JoyceMeyerQuote.

The more you hurry, the more mistakes you make.

 Slow down, breathe and learn to be led by God, not driven by impatience.

 -Joyce Meyer

a Joyce quote I just came across and had to share.

Update on Daddy...

He had a bronchoscopy this morning and we won't know the results until Tuesday at his next dr appt. Seeing my Daddy (the strongest man I've ever known) like he was today, was awful. The worst thing I've experienced. But he made it through! And so did we. I know God's carrying me through this time, bc life has just thrown so much at me lately that standing isn't even an option for me let alone walking this journey. Praise God for His helping hand! And for His strength in our weaknesses!!! It's 9pm and Dad just woke up and talked to us!!!!! He's been sleeping all day long and he finally sat up for a few and talked. Now he's trying to eat some soup. Please keep praying for him and my family as he continues to recover from this mornings tests and for the results on Tuesday. We will know more of where we're going from there after that appointment. I could never thank you enough for all the kind words, all the thoughts and prayers!!! It means the world to me. God is enough. But knowing I have all the wonderful ppl in my life praying and comforting us during these difficult times, has been such a blessing. I love each and every one of you.

"And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

-Deuteronomy31:8

Jeremy Camp - Move In Me (Paul)

my new favorite song...
oh my, Jeremy ROCKED IT last night...
and these lyrics...WOW!!!!!

I'm def going to have to buy this new "The Story" cd,

it has a ton of songs all from the perspective of different

ppl in the Bible..this one is from Paul's perspective.

The man I buried had a heart of stone
Left him in there in the bright light out on a dirt road
The day You saved me, from shadow and shame
Old things gone, got a new song, got a new name
Burnin' like a wildfire, kickin 'up flames
A brand new man in a wasteland singing about grace
Gonna jump the fences, until the world is free
But I won’t make a move until You move in me.

I’m knocking on doors, You’re keeping the keys
Maybe they’ll open, maybe they’re not for me
I’m setting the sails, You ready the seas
But I won’t make a move until You move in me.

Gonna sing a little louder, gonna rattle these chains
Locked up tight round midnight won't stay that way
Gonna bless this dirt floor, gonna kiss these walls
Singing Your praise until the earth shakes and watching them fall

I’m knocking on doors, You’re keeping the keys
Maybe they’ll open, maybe they’re not for me
I’m setting the sails, You ready the seas

A Few More Scenes.

In this world you will have tribulation," Jesus Promises, 

"but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

-John16:33

God tells us while on this earth we will experience trouble. Disease will afflict bodies. Divorce will break hearts. Death will make widows and devastation will destroy countries. We shouldn't expect anything less. But just bc the devil shows up, we needn't panic. 

Our Master speaks of an accomplished deed..."It is finished" (John19:30) The battle is over. Be alert. But don't be alarmed..The manuscript has been published. The book has been bound. Satan is loosed for a season, but the season is oh-so-brief..Just a few more scenes, just a few more turns in the road, and his end will come. 

[Max Lucado]

"180" Movie

This documentary is absolutely mind blowing! 

 If you've ever wrestled with your convictions on abortion 

or know someone who does. I dare you to watch 180!

Update:

Update: My dad hasn't felt well in quite some time...he's been to dr after dr the last few wks & last thurs had some scans done &today they went in for the results. There is a 'mass' (several apparently) in his chest...he has to go in Friday morning to have a biopsy done to discover how much is in there, where exactly its all at, and if it's cancerous. He also has to go in tomorrow to find out the new breathing treatments that he's going to have to start. For those who have been praying, I could never thank you enough. And I'm asking you all to continue to lift up my dad &my family in prayer! I know we serve a HUGE God and nothing is too big for Him and He's in control, always and in all things.

Prayers.

Just wanted to say thank you for all the prayers. I know many of my friends and followers have lifted me and my family up these last few days and I wanted to say thank you so very very much. I appreciate it more than I could ever let you know. And I have felt the prayers immensely. My dad has another dr appointment tomorrow at 1:00 and I wanted to ask you all to please be in continual prayer for him, my family, and the drs that he's going in to see. Thanks so much. Lots of love, AW

Prayer!

Urgent prayer request for my Daddy today!!!! I appreciate it more than I could ever say! -aw

♥there's power in the word♥

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; 
he will never leave you nor forsake you. 
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
-Deuteronomy31:8 


this verse has been on my heart today...had to share!

Ed's Story.

This is quite possibly the most touching, moving, gripping video I've ever watched. The J103 guys posted this earlier and I just got around to watching it....bawled my eyes out. There couldn't have been a more appropriate video or words from anyone to have touched and moved me so much tonight. I completely needed this. And if you've been lacking hope, peace, faith or love in your life lately...I recommend you give it a watch too. It just might change your life. 

http://edsstory.com/films/consider-the-birds.php?channelId&channelListId&mediaId=deb686167d9f44f9bf6207fd5ff47efd

"When you're living in fear, everything is overwhelming."

Tragedy reminds us what little control we have over life; we are always at the mercy of something other than ourselves. As Ed shares, perhaps acknowledging this lack of control is the key to really understanding the notion of healing

If..

If you feel you have to lie about others, to make yourself look good, sound good and feel good...then you should probably rethink how you're living...

My Bestie. And Cale. :)

Just a few more previews from our shoot. 

I sooo can't WAIT to meet Gracyn Alayna!! <3

Tammy Nolan Quote. :)

"I've grieved the loss of those I love, 

some passed away & 

others chose to walk away, 

& I've found Jesus sufficient for me in both!"

Tammy Nolan

(that's right, Tony's wife Tammy:)

Celebrating & Waiting... :)

Me, Amber B, Gracyn (in Momma Amber's belly:), and Amber L!!

At the baby shower for Miss Gracyn!!!! 09.18.11

I looove these girls!!! So blessed to have them in my life!

♥

Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting Him set the pace, 

not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

I know that is my header on my blog....

but I think it gets overlooked way too often. 

At least I know it does by me. Needed it tonight :)

Dear Subscribers,

I have recently made some changes to my blog and in the process I was informed that some of my subscribers may have been deleted. So, if this is the case..it wasn't me, honest! Just when I changed some things it redirected my feed. Anyhow, if that happened to you...please
REsubscribe :) 

Thanks and LOVES! -AW

James1:27♥

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: 

to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, 

and to keep oneself unspotted from the world"

-James 1:27 ♥

This verse has been heavy on my heart (again) tonight. I typed it into my search bar and after scrolling down a bit, I came across this amazing families blog!!! You MUST go read this entry of their story and watch this video. Grab some tissues!!! :)

http://www.goodtobecrazy.com/2011/03/home-at-last-our-video.html?ref=badge

We serve an amazing God!! I just couldn't contain my emotions reading that and watching that precious family! I have known for quite some time that I was 'interested' in caring for orphans. But lately, its evident that that is what God's calling me to. However, adoption isn't the only way to show love and care to these 140 plus orphans in the world. There are TONS of ways to help and serve and LOVE these children. As I watched this video, I almost cried out "Oh wow...I want that. I want to save, help, serve, rescue, LOVE a child that doesn't get that...that doesn't have a family. That doesn't know what it even feels like to be LOVED."  And just as I was crying out from the depths of my heart 'oh please, let me.....' I heard God say (in kinda a HA! tone:) 

"let you? I GAVE you that desire."......

I've blogged a million times about how I know the exact moment God laid this on my heart, the first time I 'knew' God was saying "are you listening? this is for you!". But in my world today, my same routine, same staying-in-my-comfort-zone life that I'm living, its hard to know when and where and how I'm suppose to respond to this heaviness I feel for orphans. I sometimes forget that it's even FROM God. haha I know it is. I remember just a few short yrs ago saying to Him "no way, not this girl!" haha And now, the desire consumes my heart. So why would I for a second doubt that He would show me ALL the where when and hows....and make me fruitful in my attempts?! Funny isn't it? We think we've got to be in control of everything. Like we can't possibly just wait, watch and pray. I've been thinking I've gotta be in control so much that I tried to 'take over' something that God gave me to begin with! Haha I was literally about to ask God to please let me do something that He is calling me to do. ha! I bet sometimes God just sits and laughs at our craziness. "Oh daughter, calm down. I don't know why you get so bent out of shape and worry and doubt..I've spoken this to you a million times already. Just trust me." 

Yes, I can totally see Him doing that over me toinght :)

The Bagley's.

Preview from today's Maternity shoot w/The Bagley's (my bestie and her hubby:) I'm sooo excited for them!!! And I am excited beyond words to meet sweet Miss Gracyn when she gets here!!!! Not much longer now!!! *squeals* Auntie Prill is gonna spoil her rotten! (Along w/everyone else!;)

All Of Me♥

1Corinthians13:4-8♥

Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.

Love doesn't strut,

Doesn't have a swelled head,

Doesn't force itself on others,

Isn't always "me first,"

Doesn't fly off the handle,

Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn't revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies.

♥♥♥

Josh Wilson - Fall Apart

One of my new favorite songs...and below is the story behind it. Both amazing!

Story behind.. "Fall Apart"

♥♥♥

mmm......love :)

favorite♥

♥

 

He Never Let's Go.

Matt Redman has a song called "You Never Let Go". 

And this is the story of how God has used
that one song, to transform my life.

It was June. Me and my boyfriend were off to church. I have always been a panicky person. I was dealing with some MAJOR panic issues that only those closest to me knew about. I was worried about EVERYTHING. In the months before I was worried about everything from health issues of family members, to my job, to some relationships between me and some people in my life, and even (and especially) my relationship with my boyfriend. We had all these great plans. And also had people and things that were stopping those plans from coming to life. Neither of us were fully devoted to God and glorifying Him in everything that we did. And I hated that. We knew that was the reason 'our plans' weren't materializing. I also knew that was the reason for a lot of other 'unmaterialized' dreams that were in my heart. So at this specific church service my heart was 'open to touching' so to speak.....and something happened in me. I was so soo tired of trying to make things happen in my life. Worrying about EVERYTHING and thinking (subconsciously) that I had even the slightest control of my family, my relationships, health issues, ANYTHING that happened in and around me. From the time I stepped foot into the church that day I could feel heavy conviction...heavy moving in my heart. I was fighting it. I didn't WANT to give up control. (Do you realize how funny that sounds? I never had control! None of us do.) But somewhere between the first few songs God was working in my heart. Pulling at me. And then.....the band starts playing "You Never Let Go". It broke me. I remember feeling like it was just me and God and my boyfriend in the room. My boyfriend simply put his arm on my back, comforting me, as I cried and pleaded to God in my heart to please forgive the way I haven't put Him first, and to please take my life. To just do whatever was necessary to get me back to that point of love for Him. The point of where nothing and no one is more important that my Savior. The point of where I could hear from Him at any given moment of the day, bc I was so close to Him and so tuned in to His leading. I was tired of trying to fight Him for control. Tired of trying to make things happen on my own, and worrying myself sick with them. The words of that song rang in my head for days to come. "I will fear no evil, for my God is with me. And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear, whom then shall I fear" All that was going on, all that was against me, all that I hated and couldn't control or change....and God is WITH me!!! And if He is really with me...like I KNOW He is...then WHOM or what shall I fear?!!!! I knew leaving the church that day that change was coming. I felt God calming me..."I'm here"...."It's coming, but I'm here". 

That was the last time that me and my boyfriend went to church together. We very very shortly after, broke up. For many many earthly reasons that I could not wrap my mind around. I not only lost my best friend, but I lost all of his family in the process. The family that, for the last 5yrs WAS my family. It was a pain that I can't even begin to describe. Words were said, decisions were made, and my heart was in a million pieces. But while going through that pain, this moment in church....wasn't anywhere present in my brain. It wasn't until heading to work one day (some time after the break up) that I was crying out to God in pain and confusion and asking Him "Where are You?!"..."You showed me one thing, yet You're doing THIS!"....and as sure as I'm writing this, right that very moment on J103 comes THE SONG. Through my speakers I hear "Oh no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, You never let go in every high and every low. Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me".....My heart broke again that morning, but in a different way. I felt ashamed that I had doubted God in everything that was going on. Like He could care for every aspect of my life, except this..no not this. This was something I had to deal with on my own, right? That kind of thinking is what lead me to this point. Thinking I could have God in every area of my life, but my relationships. Relationships that He blessed and guided me to. He wasn't allowed to be apart of... 

That morning I was FILLED with peace...I was filled with the promise that God WAS in this and He WAS working, even through such a tragic time in my life. I won't lie and say I don't still hurt and I don't mourn over the loss of such  amazing people that have been ripped from my life. But I can say that I know 100% without a shadow of a doubt that my God, my Savior and Creator ALLOWED that to happen....was it His perfect way, I doubt it...but since He wasn't number ONE in my life, and I asked Him to help me get Him there...this is the route He took. And He is using it so shape me and is working in the very midst of every detail of the last few months. I had missed several weeks of services at my church and I went back last week w/a friend. (The first time back since the last time I went w/my boyfriend). The service was about 9/11 and about loss and tragedy and everything that was said was all God reaffirming the truths I've been clinging to these past months. The last song they sang before our preacher got up to preach was "You Never Let Go". I could barely stand I was so shaken. I've NEVER had such a powerful, affirming, comforting, moving, amazing 'God moment' in all my life. If someone were watching me, they'd probably think 'man, look at this chick!' haha! But its like I had posted last week that it was as if it were only me and God in the room that night. I have never longed for my Creator so much in all my life. I sang along, best I could through all the tears but this time with such belief and such knowing that defeated anything else on this earth. "And I can see a light, that is coming, for the heart that holds on. And there will be an end, to these troubles, but until that day comes..still I will praise You, still I will praise YOU!" When you have the very heart in your chest ripped away from you...you realize how unimportant so many earthly things are. I've also realized just how BIG my God is. And to live for anything or anyone other than Him, is pointless. We're not promised tomorrow. We're not promised a great life. A nice house. A wonderful family. The best of earthly things. We're not even promised a life free of pain or rejection or sickness or death. But we are promised that our Savior LOVES us, will NEVER leave us, DIED for us so we could live w/Him for all eternity, and works all things together for OUR good (the good of those who love Him). When tragedy comes your way, remember that there's always more to it...there's a big God behind it calling you and loving you. Listen for Him. Reach out to Him. And let Him love you!!!!!

Brian Welch - I Am Second♥

Brian Welch - I Am Second

Brian Welch, from Korn, is second.

Wow, there really are no words for this one!!!

I Am Second

Home - I Am Second

Bethany Hamilton.

Psalm55:22 -thnx MG :)

God holds us up as we lay it down:

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you" 

Psalm 55:22

♥

"I wanna let go, of what I can't change. 

Because I can't wrap my mind around your ways.

I've got more questions than I have answers these days,

please don't let my suffering go to waste"

I am only on the 3rd song (I already bought the first 2 songs wks ago haha) of Matt Hammitt's new cd "Every Falling Tear" that came out today that was inspired by all they've gone through with baby Bowen!! And I've already bawled my eyes out!!!! I don't know the pain this family has been through, and its something I wish to never experience...but as I've been dealing with so much in my own life (and from loving baby Bowen and this family through their blog) its moved me so so much hearing his words!!!  I pray God uses all my pains in life to help others even a portion of what this family has helped ppl who follow their story!!!!  

♥

I absolutely LOVE the 'no heat curls' thing I tried Sat. night!!!

So much that I'm looking ridiculous again tonight so I'll have 

CURLS 

tomorrow for my date w/my sister!! ;) This girl, NEVER has

curls. It just doesn't happen. My hair hates me, I guess. haha

But I've officially found a way of tricking it into curls..hehe

Here's a pic I took Sunday morning still in my pj's
minutes after I woke up...which explains the face. haha
But this was w/out doing a thing to it!
Just call me Curly Sue. :)

I am....

...having a hard time today. :(

Prayers please.

Thanks & Loves!

Air1 - NEEDTOBREATHE "Slumber" LIVE

and THIS is why I looove them!!! :)

TonyNolanQuote!!

One of the hardest places on earth to stand? 

Silent before your accusers.

-TonyNolan.

Softball♥

I just had one of the best days I've had in a loooong time!!!! 

I went to the Lookouts game on the 4th and decided it was 

past time that we throw together a softball game!! Me and 

my friends have tlkd about it forever but never made it happen.

I played every year growing up and then when I stopped playing

I still would spend every wknd at the ballfields watching my lil

sister play (She was kick A & I sucked haha...but still loved

the game:) And it had been probably 10yrs since I played!!!! 

Today a group of us....a HILARIOUSLY FUN group of us :) 

got together and had ourselves a lil fun on the softball field.

I haven't laughed that hard in a looong time!! haha

Team Us completely dominated. All 4 of us. hahaha!!

Team Them had an advantage with 7 players.

But we still kicked butt. LOL! Wow. We have all 

decided to do this again next month and I absoultely 

can not wait!!! Made me wanna join a co-ed team now!

We'll see if that actually happens....Team Us may be 

the only ones who will actually let me play LOL!

September 11, 2011

Its hard to believe its been 10yrs. 

10yrs ago today I was helping out at First United Methodist Church in the Daycare for my Childcare class in high school. I remember all the lady's working there not wanting to tlk too much about the incident in front of me. I remember they were mad though..hearing of this 'accident'. On the way bk to school is when I heard/realized about the 2nd plane. I remember just crying w/my mom. That entire day seemed to go in slow motion. Time really did stand still. Remembering today, all those who lost their lives &loved ones. And all the heroic men and women who served that day and the days after. I am so grateful to live in America!! I remember the unity we had that day and the days that followed!! It was definitely something that I will never forget. I am also completely grateful that since that day ten yrs ago, I have found and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I knew deep down that day that there was a God bigger than anything that was going on in NYC..in our USA!! But I didn't KNOW Him. Today I am so undescribably thankful to know Him and have my hope secure in Him. We aren't promised a trial/pain free life. And we may even have our own 9/11's that we have to go through. I am thankful beyond words that when I have my own 9/11's, I am secure in Christ. NOTHING can take that away from me. 

this song was playing on J103 as I wrote this...HAD to share..

Here's a link to a post from Rick Warren that I thought
was wonderful and something that I wish everyone
everywhere could read, grasp and live!!
http://blog.pastors.com/blogs/pcom/sept-11-why-does-god-allow-evil-by-rick-warren/

911.

http://blog.pastors.com/blogs/pcom/sept-11-why-does-god-allow-evil-by-rick-warren/

Words from Rick Warren...

that I wish everyone, everywhere could read!!

Isaiah46:4♥

‎"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. 

I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4

just came across this verse tonight and it is quite possibly a new favorite! 

LOVE how God lays His truths out for us...especially how He does it when we most need to hear it :)

Drown by Chasen

i just LOOOVE j103crossroads♥

JTT♥

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/09/08/jonathan-taylor-thomas-birthday/

Oh my GOSH! I looooove this!!! HAHAHA!! 

Brings back sooo many memories!! :) 

JTT was my first love..haha

And for girls now in our twenties, he was our "Justin Bieber"! LOL!!

Wow, makes me feel so soo old! And so happy, 

remembering the Home Improvement days :)

You Never Let Go♥

Im gonna share w/you what I just posted to FB :)

Wanna know how great our God is? And what this song means to me?? Then be looking for a new blog post soon :) Preview..The last time I went to church (way too long ago) this song played and I prayed. Hard times came (are still here). God's laid these lyrics on my heart numerous times this summer...and tonight, they washed over me and brought me to a place Ive NEVER been on my walk w/my Savior. This song just KEEPS showing up!! GOD just keeps showing up!!!!!! Cant wait to blog and tell you MORE!!

Stole this from a friends fb :)

Whatever you're chasing, if it isn't Jesus,

when you catch it you still won't be satisfied.

Completely needed this.

And felt some of you guys might too.

Jesus wept.

What you are about to read is some powerful powerful stuff. This one devotion (from Max Lucado) is the most important significant devotion Ive ever read. I post and share my devotions all the time, the ones that speak to me. But never has one spoken to my very core as much as this one..in the most needed time. Praying you will take in the truth, goodness and LOVE of our Creator as you read. :)

"He Weeps with Us."

from Max Lucado's book "Grace for the Moment"

"Jesus wept."-John11:35

Jesus...weeps. He sits between Mary and Martha, puts an arm around each, and sobs...

He weeps with them.

He weeps for them.

He weeps with you.

He weeps for you.

He weeps so we will know: Mourning is not disbelieving. Flooded eyes don't represent a faithless heart. A person can enter a cemetary Jesus-certain of life after death and still have a Twin Tower crater in the heart. Christ did. He wept, and he knew he was ten minutes from seeing a living Lazarus!

And his tears give you permission to shed your own. Grief does not mean you don't trust; it simply means you can't stand the thought of another day without the Lazarus of your life. If Jesus gave the love, he understands the tears. So grieve, but don't grieve like those who don't know the rest of this story.

YA'LL!!!! Can I just say WOW!!!!! Honestly, leaves me completely speechless!!!! Im in the process of writing my latest 'update' blog and its going to address lots of lifes issues that Ive been dealing with that I havent written about before...its pretty lengthy haha But FULL of honest and raw emotion. I read this devotion last night and to be honest, Ive been doubting. Doubting different things....but being reminded and KNOWING Jesus weeps w/us!!!! And that its OKAY to weep!!!! Wow. Now, Im seeing things in completely different light. All from two words. :) Thank you all for praying for me and for following my blog! Im praying for each of you, my readers, that you will take something away from this!! And that God would shower you in blessings and wrap His love all around you in whatever season you may be in!!!!! ♥AW

JeremyCamp.

This is from Jeremy Camp's book "I Still Believe":

(That I cant WAIT to get!!:)

"If we seek Him wholeheartedly, then we will find Him. The inverse is true as well: If we're NOT seeking the Lord with all of our heart, then we're NOT likely to find Him in the way that He intends for us to experience Him."

WOW! Couldnt have needed that more!! Amen, amen!!

LOOOOVE!!!!

joya and emre from David Robin on Vimeo.

wedding music video

 

I know Im taking a break from writing...

til my head's clear but didnt say anything about

not posting video's. haha I HAD to share this!!! :)

http://aw-walkbyfaith.blogspot.com/2010/09/urgent.html

Here's a link to a post I wrote almost a year ago....

After today's events I really had to go back and reread it myself...

And knew I needed to share it again.
Guys, life on earth is short. No matter how long these 'seasons'

we're in or struggling with seem...when you take your eyes off

the here and now, and look at the big picture....life is short.

Here one minute and gone the next.

We don't need to waste our time on little things, especially

hatred and holding onto hard feelings...when so many ppl

need LOVE! And when time is flying by us so fast.

You never know when your time will come...or

the person you're holding a grudge against.

When there wont be another chance....

Please take a few mins to read this

(or reread for some of you awesome followers)

and feel free to share it!

♥ you lots!!

Apology to all my viewers.

My post on Facebook early this am:

(was going to post on here but lots happened at work&didnt get a chance to)

Needing to apologize for my ridiculousness last night. Loooong day yesterday...too much stress & too little sleep! God has been weighing heavy on me this am and I'm not proud of my actions! Needing to remember to ALWAYS give it over to Him! Just had had enough yesterday...but thats no excuse. prayers please! :) love you guys

My sister responded with: OH NO!!!! Sounds like you may be human....

and ya know, (I love my sister for her support:) but that is exactly WHY I had such strong convictions against my actions/words. I AM just human, JUST LIKE the ppl I was addressing....Its been a rough, all over the place past few wks and I guess I just had a weak moment and gave in to the worldly way of thinking. Im asking you to forgive me, AND to excuse me while I take a mini break from bloggin. Not sure how long I plan to stay away...BUT when I feel Im in a good writing place, you'll surely know it :) Love you guys!!!! (Still asking for prayers! Felt them greatly today!)