yet to come :)Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-35704420112347234432010-12-30T11:35:00.000-05:002010-12-30T11:35:48.455-05:00Random? Yeah, That's My Life.<ul><li>Moneysavingmom.com is officially the coolest website. I'm addicted. </li>
</ul><ul><li>There is a little female cardinal that comes to my front door every day and pecks at the metal base of our door as she chirps. She's beautiful and we saw the male cardinal on Christmas. Cardinal's have always been my favorite. </li>
</ul><ul><li>Matt and his parents come down tomorrow! I'm so excited to have [almost] all our families together (We'll miss you Evan!) </li>
</ul><ul><li>I miss my beautiful roommates. </li>
</ul><ul><li>My dog is super cuddly in the mornings :) It makes me smile </li>
</ul><ul><li>I'm actually excited for New Years this year!! Normally I could care less. </li>
</ul><ul><li>I've been able to sleep in for the first time in months and my body is quite happy about that. </li>
</ul><ul><li>My post is dragging on. I'm sure. So I'll quit while I'm ahead. :) </li>
</ul>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-50164787315801679742010-12-24T16:20:00.000-05:002010-12-24T16:20:39.937-05:00Merry Christmas!I'm so thankful for the birth of my Savior. <div>Without Him I'd have nothing. </div><div>Plain and simple.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I love my Jesus. </div><div><br />
</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-9335025285016523112010-12-20T00:08:00.000-05:002010-12-20T00:08:58.595-05:00This Boy.<div style="text-align: center;">Makes me smile.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv9qJCM70QgDpBYKAn3bmDKYvm_PyCkMdrBUKoeugpRFq4Zrrwfm16pm0zlCjeBvAj1ugPSe4tSIA15IrNthRGgSnqrnbpXwLcrcVCtLO-jm-vlgPXXacyaDi_i4K-gv7WM3hQ9eltnXI/s1600/DSC_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv9qJCM70QgDpBYKAn3bmDKYvm_PyCkMdrBUKoeugpRFq4Zrrwfm16pm0zlCjeBvAj1ugPSe4tSIA15IrNthRGgSnqrnbpXwLcrcVCtLO-jm-vlgPXXacyaDi_i4K-gv7WM3hQ9eltnXI/s320/DSC_1348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv9qJCM70QgDpBYKAn3bmDKYvm_PyCkMdrBUKoeugpRFq4Zrrwfm16pm0zlCjeBvAj1ugPSe4tSIA15IrNthRGgSnqrnbpXwLcrcVCtLO-jm-vlgPXXacyaDi_i4K-gv7WM3hQ9eltnXI/s1600/DSC_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48dnprTrP3gXCUXJpQELM3pS25oioXI1CyqlE7t-e-fTI2_EspIBHH9m666P9NaSzxgLVHeq_hXuS_tGnaCSLvtIaBScNMjUc9Bemv7Z1I3uQhsuPxX8erqs8RDxjqYhJiRlndFh4QiFF/s1600/DSC_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48dnprTrP3gXCUXJpQELM3pS25oioXI1CyqlE7t-e-fTI2_EspIBHH9m666P9NaSzxgLVHeq_hXuS_tGnaCSLvtIaBScNMjUc9Bemv7Z1I3uQhsuPxX8erqs8RDxjqYhJiRlndFh4QiFF/s320/DSC_1347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXXN31_l90mnW9q5Vzx9lJGr5WycktxRCheGbBKIQ5uBGiorKxTgGF9xPOGTWfztqbR3Q46WpbfXMCRzMrtOS_3rvmZDQLNER3stQfQzolOLydJlzUksH0lsLWKcR-oMFdvgj80gYgZiL/s1600/DSC_1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXXN31_l90mnW9q5Vzx9lJGr5WycktxRCheGbBKIQ5uBGiorKxTgGF9xPOGTWfztqbR3Q46WpbfXMCRzMrtOS_3rvmZDQLNER3stQfQzolOLydJlzUksH0lsLWKcR-oMFdvgj80gYgZiL/s320/DSC_1355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-74703259052371720892010-12-19T13:39:00.000-05:002010-12-19T13:39:27.308-05:00Break My Heart For What Breaks Yours.<div style="text-align: center;">In one moment my passions were redefined. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In that moment my heart broke. Instantly. Words cannot express my feelings, my thoughts, or my pain. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've always had a heart for girls ministry. I've always longed to tell girls they're worth so much more than boys tell them they are. Than what this world tells them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I had women invest in me, and I want to invest in others. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Never has my heart broke more than the other night. Knowing a girl was slowly giving herself away to a boy... at the age of 12. And I could do something about it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So here I am. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I WILL do something about this pattern.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I WILL make a difference. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This has got to stop. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Girls need to know they're loved and valuable in the eyes of Christ. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is necessary </div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-26046596099654473942010-12-13T23:50:00.000-05:002010-12-13T23:50:30.018-05:00For Mental SanityI'm posting, when I should be studying, or sleeping, just to maintain some sanity in my life.<br />
<br />
This weekend was wonderful.<br />
<br />
So here's my weekend in pictures :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4wWEk0dl1mB8YNC7C8UVNY0hMAgouPhzBScLfnowPshq-zdGu-t9n3ssDQfvSFOQRpxDPdZFdaqsYBxFW4JskEYJliE3hGkQbfQ6FRgcFB8Ul_XZK2wgM-47YqSnBUNY8mmwAd9v-N5a/s1600/DSC_1136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4wWEk0dl1mB8YNC7C8UVNY0hMAgouPhzBScLfnowPshq-zdGu-t9n3ssDQfvSFOQRpxDPdZFdaqsYBxFW4JskEYJliE3hGkQbfQ6FRgcFB8Ul_XZK2wgM-47YqSnBUNY8mmwAd9v-N5a/s320/DSC_1136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Date night with my love: Pottery painting :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rxFNWB-gXIf3KRbtFattHQfPKRrvbUDdWbAU027LZ9nv3QyVvMsyYZ3tawvdZFgGsODlVfZcwZuzsP-rwWuw0S-Wk7i-mhBP2sgcjwJcRw1i_Lr9TMS_RmwXZJ0fGc0GIcwa3bF_McMh/s1600/DSC_1139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rxFNWB-gXIf3KRbtFattHQfPKRrvbUDdWbAU027LZ9nv3QyVvMsyYZ3tawvdZFgGsODlVfZcwZuzsP-rwWuw0S-Wk7i-mhBP2sgcjwJcRw1i_Lr9TMS_RmwXZJ0fGc0GIcwa3bF_McMh/s320/DSC_1139.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's so wonderful. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE6q3S-ZX8PZcMUddV2CLD9_07sAVr7Z5iFza11MkiDEWDF_8qFGAObTgfbEBR6RWFmAqRzqE9DWwYXqMTRe1jYS-uq0xSa7ULcs1rnuyVS5nLFfAOudK86uLWAVcHQv11myXMGBO8pMr/s1600/DSC_1146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE6q3S-ZX8PZcMUddV2CLD9_07sAVr7Z5iFza11MkiDEWDF_8qFGAObTgfbEBR6RWFmAqRzqE9DWwYXqMTRe1jYS-uq0xSa7ULcs1rnuyVS5nLFfAOudK86uLWAVcHQv11myXMGBO8pMr/s320/DSC_1146.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">precious.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzQ3Hho-ayBI1ykw9wkafAZmPl0q5Or-jQVu8uiZIhOAmE3ejZnk3mtoJSCl6jqAoHSUcCMp5SKxFtQNyc6De0EqMSK_kT-RT50B1JPmb3DNzxsrpufebLeRsFiXPtv6l5qE8ZewdAZdT/s1600/DSC_1155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzQ3Hho-ayBI1ykw9wkafAZmPl0q5Or-jQVu8uiZIhOAmE3ejZnk3mtoJSCl6jqAoHSUcCMp5SKxFtQNyc6De0EqMSK_kT-RT50B1JPmb3DNzxsrpufebLeRsFiXPtv6l5qE8ZewdAZdT/s320/DSC_1155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">my mug!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8wtSVXafrMRPSvXxpQcqQumWoD2kV111tj6w2dXV3ViJnsc5LVNviRSpgvXwLIxCPwxgdZ8FQadpsNeLSELVbFB8TIwSeJiePmuuVhir1KhbRrFSd-8WlPnu1wCJGTKBNaIyYJOgxD00/s1600/DSC_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8wtSVXafrMRPSvXxpQcqQumWoD2kV111tj6w2dXV3ViJnsc5LVNviRSpgvXwLIxCPwxgdZ8FQadpsNeLSELVbFB8TIwSeJiePmuuVhir1KhbRrFSd-8WlPnu1wCJGTKBNaIyYJOgxD00/s320/DSC_1292.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christmas party!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNREl-fAvgw8WrxIF7O28-mebuw5F_hhXzw4e56PZbSnTTJj11BmqqtNi2zir6k4CM9PS78v7UasoKb0oOXeVRviBqpRFZC5HCUzdjn62dWOZptGPJCnto9V5ahrzTCYyIrFzv1RvCDM6q/s1600/DSC_1301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNREl-fAvgw8WrxIF7O28-mebuw5F_hhXzw4e56PZbSnTTJj11BmqqtNi2zir6k4CM9PS78v7UasoKb0oOXeVRviBqpRFZC5HCUzdjn62dWOZptGPJCnto9V5ahrzTCYyIrFzv1RvCDM6q/s320/DSC_1301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cookies!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ZN8Gp0CbN8yLWWaB-XU4divUAdVk7VIYHKQ4seK6FZ_glk0-FUmlXrZMLf1SHgupf9Eguy6lCqsBtItqAGNMgXeLRGwy-q9E1FsYSP-Zb4Y_rltZaLwqIME9HiPoCeCjdCULgKFCofK/s1600/DSC_1312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0ZN8Gp0CbN8yLWWaB-XU4divUAdVk7VIYHKQ4seK6FZ_glk0-FUmlXrZMLf1SHgupf9Eguy6lCqsBtItqAGNMgXeLRGwy-q9E1FsYSP-Zb4Y_rltZaLwqIME9HiPoCeCjdCULgKFCofK/s320/DSC_1312.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sweet friends :)</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-26801580194818031452010-12-13T11:31:00.001-05:002010-12-13T11:31:38.458-05:00Finals Week=Mental BreakdownEnough said.Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-24367604531956382612010-12-12T18:33:00.000-05:002010-12-12T18:33:01.399-05:00Turtle.Today I took my two best friends to a turtle rehabilitation center. :)<br />
<br />
they both love turtles. It's been a great weekend! here's a few pics from today. More to come for sure :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagq4NChzZCuTWLE_-ahD-812K-f1qHw0wtRQ8f999sFdyzk24zbTFACNOxqaoI9IpnnUxe2tLqEO-X6f0OdUBLFCkqdBn8YgsF-w4ZnLSITa4YblTEj2zlvJq3fvh28rWcYihujCuHqcz/s1600/DSC_1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagq4NChzZCuTWLE_-ahD-812K-f1qHw0wtRQ8f999sFdyzk24zbTFACNOxqaoI9IpnnUxe2tLqEO-X6f0OdUBLFCkqdBn8YgsF-w4ZnLSITa4YblTEj2zlvJq3fvh28rWcYihujCuHqcz/s320/DSC_1221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Big turtles!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuVXZTyvbCRB4TyPVYPit8HB2eBjhHW4CqxG8-C-xvnHgG__n3HBqZuiNdlbL1r8GE5iSVIytz5oKZTVNiK0eXw2g9BEHPJQOhxWrHgVdY4_0-bmODMNQh3aCM4B12CMz406tvSfcxIzS/s1600/DSC_1231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuVXZTyvbCRB4TyPVYPit8HB2eBjhHW4CqxG8-C-xvnHgG__n3HBqZuiNdlbL1r8GE5iSVIytz5oKZTVNiK0eXw2g9BEHPJQOhxWrHgVdY4_0-bmODMNQh3aCM4B12CMz406tvSfcxIzS/s320/DSC_1231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Baby turtles :)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8diO8vD071ScWX-hvU6sxj7Q7jfwuLaJAFqEPOSIdpPx_fxvvzlPq0yjfaFzsrM19-bgUf9juCGFiG25G8YAJxPNEAcWQ7u8BqXZA7yv333BKPXUKsER99jNeuLTJp34SaeVkXBqIA5H9/s1600/DSC_1267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8diO8vD071ScWX-hvU6sxj7Q7jfwuLaJAFqEPOSIdpPx_fxvvzlPq0yjfaFzsrM19-bgUf9juCGFiG25G8YAJxPNEAcWQ7u8BqXZA7yv333BKPXUKsER99jNeuLTJp34SaeVkXBqIA5H9/s320/DSC_1267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6BxjftFyfg3jhiiCzUxB6xVpcjpT0JM1Fyddw4gDV5xLzH-y6_U1S6brY3ljPRTQ_AnwH8WqH7u42OQOdSKPb_PY-b1g5QwRDi9WTz4xwEXMGUNM90wEtaYFAttUuuBoXurvPvI8joWP/s1600/DSC_1286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6BxjftFyfg3jhiiCzUxB6xVpcjpT0JM1Fyddw4gDV5xLzH-y6_U1S6brY3ljPRTQ_AnwH8WqH7u42OQOdSKPb_PY-b1g5QwRDi9WTz4xwEXMGUNM90wEtaYFAttUuuBoXurvPvI8joWP/s320/DSC_1286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And BEST FRIENDS!</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-70133890113365486712010-12-09T22:46:00.000-05:002010-12-09T22:46:28.539-05:00My heart.Is <b>restless. </b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Learning to rest in the Lord.<br />
<br />
But in this moment, I find my heart breaking over the fact that I do not know the next time I will make it to Haiti. Tears fill my eyes at this thought and stream down my face.<br />
<br />
Oh Lord, I'm begging you. Send me soon. Give me an opportunity, funds, whatever it takes.Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-88786131888752924212010-12-03T18:55:00.003-05:002010-12-03T18:57:54.354-05:00You Don't Want to Miss This.<div style="text-align: center;">Never have I EVER seen a more powerful website.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is my all time favorite website as of yesterday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check it out. You WONT be disappointed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://voicesofhaiti.com/photos">Voices of Haiti. </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl3QnUi_4Z-ZOlQrwnjj8HHqyOXlyccnZO9Kkf17i4j83QY5GpS1ILA0bXe7gyKL6AYJhPpgH7eglQ_hQN3AOSvcNAnT-Od9RRJNGAyMxDCtk8f5wno84QNqq-FtCRkThnLRf5lbTYB6V/s1600/46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrl3QnUi_4Z-ZOlQrwnjj8HHqyOXlyccnZO9Kkf17i4j83QY5GpS1ILA0bXe7gyKL6AYJhPpgH7eglQ_hQN3AOSvcNAnT-Od9RRJNGAyMxDCtk8f5wno84QNqq-FtCRkThnLRf5lbTYB6V/s320/46.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her message: "Give us this day our daily bread". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-62395214508702390992010-12-03T12:44:00.000-05:002010-12-03T12:44:20.548-05:00My Heart.Is overwhelmed with love so sweet.<br />
<br />
Is longing for a big hug and smile from Frantz and all the mommies at Hope House.<br />
<br />
Two beautiful things.Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-52387185435230223752010-11-29T20:15:00.000-05:002010-11-29T20:15:08.681-05:00Random Thoughts.<div style="text-align: center;">I'm ridiculously in love with an amazing man who continually reveals Christ to me on a daily basis. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to be in Haiti. Beyond what I can explain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been having RIDICULOUS dreams lately. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two weeks left of school... seems so far away. I'm ready to be done with projects and lesson plans. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm currently writing this to avoid homework because I can't seem to focus. Go figure. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have the most amazing friends a girl could ask for. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As stressful as my life can get, it's beyond amazing :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Basically, the Lord is taking me on some crazy journeys and I'm perfectly alright with it even if it's hard, easy, beautiful, exciting, difficult, challenging, etc. <b>Count me in!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm so excited to see where this road will lead and what the Lord has in store.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbgr4CO3m3AIwOHNBLcqhrtMoIMCzlo81r_mOqLIT_ttGHVVustDfEtnNSv4hTTBk9Groe262Gu1Ou4BZEjvfz-K3IMnJ8jH_M4ZVIiPUsLpfrKLGhEk4JQzkrwErD-TQmUyVwoW6Rvgb/s1600/31679_1334971249797_1096530092_30859254_4883334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbgr4CO3m3AIwOHNBLcqhrtMoIMCzlo81r_mOqLIT_ttGHVVustDfEtnNSv4hTTBk9Groe262Gu1Ou4BZEjvfz-K3IMnJ8jH_M4ZVIiPUsLpfrKLGhEk4JQzkrwErD-TQmUyVwoW6Rvgb/s320/31679_1334971249797_1096530092_30859254_4883334_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my favorite place in West Palm Beach. Absolute favorite. Everything about it screams beauty and I wish I could sit here forever just soaking in the beauty, reading the Word, and spending time with Matt. Love love love love love. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2004149512452345325.post-82215451011123601312010-11-21T22:39:00.000-05:002010-11-21T22:39:27.792-05:00Date Night.<div style="text-align: center;">Matt and I went on a date Friday night. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was wonderful :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few pictures to explain the night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL_0vpxbRLjj5Q5OgUg6jrlDLuQuQN_BSEiLSODWtSb_iyNUZDqGMOQLbtjUQ4VbwfmlivMwLy5lVbuGyOIqfS5iIP9kaN4WUzEgWPf83i5aNq3GklxNkjOzJLsLGmuUBI6GvclVjSi9H/s1600/DSC_0953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQL_0vpxbRLjj5Q5OgUg6jrlDLuQuQN_BSEiLSODWtSb_iyNUZDqGMOQLbtjUQ4VbwfmlivMwLy5lVbuGyOIqfS5iIP9kaN4WUzEgWPf83i5aNq3GklxNkjOzJLsLGmuUBI6GvclVjSi9H/s320/DSC_0953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had dinner at City Place :) It's decorated for Christmas. I love it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V5NjxcMTk_eiC0z3iqwlaTdxKblCYF5AytI3Xa1k4YTUpkSLt0fB0SjE-t6SRr4gfQfmBUB_h5kMMPQNHp2SBN6y6-4Ok84asKyreXsevcQoV3gvDOPKG_1UHd-t5Ouic8yf1gCN_uTk/s1600/DSC_0990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V5NjxcMTk_eiC0z3iqwlaTdxKblCYF5AytI3Xa1k4YTUpkSLt0fB0SjE-t6SRr4gfQfmBUB_h5kMMPQNHp2SBN6y6-4Ok84asKyreXsevcQoV3gvDOPKG_1UHd-t5Ouic8yf1gCN_uTk/s320/DSC_0990.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we went putt putting :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdUnKcQnRQ9xKRqitI__u38L5ic1ffrTiIXjHWFpLaEa9bNQkTiSxbQ_K9VPl80xoCv_zfqxn5geSwwLTAvuSnnexec8iYPGL3Uhc2C7VV3bcl57XHyEcLb1QbcgvYOMx2FuhIaQRzU5a/s1600/DSC_0963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdUnKcQnRQ9xKRqitI__u38L5ic1ffrTiIXjHWFpLaEa9bNQkTiSxbQ_K9VPl80xoCv_zfqxn5geSwwLTAvuSnnexec8iYPGL3Uhc2C7VV3bcl57XHyEcLb1QbcgvYOMx2FuhIaQRzU5a/s320/DSC_0963.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pAwVO0r-qMjQb4sEKoXhZ5vKOR_gwo4xvpUGSfXPFreS4utoEAcbfmhAuGinNNO7_PaG7l14zlF_3KoeKfEaHe-u0cZLpiW4914r648YkPqTVGgTB1hyUqrJfKgrGOlEE1hT16nmTNoS/s1600/DSC_0996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_pAwVO0r-qMjQb4sEKoXhZ5vKOR_gwo4xvpUGSfXPFreS4utoEAcbfmhAuGinNNO7_PaG7l14zlF_3KoeKfEaHe-u0cZLpiW4914r648YkPqTVGgTB1hyUqrJfKgrGOlEE1hT16nmTNoS/s320/DSC_0996.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk10n4dFbIRNnfh9UFgiQRuY7rb7tXAiHipyvNxpBQpD0YwvNaK_k9oyCFrPbKh6t-YUoWGBuUyJVVx55tjqltUs-XE66lxcc0GUTGzTYNeTmREPiNfnbUPzcUZKWGoGd2VGTpWHOQ0-n/s1600/DSC_0985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZk10n4dFbIRNnfh9UFgiQRuY7rb7tXAiHipyvNxpBQpD0YwvNaK_k9oyCFrPbKh6t-YUoWGBuUyJVVx55tjqltUs-XE66lxcc0GUTGzTYNeTmREPiNfnbUPzcUZKWGoGd2VGTpWHOQ0-n/s320/DSC_0985.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial89VcvPRKOAYsTsSLaXsgrptL-SypH_XW-a8KI4LrXP1yujhGTy1cajoNP749VmO46iXQfe-CuAvyPt-KR6Ka2TvBSM_U_In_UgsIdmBkpO4PGIXj3cFC1tGZu_n7wlpIuyxNUlok2Nn/s1600/DSC_1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEial89VcvPRKOAYsTsSLaXsgrptL-SypH_XW-a8KI4LrXP1yujhGTy1cajoNP749VmO46iXQfe-CuAvyPt-KR6Ka2TvBSM_U_In_UgsIdmBkpO4PGIXj3cFC1tGZu_n7wlpIuyxNUlok2Nn/s320/DSC_1050.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then we walked around the beach :) It was a great night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Amanda Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12079959418496067044noreply@blogger.com0