Christianity

What does it mean to you?  DO you pray when you need something?  Do you pray just to give thanks to God and Jesus?  How do you pray?  

For the longest time, I didn't know what Christianity meant to me.  Sure, I was "sprinkled" as a baby, but other then that and going to church on Sundays with my Grampa, I didn't really know what being Christian really meant.  Then a bunch of other things happened in my life (read about them here) and my Faith went right out the window...I was angry.  How could God let something like that happen to ME.  

Anyway...back to the topic...Christianity.  Alot more things have happened in my life in the last almost 5 years.  GOOD things...Things like meeting Fire Husband, and marrying him.  Fire Husband got me back to church.  Which is a great thing, in my opinion.  

And then there was finding PWOC (thank you Crystal!!).  And now I'm a Jr. Board member.  I'm doing my first ever Bible study (and for all you Christian women out there, I HIGHLY recommend Bad Girls of the Bible).  Well, the point of this post is that in getting involved with PWOC, I've found my place.  I've found my home church (even though it's gonna be a hike once we move).  And more importantly, I've decided to be Baptized.  

I thought long and hard about this.  I prayed, and prayed, and prayed.  And it's time.  This is where God is leading me.  Being a military family, and seeing as how I go to the Chapel on base (my home church) and that I'm so greatly involved in Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC) which is a military organization, I thought it only appropriate to be Baptized by a military Chaplain.  After having my interview yesterday with the Chaplain, he has agreed to Baptize me, and I couldn't be happier!!  

Now all we have to do is work out scheduling, and hopefully within the next couple weeks (before the ocean gets too cold around here) I will be Baptized in the ocean.  

I really feel that this is the start of a new life for me...which is exactly what Baptism is...a new start.

I can't wait for my new start.

And I want to thank Fire Husband for standing right next to me through all of this, even though he's Catholic, and this isn't something that's done in his religion, he is behind me 120% and supports me in my decision...so, thank you Fire Husband.  I love you more then you know

And thank you to everyone else involved...I'm not going to name names, because I didn't ask, but if they read this, they will know who they are.  I love you all, and couldn't do this without you!

Day 4…Women who inspire me

Ok, so I know I’m a couple days behind…I’ll catch up…But this is the post for day 4 of the SITS ladies Back to Blogging challenge.  (don’t forget to visit the sponsors! Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances)  Yes, I’m still hoping to win Thelma and Louise for the new house!!

 

So on to the women who inspire me…

 

My Mom…hands down, my mom has worked so hard her whole life to make sure that I not only had the every day necessities, but every thing that I wanted too.  She worked extra hours to pay for my figure skating lessons, competition fees, dresses, skates…everything…and let me tell you…while it pretty and fun…skating is NOT cheap…

 

Then my mom worked 2 jobs to put me through college…until she got sick…the summer in between my sophomore and junior years my mom got sick…really sick…I didn’t want to go back to school (but of course she made me, lol)  It took a year to finally get her diagnosed, and the diagnosis of MS was devastating.  It totally changed our lives…but through it all, my mom still does everything she can to make sure that I’m taken care of…even though I’m grown and married, she still helps out any way she can…

 

So, yeah…My mom is my inspiration…

15 Sept 10

 Sooo it's September 15th, guess what that means? Yes it's halfway through the month, but that's not it. It's definitely Friday, but that's not it either. It's the end of my biggest giveaway ever in the history of my blog...Soda Stream!

Thank you to Soda Stream for sponsoring this giveaway and getting another person addicted to this awesomeness. And thanks to all of you, for participating. Seeing the comments and tweets has been great!

So without further ado, the winner of the Soda Stream giveaway is......

 27

And #27 was....

SpitFire wrote:

And I tweeted. Darn I must like you, lol. :) 

Thanks again for the 181 entries...be sure to check back often to see what we're giving away next!

Much Love! 

Back 2 Blogging Day 3 with The SITS Girls

Welcome to Day 3

Have you created a title that was incredibly funny, creative, or sentimental? Re-publish the post on your blog and then link it up here on SITS. We’d love to check it out and understand why you feel the post is important.

Don't forget to check out our sponsors!! Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances

Pen to Paper Challenge

22 August, 2010

So…this month instead of a contest for Pearistas…they are holding a Pen to Paper Challenge. What does that mean?

Here’s what Christy has to say about it:

Hello!

In place of a giveaway this month we are challenging you to participate in our Pen to Paper challenge, exclusive to our Pearistas! (oh, and there is something else coming in a few days, too!)

At Pear Tree, we believe in something greater than selling cards. We believe in the value of relationships and we know how much you value them, too, especially after seeing some of your posts with last month's note cards giveaway.

Paper is a form of connecting people, a great form, a real form. We know this because when we go to the mailbox, the first thing we open is the hand addressed envelope. Because inside waiting is a note card someone has taken the time to write especially for you.

So, we have a challenge for you, our Pearistas. Write a hand written note once a week for four weeks. There's so much to say. Say it's been too long to those who live long distance, write a note to one of your parents and tell them all those things you've been meaning to say but it's easier to write, or tell the people in your life you see every day and forget to express your appreciation for always being there for you. It doesn't take much, even just a simple hello in the form of a hand-written note will mean so much to the recipient!

If you accept this challenge, we'll send you 8 note cards, 4 for you and then an additional card and envelope to include in each of the 4 that you send, promoting the person you're sending a card to, to do the same, send a hand-written note. The cards will be personalized with a generic 'hello' message, which we feel is appropriate for almost any message you would want to write.

Finally, as we know a part of being a blogger is sharing your experiences, we ask you then commit to following up each note with a post about what writing the note meant to you. Scan in your note if you want to, but we understand if it was a private note! But more importantly, tell us about how you felt writing the card. What were the responses you got back? Did you get creative and include something else along with the card (picture, etc.)? Once a week we will pick out one Pearista's post to feature on our Pear Tree blog (obviously with the consent of the Pearista) and award that Pearista a $50 credit towards any Pear Tree purchase (ahem, the need for holiday cards isn't that far away).

Do you accept? Just send me an email or comment on this post telling me you're accepting the challenge by this Saturday, August 7th, and we'll get your cards in the mail to you the following week, for sure by Saturday the 14th. Week one of the challenge will start Sunday, August 15th.

I can't wait to read your posts!

Christy

So…I’m a little early…but here’s what I did for my first one…You may or may not know that Fire Husband is currently in the NCO academy, through a satellite course…started a couple weeks ago, and goes through the end of Oct. here…then he will spend 2 weeks at another ANG base for the remainder of his class, and graduation. The first couple days of class were less then pleasant for him…between his full time job, and class and all…he’s a wee bit stressed. But that’s neither here nor there…

We have a tradition here in our house. Anytime Fire Husband leaves…for any amount of time…a week, a month, whatever…I put a note in his stuff before he leaves for him to find when he gets to his destination.

Well, yeah, I know he technically didn’t “go” anywhere…just to his ANG base…but I could sense that he needed a pick me up. So on Thursday, I took one of the Pear Tree Greeting cards that I received for the challenge, wrote it out a 0530 (5:30AM) and tucked it safely away in his ABU’s for him to find before class. In this note, I told the love of my life and best friend how much I love him, and how very very proud I am of him for all that he does everyday.

He found the note just before class, and said that it was just the encouragement that he needed that day. He had a great class.

He truly is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I’m blessed to have him as my soul mate, and husband.

I’m not sure who will be the recipient of next weeks card…so come back and check it out!

B2B with the SITS Girls day 2

OK, so after hosting the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, the SITS girls are at it again.  They are now holding Back to Blogging (B2B).  Not only are they hosting but they got some amazing sponsors to help Her are the links to the sponsors, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.  I’m not going to lie, while, yes, this is going to help me to get back into blogging and kick my preverbal butt into gear…I want to win Thelma & Louise…a fabulous washer and dryer set…I mean come on now we’re moving into a new house SOON…so, they would look really nice in our new laundry area!!

 

Onward we go to day 2 (and yes I know that I’ve posted 2 today…we were traveling yesterday, lol)  Today’s assignment is to re-upload a post you wish more people had paid attention to…

 

So…this is mine…I don’t try not to bring too much attention to my fibro, or the fact that I’m nothing but a perfectly normal (mentally, physically, and emotionally) 29 year old.  I don’t like to admit that I have limits, or that I cry over spilt milk (no, seriously…I do…it’d ridiculous)  But I really had wished that during Invisible Illness week last year, just one person had read this post:

 

30 Things about my invisible illness you DON’T know

16 September, 2009

1. The illness{s} I live with is: Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Clinical Depression, and (possibly) Bi-Polar Disorder

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: I was dx with migraines in 98.  The fibro was dx in '03.

3. But I had symptoms since: before I can remember...well, yeah, I guess I really have...of the fibro anyway...I have vague memories of being in the hospital as a young child, and going through test after test with no findings...looking back, I guess we know why now...that was almost 22 years ago now

4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is:....everyday is an adjustment...I went from being an athletic, working, happy young women, to being a stay at home wife, who's barely able to get out of bed on a good day...don't get me wrong, I love Fire Husband, and would not give up my life for anything, however, I would make some adjustments...

5. Most people assume: I'm perfectly normal, and just lazy as hell

6. The hardest part about mornings are: I'm tired, I'm groggy, I hurt like I can't even explain, and I have to say good bye to Fire Husband for the day, Thank you USN *grumble*

7. My favorite medical TV show is: {was} ER

8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: my computer, and my cell phone...my friends and family live in those things!

9. The hardest part about nights are:  that's when I feel the best, yet, I'm alone...either because Fire Husband is at work, or asleep, and/or normal people don't stay up all night...I love night time...it's cooler, less humid (if it's summer) and I don't hurt as much

10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) I've lost count

11. Regarding alternative treatments I: Haven't gone there yet...but I think I might soon

12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I'm not really sure in all honestly...I'm just getting used to this...I'm not sure what difference it would make if it was visible, other then people understanding without having to explain 9million times

13. Regarding working and career: trying to get my photography off the ground so that I can call the shots {no pun intended} and make my own hours around how I feel

14. People would be surprised to know: that I'm not really lazy, and I HATE being in bed, or inside, and restricted all the time...I miss being active, I miss hanging out with friends, I miss cooking, I miss being social...I miss my life

15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: giving up my freedom, and having to ask for help and depend on others so much.  It makes me want to cry.

16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: make a difference in other peoples lives

17. The commercials about my illness: make me want to cry...they portray it as something so happy, and easy...it's NOT

18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: picking up and just GOING.  No planning, no worrying.

19. It was really hard to have to give up: my independence.

20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: Photography...I love every minute of it...oh, and blogging

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Pick up and just go anywhere Fire Husband wanted to, and do anything he wanted to, no worries

22. My illness has taught me: I'm stronger then I think {most of the time}

23. Want to know a secret? One thing people say that gets under my skin is: Don't you get bored??  {DUH???}

24. But I love it when people: Ask me how I'm feeling, and actually care about the answer

25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: 1 Corinthians 13:4

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love doesn't care who you are, if you have an II or anything...it's there no matter what

26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:  It's not the end, it's a new beginning...

27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: I'm actually capable of doing it.  I never thought that this was something that I was capable of.  I watched my mom do this growing up, and thought "I could never do that."  I was wrong

28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: Hold me, hug me, love me, and tell me it was going to be ok

29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:  It's good to know you're not alone

30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Like I'm not alone :-)

B2B with the SITS Girls Day One

OK, so after hosting the 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, the SITS girls are at it again.  They are now holding Back to Blogging (B2B).  Not only are they hosting but they got some amazing sponsors to help Her are the links to the sponsors, Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.  I’m not going to lie, while, yes, this is going to help me to get back into blogging and kick my preverbal butt into gear…I want to win Thelma & Louise…a fabulous washer and dryer set…I mean come on now we’re moving into a new house SOON…so, they would look really nice in our new laundry area!!

 

Anyway…on to day one.  Day one is to repost the very first post you did on your blog…so here’s mine:

 

18 July, 2008

Hey y'all, I'm Éimí (Amy in real life...but I like the look of Éimí better) I'm 27. I'm dating my best friend and my true soul mate. We're still  trying to get used to our Air Force life.

We're an Air Force family. Fire Boy is in the Air National Guard here, and is also a civilian fire fighter as well.

I am a chef by day, and a wanna be photographer..live near us? Want a photo shoot? contact me for details, or check out Amy Brown Photography.

We are a Christian family, and we both try to live our lives in the Word.

We have 2 fur babies; Tinks (Tinkerbell) our baby girl...she's a Calico, and a quintessential scaredy cat and Demon (Keegan) Our tiger cat, who has no fear, and no boundaries...

We are by no means perfect, but we do try. I cuss from time to time, I get angry, and I have been known to question God...but like I said, we try.

So hang out, pour yourself a cup of coffee wine, pull up a chair, and make yourself at home.

This is Our Air Force Life...welcome to it!

 

And now onto the second part of the challenge what would you change if you were writing it today?  Well…I think I would have added pictures of everyone that I spoke about.  Maybe go into more detail too…but hindsight is 20/20 ya know?

 

Oh, well, y’all are still around for some reason!

 

Much Love

Penny Bennett Bible Tote Review/Giveaway

I have been given the great honor, and privilege of not only reviewing a Penny Bennett tote, but to also give one away to one of my amazing readers! Let me tell y’all, I’m floored by this opportunity. I have been eyeing PBT’s for months, no, really, I have…I follow here on facebook. I follow her blog. I am just IN LOVE with what Penny does, and why she does it.

As you may or may not know, I have been finding my way back to my faith. I have joined PWOC at our local Naval station. I’ve helped plan the fall/winter Bible study (which we just kicked off on Wednesday). I’ve asked one of the Chaplains on said Naval station to baptize me in the coming weeks. I feel very much as if God has “brought me home”. I feel that I’m where I need to be.

But anyway, I’m getting scattered. When Penny contacted me about this review, I was ecstatic!! What better review/giveaway to do right now then a Bible tote?? So it was done. I asked for the tote. It came in just a couple of days. Literally…I think it was like 3 days…I saw it on our mail box one day as I was leaving the house to go to PWOC. I sat in my car for few minutes, looking at the package. I opened the box, and was greeted by a beautifully wrapped bag. Seriously, the tissue paper was almost too pretty to open. I held it in my hands for a moment, before tearing it open. Again, I was delighted by the care and time taken to fold my new tote , and the care taken to bubble wrap the bottom piece so that it didn’t get bent in shipping. I spent quite awhile admiring my new bag…and then I promptly placed my Bible in it, and off to study we went!

And I can honestly say that my tote goes EVERYWHERE with me!!

My PBT in the truck on our way to NY…(and yes that’s my computer too, I typed most of this in the truck)

So now for the FUN part!

Penny has graciously offered a Small Bible tote to 1 lucky winner!

(Please make sure to leave your contact email in each entry so that we can get in contact with you if you win!)

Give away is open to US residents ONLY...sorry everyone!!

(the give away is open until 10/10 at 11:59pm EST)

Mandatory Entry!

Go to Penny Bennett Totes and tell me which of her beautiful creations is your favorite.

Other Entries!

Follow Live, Laugh, Love…Our Way on GFC

(1 entry)

Follow Penny Bennett’s Blog

(1 entry)

“Like” Live, Laugh, Love…Our Way on FB

(1 entry)

“Like” Penny Bennett on FB

Grab our Button

(5 entries, 5 separate comments)

Blog about this giveaway

(5 entries, 5 separate comments, at least one with a link to the post)

Tweet about this giveaway

(I want to win a Penny Bennett Bible tote from @LLLOurWay! http://ow.ly/2CBb2 )

(1 entry per tweet, one tweet allowed per day, please leave your Twitter name!)

Good Luck and Much love!

L.E.N.S. challenge 4sept10

Welcome to this week's The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge!
The theme is "Begin the Story" pick a photo that could launch a story, and-if you'd like, add a starter sentence to get the imagination going. Or, choose a photo that would grace the cover of a storybook...or- come up with something that to you says, "begin the story".

So here's my "beginning"

What kind of story can you come up with this week??