Jesus Took me to my Knees

I have been estatic that the Christmas season is coming up. Normally I am one of those people that wait until after Thanksgiving to set up my Christmas decor; however, this year because we got so many new Christmas things AND since it is our first Christmas as a married couple, I could not wait! Soooo... this weekend I started with getting a tree from my grandparents (They were hoarding at least 5 of them in their garage so they were happy to spare one for the Willett family). I am very excited for our 7 ft pre-lit tree to get put up this week!!

I got home last night after youth group @ church and was too impatient to wait for Jeremy to get home before I took the ornaments down from the laundry closet. As I stood on my tip toes trying to pull down a box from the third shelf, I had an experience like one I've never had before....Jesus took me to my knees!

I did not know that sometime last year after Christmas, I had placed a rather large candle and large porcalein Jesus figure on top of the box but pushed them back enough where they would not fall off. In the middle of my shaking the box to ease it down, I threw the candle and Jesus figure off balance and they wacked me on the head.

Stars were flying.

The room was spinning.

I was crying out.

And my Jesus figure...was broken all over my kitchen floor...from my skull.

All I could do was attempt to stagger to my cell phone across the room to call my brother just in case I needed assistance. One call from me saying that Jesus almost knocked me out made Zack, my mother, grandmother, and Jeremy burst into laughter.

The more we thought of this situation, the funnier it did become. Could you imagine me having to go to the hospital from a concussion from Jesus. I would be in a first class seat to behavioral health, I'm sure.

But, this situation did lead me to a conclusion, along with a mild concussion possibly- I think the Lord was telling me to wait for my husband to come home and do this work for me.

Worship Music Wednesday

This Wednesday I thought that I would ask another person their favorite Praise and Worship song for the week. Who better to ask, than my fiance, who sings random songs constantly. Normally on Sundays, one of the songs we sing in church will stick in his head and throughout the next week you can hear him singing a verse or two at random times. This week it was a song that we heard in the car on the way to Raleigh for dinner Saturday night. "Mighty to Save" is a song that Jeremy heard last summer for the first time and he has been singing since. When I asked him today what song he enjoyed most he was quick to answer- the one me and Todd were singing that time. I knew exactly what he was talking about. "That time" was one night that we had dinner at our friends, the Hallows. Jeremy along with their brother in law-Todd were in the kitchen singing this song as we prepared dinner. I too enjoy this song and find myself singing loud in the car when it comes on the radio. So this week, my praise and worship song, or really Jeremy's praise and worship song is "Mighty to Save" performed below by Hillsong.

My Baptism Scripture

This past Sunday I was baptized at Oakmont Baptist Church here in Greenville. I joined the church a couple of months ago and this experience was something that words can not explain. So rather than explaining how I felt, I thought that I would just share the scripture my pastor read to me while I was in the water waiting to be "dunked"

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

My Mom - Miss Anne

My mother- also known to many as- Miss Anne is one of a kind. She possesses many of the characteristics of the woman that I thrive to become. She is caring, nuturing, strong willed, selfless, and loving. She is creative, trendy, giving, serving, and considerate. She is hard working, funny, protective of others (especially her children), thoughtful, organized, and beautiful...and these are only a few!

Growing up I can remember my mother being at every PTA meeting, dance recital/competiton, soccer game, cheerleading event, band performance/parade, pageant appearance, basketball/softball/volleyball game, art exhibition, etc. events- and those were just mine. The list continues when you add in all the things my brother was involved in. Since leaving home after high school- my mother was the first to have groceries ready waiting on me, always had open ears to listen when I was stressed out, still at all dance performances, always willing to pack to bag to head to Greenville/Raleigh if I needed her- and the first to cry when I pulled out of the driveway to head back to school. Now she's first in line to help me plan my wedding, head interior decorator to my home, available to give advice on me growing and changing, still packs her bags to come visit and to come to hear me sing in church and still crying when I leave to go back. She's done all of this- while still juggling a full time job, being an awesome wife (according to my Dad), going each weekend to our grandparents in Burlington to assist with my grandmother, keeping a beautiful home cleaned and decorated to the T, being a great cook, and still the most put together woman I know.

She has touched the lives of many through her work at the Whiteville United Methodist Preschool, Body Beautiful, and now at Shoreland Nursing Facility. In my eyes-these people don't even half way understood the blessing from God they have recieved by having my mom in their lives.

I don't know how many times I have told my mother that I love her and that I am so thankful for all the things that she has done, taught, and contineus to do for/teach me. But I do know that each night I thank God for providing me with a mother that exemplifies what a mother should be.

Worship Music Wednesday

"Find You Waiting" by Decemberadio has been a favorite of mine for over a year now. It never gets old, the message is always clear, and the words touch me each time. Today has been a rough day being that it was the one year mark of loosing my grandfather. This song was brought to my ears several weeks before his passing and helped me get through one of the hardest times of my life. It reminded me then and continues to remind me that God is always with me.

My favorite lines are in the chorus- "Through all these years, You have been there, You dried all my tears, and answered my prayers- I just want to feel Your prescence again, I'm down on my knees in need of a friend...And I find You waiting there for me"

I found a version that not only has "Found You Waiting" by Decemberadio but they ended it with "Amazing Grace" which is another personal favorite. This song has brought peace in my life and many times when I have been struggling with something, I have been able to listen to it and find the calmness that only Jesus can provide a stuggling heart.



Listen. Enjoy, and may the love of the Lord touch you as it has me so many times during this song.

To My Papa in Heaven

I was blessed for 26 years of my life to have all my grandparents. I can not believe it has been a year since my PaPa Bill passed away. This time last year, I was going along with all my day to day life things when I got a call from my parents on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 morning telling me that my grandpa- Bill Maultsby had passed. Tears were shead from the hurt, laughs were made from the memories, and I learned for the first time what it meant to loose someone important in my life. I am so thankful for all the time I had with my grandpa and even more thankful that when it was his time-he went so peaceful. Not many people can say that they go to go just the way they wanted to. I still cry at times because I miss him, I miss hearing his deep calm voice, hearning him yell PHYLLIS! to my grandmother when he either wanted something or felt she was talking too much, getting that great big hug with his long arms and large hands wrapped around you; but I smile more than I cry because I know that he is in heaven with Jesus. He had the best seat in the house with my great grandmother Mary and his brother watching the Tarheels win the championship this past year. And he will be there when it is my time to reunite with all those who leave before me. I love my grandpa- and I miss him but I am so happy for him. I am happy that he lived a good life, touched the lives of many, and his memory will live on.

Taco Soup and Paula Deen

I made my first batch of Taco Soup for dinner last night and it was AMAZING. I shared the pot of deliciousness with Lauren, Zack (my brother), and Jeremy and they too approved. We had plenty to eat last night, packed some for lunch today, and then froze some for later.
The recipe I used is from my all time favorite chef- Paula Deen. For those that do not know, I heart Paula. She makes some amazing southern dishes and nothing's better than seeing her take a big ole' bite of her food on her show. You can tell she truely loves all the things she cooks! I am even planning my wedding reception around several of her recipes and using some decor ideas from her son's wedding that I saw in her magazine.

The recipe I used last night was off the Food Network Channel and I recommend that everyone try it at least once if not many times!!

Ingredients:
Jalapenos (optional)
Grated cheese (must have)
Sour cream (must have)
Corn chips (must have)

1 1-ounce package ranch salad dressing mix
1 1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning
2 4 1/2-ounce cans diced green chilies
1 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with chilies
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 14 1/2-ounce can mexican tomatoes
1 15 1/4-ounce can whole kernal corn
1 15 1/2-ounce cans pink kidney beans
2 15-1/2 ounce cans pinto beans
2 cup diced onions
2 lb ground beef


Directions
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large crackpot or a stockpot. Add the cans (juice and all) of beans, corn, green onions, tomatoes, chilies, olives, and seasonings, and cook on low setting all day (6 to 8 hours) if using a crockpot, or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a stockpot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, and jalapenos.

MAN DOWN

Lauren and I with our front row Booth

We have had plans for about a week now to go see one of Greenville's local bands, Parmalee play here in town with a couple of friends. Since the weather was not cooperating, we had to all load up in Jeremy's buddies Jeep and car pool to the place as a team. Unfortunately, after taking 45 minutes to gather the troops and get across town in the ice, we found out that the place was closing and the band had been rescheduled. So-instead- we headed to a restuarant downtown for the boys to watch some sports and Lauren and I to entertain ourselves. Basically-we set up shop in a window booth that gave us a perfect view of the people fighting the ice outside. Now, I know most of you are thinking-"that's terrible- watching people fall down for entertainment" BUT since I was the first member of the team to become "Man Down" I felt that we were good to go. AND for the most part, Lauren and I learned that it was the "ice dance" that entertained us the most. Needless to say, my ribs hurt from watching people run across the roads (that had been cleaned off) and jump over the snow pushed to the curb to find a patch of black ice on the corner of the side walk. Good news is - No one got hurt and most people were up laughing within seconds of falling.

The thing that did not entertain us last night, were the girls not getting the memo that it was 20 degress outside and iced over. I saw more girls in stilettos and mini dresses than I have ever seen in my life. Several things were wrong with this picture. A. Ice, B. Scarfs as dresses or skirts are inappropriate, anc C. ICE!

Waiting

James is demonstrating the Key to Walking in the Ice- Walls.

Well, the weather man was right in Greenville, for once. The snow started coming down last night around 9pm or so. The Lala and I were out for dinner and what not when had the opportunity to have a snow play date around 12am at my house. It was the short lived experience that I get excited over for a hot minute, then I get out there get cold and I am ready to go back inside. But anyway, I grabbed by camera and my dog with one of my best friends and we had a blast for our 10 minutes of acting like we were 10 again!! Hope you enjoy and are staying warm!

Weather Prediction...or predicament

Snow-too cold.
Ice-too slippery.
Sleet-too wet.
And don't even get me started with having to prepare for the possibility of snow at the grocery store. The National Weather Service is stating that we are under a winter weather watch for this weekend. I believe I may be one of the few people in Greenville that is not too happy about that. I can not say that I am the winter type of person. I would much rather be in the sun, warm weather, water, palm trees, barefeet/rainbows....are you feeling the heat already people?

Don't get me wrong, I think that snow is pretty...but only for about the first 5 mintues and then I'm over it. AND if it HAS to snow, I would rather be at home, inside the heat watching it outside. SO, if the weather fairy is planning on dropping some snow around my area, I hope she quickly changes her mind. I have entirely too much to do this weekend! SPRING CAN NOT COME SOON ENOUGH!

Worship Music Wednesday

Each Wednesday I plan to dedicate my blog to Praise/Worship Music. Today as I was looking through my Ipod, I came across a song that reminds me that today, and everyday, was created by God. No matter what all is going on in my life, good,bad,happy, sad and everything in between.... He has made that day. There is no need in worrying about different things that go on, because HE is in control! Follow Him, turn it all over to Him, and let Him lead the way!




Today is the Day

I’m casting my cares aside
I’m leaving my past behind
I’m setting my heart and mind on You,Jesus
I’m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there’s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good (Is good!)

Chorus:
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
Today is the day You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it
And I won’t worry about tomorrow
I’m trusting in what You say
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh
Today is the day
Oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

I'm putting my fears aside
I’m leaving my doubts behind
I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus
I’m reaching my hand to Yours
Believing there’s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good (Is good)

(Chorus)

I will stand upon Your truth. (I will stand upon Your truth)
And all my days I’ll live for You (And all my days I’ll live for You)

Something to remember

Today I can across this quote and it touched my heart in many ways. I am going to keep my blog simple today with just this quote and allow others to reflect on it the way I had the opportunity.
God bless you all.


"God didn't promise days without pain
laughter without sorrow
sun without rain
but He did promise strength for the day
comfort for the tears
and light for the way."

I had NO idea....

I had no idea that starting a blog would be as entertaining for myself as well as others. Several friends posted on my Facebook page as soon as I stated I was planning on starting one and listed the link. When I got to work today, my fellow blogger, Lauren was quick to show me all the little detailed things you can do on a blog spot. In other words, Ms. Lauren helped me to "pimp my blog" It was an exciting yet bit overwhelming thing to learn that I can change so many things on here at any time. But, at the same time, it was also neat to know that I can customize my blog to have characteristics that represent me. It was nice to know that friends-both work and on facebook- were looking forward to seeing what I have to say. Then came the hard part- what to talk about today.


Keeping in the theme of "I had no idea" I figured that I would start with a bit of humor. Today Jeremy and I attempted to go start a wedding registry. We figured that we would start at Belk since both our home towns have a store and it could be easiest for most. When we arrived the lady informed us - not in a very nice way- that they were in the middle of inventory and we could not register at that time. We left, me frustrated and Jeremy smiling because he thought he had gotten out of the task until I informed him that we were going to head on to Bed Bath and Beyond. WOW is an understatement. They were prepared to help us through this challenge by handing us a checklist of things we would need. Problem was - Jeremy with the list and me with the scanner thing- not such a good plan. Needless to say, we basically decided on a chopping board, coffee maker, and crock pot, even though we are still undecided about the crock pot. I HAD NO IDEA there were that many choices, no idea there was that big of a range of prices, and no idea I would ever need all that stuff! My new plan is to take my mother next time and have her tell me what exactly is good quality, what is a decent prices, what we will actually use, and what to leave on the shelf. Then...Jeremy and I can go back through the list and pick out what he does not like and change if necessary as well as he can add in his random chip holders, Panthers cups, and other "manly things". So, my thoughts on registering for wedding gifts is simple...take someone that knows what they are doing.

Here I Am....

I started off the new year trying to think of something that I could do to escape from work, wedding planning, and Facebook along with the other things in life that I felt were taking over. I was looking for a hobby that could incorporate my creativity, thoughts of the day, things that happened in my life, photography, and music. A friend of mine at work is an dedicated blogger and I thought it would be something nice to try...maybe even borrow some of her ideas such as to include some music that is touching my life at the time or recipes. (I don't think that she'll mind). My current plan is to find time each day to talk about my thoughts on something that has impacted my life, music that has touched my heart, discuss a funny situation, or talk about a memory from my past as well as other random things from my life. So, I, Amanda, am going to give this a try...and you, blog-world readers, will go ahead and accept my sincere apologies for the loose grammar, bad spelling, and jumping thoughts.

Let's get started, because these are my thoughts...exactly.