For The Record...

SB,

I miss you..... & I love you....

Love, always love!

Me

To God Be The Glory...

Hello Friends!

It is such a special time right now. It's the time to search out the things in your heart to be thankful for. Thanksgiving can be a perspective changer if we allow it to be.

Well, for the glory of God, I am finding out that my perspective on how things should happen, even with small glimpses of God's blessing and reassurance, cannot happen by means of human effort.

Let me encourage you, this is not the only revelation to be had. It get's better.

You see, God has a way of letting you see your-"SELF" and he lovingly corrects and covers the old with new views, heavenly views of His unimaginable ways....the ways we could not grasp because we were too busy holding on to the agenda of ME, MY, MY-SELF.

God is a character for sure but Praise Him for that! His character builds yours!

I say all this to bless you now.

Right now, I am being tested and left to lean not on my understanding but the peace that surpasses ALL understanding. The peace that no matter what, all things work for the good of those who LOVE HIM.

It will be good.......

The lesson I am learning and gaining more insight on is GLORY! God's glory! He is a jealous and loving God. He has a plan for each and every one of us and He is not going to let just anything or anyone come in and start shifting what He has constructed from the very beginning.

He has a purpose and a time for everything that happens. He does...believe me.....HE DOES! It's the time when we catch a glimpse of what He is doing that we should not get ahead of Him.

He is faithful to bring you back under His wings but there will be a lesson to learn... been there and learning as I speak.

It is a wonderful lesson though. One that from an early age I wanted to happen anyways.

You see, I have been one of those that no matter what I will choose to give glory and praise to God for what He has done for me. Whether it be a kind word from some stranger or one of the best Dr. Peppers from Sonic....it was God who was initially thinking of me and He deserves the praise.

He is my Daddy and He knows me better than any other, which is why what I say next brings me to tears thinking of just how much I mean to Him. Me, little me here in this world of many....He knows me and He loves ME.

I am learning that there are some things in this life that He does NOT allow us to fully be a part of.

He allows us to be the subject but He is the one who will orchestrate every detail...it's not up to us.

He grooms our hearts in the process. He pulls the things out that need mending and He replaces them with new understanding and deep rooted appreciation and value.

He prepares His bride for the full revelation of HIS GLORY.

Right now, I can say, there is something very special going on that God has been planning from the day I was created and although I so badly want to take control...I now know what He was trying to do all along.

He is showing me HIS FAITHFULNESS. His promise still stands. He does not fail. He has what is good for me and He alone will bring it to pass......and that's just what He is doing.

I cannot take any credit. I cannot have the glory for this. It has been Christ from the very beginning and it will continue to be.

I am not the writer, I am not the director, I am not the one in control.

I AM the chosen, I AM loved, I AM victorious, and I AM blessed....

I AM a part of a story only God could have written.

Just you wait.....

Count On Me ....for Bobby

 

Find out what we're made of....

You can count on me like 1,2,3...I"ll be there

I can count on you like 4,3,2 and you'll be there

I Love you........ Amby

I made dinner that took a whole month to cook!

Hello my friends!

I realize that I had oodles of stories to share and time got away from me. I have to say, I much like talking to someone face to face...helps ease the fingers a bit when you sit before a screen for hours on end divulging all that God has been doing!

It has been beautiful but at the same time...it's been challenging.

Faith is not instant. The initial thought of activating faith is the simplest part. It's the holding out for what you put your faith in that tests you to no end. I am learning that my faith has to be solely in Christ who strengthens me and gives me the peace that surpasses all understanding in order for what I activated faith for in the first place to come to fruition.

Sometimes it's faith that you'll get the job you applied for or pass the test you studied for.

But sometimes it is faith that you'll hold on no matter what comes your way in the war for the kingdom. Faith that you'll stand for Him in every way you possibly can, no matter the circumstance. Faith that what He has promised...He will surely bring about.

Faith is heavy.

What I have learned about having faith and holding on to it with a death grip is this: GODS GREATEST GLORY WILL BE REVEALED WHEN HE IS THE ONE WHO MAKES IT HAPPEN!

I long to let Him have the praise He deserves.

We serve a mighty,beautiful, loving, furious, righteous, merciful(to name a few) God.

It's time we come to Him with praises louder than in the throne room.

"I love you Lord, and I lift  my voice, to worship You oh my soul, rejoice.
Take joy my King, in what You hear.
May it be a sweet, sweet, sound in Your ear."

Love, Always Love!
Amber

WOW~!

It has been a while!

I have been forced to merge my email accounts & it has been crazy trying to log on to this site! I have found a loop-hole! Praise the Lord!

I have had many blessings these days! Many involve testing and some just involve good ole people!

I will write more when I find some more time. Right now I have to help prepare dinner!

Blessings and LOVE!
Amber

Praise, Praise, Praise...

So here is the PRAISE story I promised you!

I had been thinking about getting a Mustang for quite some time now...since I was 15 to be exact. The dream never quite seemed like it would come true because even as a college grad with a great job, $30,000 dollars is quite an investment.

It had never been practical to GO BIG in my life. However, I am finding out that with God I can go BIG as I want. He is the Father of goodness & blessings & He made a dream come true.

My original dream was to own a 1967 Metallic Blue Stang. I have searched & searched for one but since I travel so much, it was not going to be a car I would ever get. Not until this year had I had the itch to go test drive Mustangs. I had never even driven one because family and friends prefer standards & well, I am an automatic girl.

Summer creeped along, I told the Lord, " I really want a mustang for my 25th birthday!" I could not think of a better gift to give myself.

On June 16th I drove down to the Ford dealership to drive a Mustang. I sat behind the wheel of an automatic, candy red 2012 stang & it was heaven on earth.

There was one catch... I didn't care too much for the new body style & the price. The only reason I even thought about buying new was warranty but even warranty couldn't shake the desire I had for finding the perfect Mustang for me.

We drove to many places around town but there were no Mustangs. Heart sick, I began to give up on finding the perfect car & I chose to stick with my trusty Hyundai.

Mom said, " What about that dealership by....." I totally had forgotten that one, so I drove on to the last lot & to my surprise my car was sitting in the front line of the lot. I just wanted to see what the asking price was & not get my hopes up too much when Robert, the sales rep, approached me. I asked him the details & he said they were asking $15,900. This deal was better by far, but something wasn't selling me yet. I got back into my car & began to drive away. Before I could pull away my sister from the back seat yelled at me,
"Why are you not driving that car?" Something rose up in me & I whipped my car back into the lot & took Baby Blue for a spin. As soon as I got behind the wheel I knew it was my car.

I knew I wanted that car but I also had to leave out of town the next day & I couldn't make a decision on a whim without counsel from the Lord & my family.

I only had 3 expectations:

1) My car would be a Mustang
2) It had to have an older body style
3) The price had to be just right

I left the car on the lot & prayed the whole weekend. I tried to hear God & I struggled. Amidst the fun roadtrip I went on & the adventures I had, I was anxious to get back to the dealership.

I finally heard, "wait....just wait..."

So I let the thoughts go. I waited...until Monday.

I called Robert back & to see if I could take the car for another drive. He said he'd be happy to lend me the car for the day but he also said that someone had taken it for a spin that weekend but it was still available.

I picked up the car & all was well with the world again. I had one place in mind to take the car...Boston Automotive! I was not going to pursue this car any further without a proper inspection from a trusted friend. I was surprised at what he said. He told me that I would be a happy girl for a very long time if I bought this car. It looked great to him. He also let me know that he restores Mustangs so I trust his judgement.

After hearing what he said, my mind was made up. It was going to be my car...& I had only had it for 30minutes.

I drove the car all day & took it back to Robert. He asked me what I thought about it & I happily let him know I was coming back the next day at noon to make a deal with him.

What he said next was not what I expected to hear. He said that the couple who had looked at the car over the weekend had been making a deal for the car & if I wanted to hold it for myself I would have to pay $500 non-refundable dollars. In my spirit I knew I was not supposed to do it. Frantically I stepped outside of his office & called my mom. She left work early to come help me. I was so confused. With God, He is all about perfection & ease. This was too pressured.

I told Robert that my mom was on her way, to please give me 30minutes to consider. I walked outside to my friend & began to panic. She said, "Ask Holy Spirit what to do." I did & all I heard was, "Don't do it..." Sadness took over for a moment and I looked over at the Mustang & sobbed. I had to let go of yet another desire. It wasn't easy. About the time I composed myself, my mother drove up. She asked me what I was going to do & clearly I couldn't go back in to speak with Robert because of my tear stained cheeks, i told her to tell him to give it to the other people. She asked me if I would be alright & all I could think of was if it is meant to be, it will be. If it wasn't, then God has even better.

My mother let her "Momma Bear" come out & she let Robert know that she didn't appreciate the pressure he placed on me to the point of making me cry. She then turned & walked away.

I felt bad for the whole situation. I didn't want to leave the car. I didn't want to make Robert feel bad but God would get the glory still.

I woke up the next day praying hard. I still had a decision to make. Robert said the couple was making a deal but the car was not for sure out of the question. I had to decide if I was even going to pursue the car anymore & prayed one last time & let go.

My prayer was, "Father, if I am to get that car, You will make the wrong that has been done, right. If I am supposed to buy the car, Robert will call me, he will let me know the car is still available, & he will apologize."

What happened next will never leave my memory.

Not even 10 minutes later I received a phone call. I did not know the number so I did not answer. A message was left so I put it on speaker as I put my make-up on. At the moment I heard Robert's voice I began to scream. My sister ran into my room & asked why I was screaming, then crying. I told her about the prayer I just spoke & I let her hear the message again.

1) Robert called
2) He told me the car was available
3) He apologized

History was made, my faith was sealed even more that day, and I became the owner of a car the Lord specifically picked out for me. Sometimes we have to wait. God does not hand us grenades. We all to often pull the safety clip & expect Him to redeem something that was never meant to be placed in our hands in the first place.It is good to live according to His will & it is good to have every decision placed at His feet.

I hope this inspires you to wait upon the Lord.
He will not disappoint.

All glory to you Jesus. Thank you Father!

Amber

p.s. Remember how I said my original dream was to own a 1967 Metallic Blue Mustang? Well, this should let you know a little more about  how God works. Come to find out, the 2007 model was designed to look like the 1967 Mustang. I got exactly what I was waiting for!

 

Can't Wait...

Hello Friends!

Take a listen to this girl, Ellie Goulding. Just click on the link to the left to read about her & listen to music samples.

Featured on Saturday Night Live, I fell in love as soon as I heard "Your Song" come out of her mouth!

I have ordered my very own copy from Amazon & it is on it's way!

Can't wait to jam out!

Blessings~

Amber

Holy Cow......My Dream Came True...

Hello Friends!

I am here to say that dreams really do come true and GOD hears and answers prayers.

As of June 21, 2011 I am the owner of a beautiful metallic blue MUSTANG!

I could  not be a happier girl!

I have the praise story to go along with this pic filled note but that will come in a few moments!

It's May, Summer is Almost Here, Fisher Will be Gone Soon, and I am Living 1 Day at a Time?

Guilty!

Yes, I think about many things. I try to work it all out in my brain before it even happens. Do I learn from the stress it causes me? NO! I am stubborn! haha

I say these things to be real. I have alot of things to look forward to but at the same time, it's almost bittersweet because when one things comes, another goes.

Praise God I have Him working it out from beginning to end when I try on my own and FAIL miserably.

Here are just a few things to expound on!

I am currently working in the last 5 days of the 2010-2011 school year and it is bittersweet. I am going to miss my 4yr olds. I almost started crying today at carpool as I unloaded the sweet babies for some of the last times. Daily parents keep telling me that their children will be gone the last week of school. (We are usually out for the summer by now so they have already planned vacations and camps and are deciding to pull them out early.) Thus making our class even smaller and making me cherish the few more days I have left with the little friends

Summer is going to be interesting. Many trips back and forth between home and here. Lord, I am going to pray for the gas prices to FALL drastically now~! haha

It is going to be full of fun, interesting, sunkissed, skinny, water-parky, wedding planny, SING-y , family days and I look forward to every bit of it!

Then there is Fisher. He is my 2yr old boyfriend and pretty much the only person that calls me Amby now. My family and I took turns watching him this year and we have found out quite recently that his family will be moving in a few weeks. I didn't realize how much I loved that little boy and how much he loved me until last night. He saw me and said, "Amby....." My heart melted. He latched onto me and even posed for some pictures that I will be using to make a going away gift for his momma and him one day.

I just cried last night as I got ready for bed and thanked God for this precious baby. He has done something to me and I praise the Lord for his little life. He has helped me to remember to be like a chid. Ask my mom....she thinks I'm doing a great job being like a child...haha j/k. I love you mom.

All in all, God is good. I am alive. I am thankful. I am BLESSED.

Be free to love and live my friends!
I love you all!
Amber

AMY!!!

Hello my friend!

I am writing this to YOU...yes....YOU(Amy L.) to say that I MISS YOU DEARLY! Give those sweet boys a hug for me!

Please contact me!

apalacios333@gmail.com

If I had a facebook...

If I had a facebook, my status would read, " I just don't understand low riders."

I was sitting at a light earlier today and a low rider was in front of me. Suddenly it began to rise into the air and what made me notice it was not what you would think, it was the loud clang of the parts used to make it hydraulic.


I just laughed as it rose and fell before my eyes and thought to myself, " I just don't understand low riders."

If I had a facebook my next status would read, " I miss Casey..."

BUT

I don't have one and it's better that way!

Love and Blessings~
Amber

A Cause To Be Thankful...

When  I think about God, there is one single thought that follows His sweet remembrance...

" Father, I should be so thankful."

It never fails. At the moment I begin to question something or think about how sad something in my life is...His great love always trumps my stubborn mind game.

You see, nothing in the world should be so great that I long for it the way that I do.

Nothing should supersede the only relationship that never fails.

No person, place, or thing should have sway over me because I am the daughter of  a King...yet I forget that all the time.

He is a choice. A life changing force. He is my voice. He is not a figment. He is truth personified. He is the way, the only way to freedom we have never tasted.

What beauty this God of wonder is. What mercy He gives...constantly.

Today I awoke and began to feel the sting of the enemies past-tainted darts.
I could choose to let him hit me, and let the poison penetrate my restored heart.
I could choose that.

However, I choose my King's song. I choose the song of a fighter who gave until His last breathe.
New hope has sprung from the blood covered earth. New life is meant to be lived.
He gave all, so I could finally live.

I love you Father.
Yours,
Amber

Arms Wide Open

What does love look like?” is the question I’ve been pondering
“What does love look like?”
“What does love look like?” is the question I’ve been asking of You

I once believed that love was romance, just a chance
I even thought that love was for the lucky and the beautiful
I once believed that love was a momentary bliss
But love is more than this
All You ever wanted was my attention
All You ever wanted was love from me
All You ever wanted was my affections, to sit here at Your feet

Then I sat down, a little frustrated and confused
If all of life comes down to love
Then love has to be more than sentiment
More than selfishness and selfish gain

And then I saw Him there, hanging on a tree, looking at me
I saw Him there, hanging on a tree, looking at me
He was looking at me, looking at Him, staring through me
I could not escape those beautiful eyes
And I began to weep and weep

He had arms wide open, a heart exposed
Arms wide open; He was bleeding, bleeding

Love’s definition, love’s definition was looking at me
Looking at Him, hanging on a tree
I began to weep and weep and weep and weep

This is how I know what love is, this is how I know what love is

And as I sat there weeping, crying
Those beautiful eyes, full of desire and love

He said to me, “You shall love Me, You shall love Me
You shall love Me, You shall love Me”

With arms wide open, a heart exposed
With arms wide open, bleeding, sometimes bleeding

If anybody’s looking for love in all the wrong places
If you’ve been searching for love, come to Me, come to Me
Take up your cross, deny yourself
Forget your father’s house and run, run with Me
You were made for abandonment, wholeheartedness
You were made for someone greater, someone bigger, so follow Me
And You’ll come alive when you learn to die

Misty Edwards

He has given His son so we may live...

Thank You God...I Love You.

So I Went...

I finally got to see The Civil Wars and they were AMAZING!

Monks was super packed and I got to stand on the back of a couch to see them but overall, Aunt Lori and I  had ourselves a fun time!

I encourage you to go take a listen to their live FREE downloadable album at: http://www.sensibilitymusic.com/thecivilwars/

or

BUY their new album: Barton Hollow

You will not be disappointed!

Enjoy some pics while you are at it!

Goodness....

It's 2:30 am and I should be asleep!

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I write tonight to say Thank You Jesus for your GOODNESS!

That's all. What else can I really say?

Splurges.......

2 things I love.......

Skeleton Keys and Music!

It just so happens that I am the proud owner of 2 tickets to The Civil Wars concert in Abilene, Tx and 10 gorgeous skellies! (short for Skeleton Keys...I copied the slang from someone)

Did I get the keys with the tickets or vice versa?

No, I simply hit every website that I love and splurged!

Here they are! The 10 Skellies from Germany! Can't wait til I get them. I am thinking I will hang them on my christmas tree as ornaments. Trust me, I have many ideas floating around in my head already!

Here are The Civil Wars. Recognize the beauty? It is former christian artist Joy Williams. She made her own label called sensibility music and said for 7 years she had  a burning desire to write her own stuff! Kudos for her, it is awesome!

Here is a link to a FREE live download of an album they released at Eddie's Attic. You will not be disappointed!

http://www.sensibilitymusic.com/thecivilwars/

Can't wait to see them!

Stars...

I have been reading a few blogs of choice....Eat A Peach and Wide Eyes, Blue Skies..., and realize just how many words there are to say in this life!

God has put so much thought into our minds that thanks to a blog, we can share or sometimes just spew our thoughts onto whoever is willing to read them...or happen upon them.

I praise the women who write in these two blogs for they open up the vast reality that is indeed out there.

We are all human, we are all longing to be heard, we are all soul searching, and yes....we are amazing!

I can't say that enough. It is not to get a big head, instead it is to edify my fellow brothers and sisters.

We are all AMAZING. 

It is crazy to think that the God who made the countless stars and constellations in the sky, made me, made you.

Why then do we not believe just that! How amazing we are? We are the dear ONE's God made?

If you have the answer, I'd love to hear it.

Love, Love, Love.....ONLY LOVE!

It's 3am...

I have no clue why I am still awake.

I must admit, so many thoughts are bubbling over in my mind that I am sure the constant pondering of them all is the culprit. "So what!", I say! It's the weekend and I can sleep in tomorrow. That is God's gift to me!

I do not even know where to start.......

Let's see, I am just a girl, in this big world that I've had the pleasure of viewing from above and I want to follow the Lord so much so that I do not even know where to begin or even how to do so.

I know I am not worthy of many things yet His love should be something I never question....and yet I still do.

Many times I say, " Lord, I am not worthy of your love...." BUT, I am finding out slowly but surely that the statement I make sometimes daily is WRONG!

I am not worthy, because of my sinful nature, to do what He has called me to do, yet His love NEVER gets "portioned" out to those who do more, seek more, love more, talk more, pray more, sing more, give more, work more.

It's not about works,. It's the simple fact that His love knows no favorite. We are all equally loved and with that said, we are all worthy of His love. He cannot choose who He loves more.

He knows our "worth" and obviously, YOU & I, were "WORTHY" enough to die for.

Way to go for 3am revelations!

I like this!

Praise be to God, my Father, my life!

My worth= His Life
His life= My life "worth" living

Blessings~

ETSY....

Ello All!

I have recently been adding some new things to my ETSY shop!

If you are looking for some hand made craftiness, go check out my shop and some of my fellow "Etsians" as they call all who sell on etsy!

http://www.amber33.etsy.com/

Peace, Love, and the Holy Ghost!

The Promise

GREATER THINGS HAVE YET TO COME!




Father,


I believe you.
I trust you.
I love you.
Me