Wednesday, June 18, 2008


I guess today I am a little more introspective that normal. Not really sure why- just am. Well, I take that back- most of the time when I have my days of introspection I have either a. read/watched/experienced something awe inspiring, or b. Was asked to write or speak or something in which I have to take time out to focus on me. It’s good for me, because I am forced to think of what God has done in my life.

Today Dave asked for a brief testimony. I did one last week and pained me to not be able to find it this morning. So, like always, I sat down and began to think. It’s hard to give an accurate testimony when you have a mere two paragraphs to work with. This isn’t the first time I was asked to give a brief testimony and I doubt it will be the last- but each time I find myself wanting to give detailed story after story of how God has moved in different parts of my life, but is more often than not summarized to sentences like “I am blessed.” I know, cliché. So- In honor of those untold stories- I bring you segments of my testimony.


Ehhh emm…

Looking back into my high school years, I laugh at my dramatic application to life. After accepting Christ at 15, I instantly labeled myself the victim. Growing up in the “non-church going” environment I played it up as if I a victim held captive in my own skin. I looked down on my family, and their “non-Christian” ways regardless of how loving and capable they were. I was one of those kids who constantly journaled, and wrote sad poetry, who fought and picked at the world around me. I complained at the drop of a hat and had little regard for others.

Looking back at the mental qualities that I possessed I find it hard to believe there was a youth leader who could care—but there was.

The Barth family loved each one of us kids—even when we were unlovable. When we fought, and disagreed, when we hated each other- they loved. When we rode to King’s Island fighting over whose music gets played and bickered at the drop of a hat. They kept their house open to us at all times, when they knew that we were less than loyal to them, when we were undeserving, even when they were having problems themselves. There wasn’t a wrong question or something too stupid to talk about they were above all—our friends.

I don’t think that it’s a coincidence that over half of that small group that met in high school is serving in some capacity of ministry. I just don’t. I give credit to the couple, who above all, listened to God and not everyone around them. Who were real with us, and didn’t use church terms, that answered our questions with their heart- not a manuscript, or just scripture without explaining it to us.

Through their ministry- a passion was ignited. They introduced the idea of having a relationship with God, not just a religion about Him.

Their ministry was life changing.

Read more...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

cicadas

I hate cicadas. I hate them. To be completely honest, I cannot recall a real encounter with cecadas until Winchester. Here in Winchester there is an epidemic that is sweeping Adam’s county. Cecadas. Don’t know what they are? me neither a couple weeks ago. They are huge, quarter sized bugs that buzz louder than I can scream. Although they don’t sting or bite (at least I don’t think) they have no fear! They will swarm around you, get in your clothes, fly in your car, they almost flew in Justin’s mouth. They leave little shells all over the place too. They are GROSS.

The other day, I decided to lay out and try to soak up some sun. I am pasty white and I need help-lol. As soon as I walked out and laid down on the towel it was like a piece of meat just laid down in front of a pack of coyotes. I was swarmed by cicadas. They were flying on me, around me, laying on me. People, it was a horror movie. As danced my way back to the door- I vowed to never touch one of the insects from hell again. That was last week.
So last Sunday Justin and I were in the car after morning service heading to the nearest restaurant when he goes “ is there a Cicada in the car? I’m hearing some buzzing?” Of course I instantly freak and begin to slap my arms and legs in hopes of not finding a little cedaca tucked away in some portion of my body- luckily I didn’t. But he still insisted that he heard something. So I begin scanning the vehicle until the little shiney golden bug met me eye to eye on justin’s seat belt. Of course I begin belting giberish in hopes of communicating that I had found it when Justin reaches over- grabs the bug by the wings and proceeds to PUT IT IN MY FACE. imagine the horror. The buzzing. It still gives me chills. I wont lie, a mad woman came out of me that day. I began screaming, kicking, and clawing Justin. What seemed to be worse is that with every passing second of my screaming insanity, Justin seemed to laugh, and laugh…..and laugh….

after that/ I’ve realized that I hate them. I hate them more than spiders and snakes. A least spiders and snakes will try to get away from you- Cecadas will crawl all over you without fear and buzz like they are in heat… If you plan on visiting Adams County- beware.

Read more...

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Life in the small town

So I think I am starting to get the hang of the small town living- actually- I really like it. The first couple of weeks were a little eerie, I must admit. I mean, I wasn’t used to walking into the post office and the guy standing behind me that I have never seen in my life say “g’mornin Amberrr”… In which I responded (with confused weird look) good morning??
people knowing my name right off the bat- that’s just weird. or going into the bank and getting the “hows married life?” from complete strangers that knew nothing about me- or- at least I knew nothing about them.. It wasn’t bad, it was just weird for me.. As the past three weeks have passed I am starting to grow accustom to seeing familiar faces in a tight-knit community- and I like it. I think I know more people in this community than I ever did in Circleville.

Anyway, Yesterday, I finally got the chance to speak to Megan and Amy which was so nice..My phone service still stinks, but the weather was so nice that I just sat outside and talked.. After chit chatting a little on the phone Jeni, Craig, Justin and I took a walk around Winchester, went to this little ice cream shop called ‘S & S’ and explored the town..! I felt like I was 13 years old again running around with my posse and eating ice cream. During the long walk We passed by some older houses for sell. Justin and I were a little curious so we peeked inside the windows, walked around the yard and checked out the place. Today Justin called the owners and one thing led to another and now we have an appointment to look at a house on Sat! It’s on older house- a definate fix-er-up-er but who knows!

to be continued!~

Read more...

Monday, March 24, 2008

Suddenly...




Today is the first day in a long time that I have had the time to sit down and blog. First of all, I have to address my dear friends that have been calling me relentlessly and have yet to hear from me, and are beginning to believe that I was just a figment of their imagination…ehhh emmm…. (falling to my knees) FORGIVE ME!!! I still love you and will give you a call soon…Between not having service in Winchester, writing thank you cards, starting a new job and still unpacking I have found little time to chit chat. Again, I love you guys- every little single one of you..

But for now, here is an update..

Justin and I are back and are settling into life in the small town of Winchester OH… We both wake up every morning completely baffled at where we are today- together- in Winchester. Although we have only been married for 3 weeks I am completely awed at how lucky I am to have Justin as a husband. He makes me a better Amber.

All of this change has caused a lot of reflection lately…It seems as Madonna said “Life is full of suddenlys”..It seems it was yesterday that Suddenly I accepted Christ as a 15 year old confused freshmen unsure of what tomorrow would be.. And Suddenly Pastor Gary was talking to me about attending CBC…And Suddenly I found my first-world-self standing in a third world country accepting a call much bigger than myself…And Suddenly I walked across the stage to receive my BA in Psychology…And Suddenly I found myself completely in love with a guy I had looked over for 4 years.. And Suddenly I wake up in Winchester working for a Church, married to the love of my life… Suddenly

It’s crazy…

But regardless of how happy we are, it is still so weird to be in Winchester. Even today it feels surreal to wake up not in Circleville- to jump in my car and not go to OCU… It’s weird. Today I got a call from the college, Kay Humble- she worked in an entirely different department at OCU and was calling to verify some info for the church. My heart nearly jumped out my chest just to hear a voice from the college. So, I do miss everyone.. Working for the church has been a good adjustment though. I am excited for Justin and I to see how the Lord is going to use us together here.. It feels good to be apart of a church family again- very much needed. There are so many opportunities here for us, but we are trying to discern what exactly God has us here for rather than just jump into every opportunity, which by the way, is so stinkin hard for me... But I long to know what exactly God has saved me for, and What God has perfectly planned out for our lives. So for now, A new chapter in life is beginning.

Read more...

  © Free Blogger Templates Blogger Theme II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP