To wish NICOLAS a very Happy 14th Birthday! :)
Hope you have a wonderful day, Mr.!
Yours truly,
Amanda :)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
A day of births
Today is a day of births:
1. Happy Birthday ASHLEY!! :)
Hope you have a wonderful day! :)
2. ALYSSA's 2nd Birthday!
Alyssa- I am SO happy you are saved and even more that I can share this special day with you :)
3. It was June of 2002. One of the older men in the assembly had just passed away and Roy Weber and Jim Frazier began to have meetings in Elkhorn, NE. I had gone to gospel meetings since I could remember, I had become concerned about the condition of my soul several times thoughout my childhood years, but nothing brought the reality of death to me as having one of my classmates little brother drown in a pool and lose his life. It was evening when the preachers were over for dinner and I recieved the call. A little boy so full of energy- gone. The incident caused me to think about my soul- just reciently had I seen a person of an older age and a young child gone into eternity. I became concerned about my soul and where I would be if I died. On June 26th, I left a note on the table for my dad to see when he got up in the morning asking how to be saved. He responded with (3) questions for me to ponder and said to read Isaiah 53. I thought about the questions and read, but it still didn't settle in on how I could be saved. So, when he returned home from work on June 27 he asked me to respond to the questions that he had left me. We went to gospel meeting that night, and returned home immediately after the meeting. Just before leaving for a walk with my mom, my dad asked me what I thought about the meeting, talked to me for a bit, and then he asked me to read Isaiah 53 again, and then he left. As I read Isaiah 53 once more, I can to the realization that Jesus died on the cross for MY sin and all I had to do was believe. I thanked God for sending his son and taking away my sin. June 27, 2002 at 9:51pm. I am SO glad I know I'm going to heaven! :)
1. Happy Birthday ASHLEY!! :)
Hope you have a wonderful day! :)
2. ALYSSA's 2nd Birthday!
Alyssa- I am SO happy you are saved and even more that I can share this special day with you :)
3. It was June of 2002. One of the older men in the assembly had just passed away and Roy Weber and Jim Frazier began to have meetings in Elkhorn, NE. I had gone to gospel meetings since I could remember, I had become concerned about the condition of my soul several times thoughout my childhood years, but nothing brought the reality of death to me as having one of my classmates little brother drown in a pool and lose his life. It was evening when the preachers were over for dinner and I recieved the call. A little boy so full of energy- gone. The incident caused me to think about my soul- just reciently had I seen a person of an older age and a young child gone into eternity. I became concerned about my soul and where I would be if I died. On June 26th, I left a note on the table for my dad to see when he got up in the morning asking how to be saved. He responded with (3) questions for me to ponder and said to read Isaiah 53. I thought about the questions and read, but it still didn't settle in on how I could be saved. So, when he returned home from work on June 27 he asked me to respond to the questions that he had left me. We went to gospel meeting that night, and returned home immediately after the meeting. Just before leaving for a walk with my mom, my dad asked me what I thought about the meeting, talked to me for a bit, and then he asked me to read Isaiah 53 again, and then he left. As I read Isaiah 53 once more, I can to the realization that Jesus died on the cross for MY sin and all I had to do was believe. I thanked God for sending his son and taking away my sin. June 27, 2002 at 9:51pm. I am SO glad I know I'm going to heaven! :)
Friday, June 24, 2011
Another week in review (June 19-24)
This week has been one pretty much rooted in routine with a few extra fun things thrown in:
Sunday: meeting :)
Monday : school
36 block walk to the bookstore only to find that they weren't open!
watched movie- Cool Runnings- with the siblings
homework
Tuesday: school
another 36 block walk on my break to the bookstore that was successful!
homework
Bible study
Wednesday: Day of Rain :)
school
homework
evening out with Erika and Joel :)
Thursday: school
homework
prayer and ministry meeting
today... Friday: school
homework- I have Spanish reading out my ears!
Jon C. arrives tonight
That's it for now folks! :)
Sunday: meeting :)
The cute Miss Cloé :)
Monday : school
36 block walk to the bookstore only to find that they weren't open!
watched movie- Cool Runnings- with the siblings
homework
Tuesday: school
another 36 block walk on my break to the bookstore that was successful!
homework
Bible study
Wednesday: Day of Rain :)
school
homework
evening out with Erika and Joel :)
Thursday: school
homework
prayer and ministry meeting
today... Friday: school
homework- I have Spanish reading out my ears!
Jon C. arrives tonight
That's it for now folks! :)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A thought from C.T. Studd
"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."
-C.T. Studd
This is a favorite quote of mine- one that always finds itself presented before me at the right times in life. My mother so kindly framed this quote in my room to have it as a reminder, it is carried in my Bible, and I always find it in the most amazing places at the most perfect times. It is challenging, but SO true. There is nothing to great of me that I can give back to Him. His work at Calvary was enough to take away all of my sin and give me eternal life- what a debt that can never be repaid... what a debt to him I owe.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
To everything there is a time
I just thought I'd share a passage that I have been appreciating:
Ecclesiastes 3
1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
... 11He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
How good it is to know that whatever happens in life, God has set it in its proper place. No matter what may happen God is there and He will never give me more than I can handle. Sometimes I wonder why something may happen when it happens, but its in God's time.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Rancho Rejuvination
2 days, 500 up, 14 people...
bonfire, bombónes, baseball, beauty...
celebration, campo...
friends, fellowship, food, fun, flowers, (more) food...
laughs, late night...
prisoner's base, photography, pain, pasto...
tents, talks...
There's more... but it was a weekend well worth remembering!
I'll let the pictures help you picture the beauty of Rancho La Huerta:
bonfire, bombónes, baseball, beauty...
celebration, campo...
friends, fellowship, food, fun, flowers, (more) food...
laughs, late night...
prisoner's base, photography, pain, pasto...
tents, talks...
There's more... but it was a weekend well worth remembering!
I'll let the pictures help you picture the beauty of Rancho La Huerta:
*to start: a dedication to JOEL... a little celebration*
Congrats on your graduation Joel!! Keep up the good work... hard work pays off!
the whole Thiessen family :)
the parents...
the girls
a walk by the river
Erika: beautiful inside & out
a look back at the rancho
beauty of God's creation...
Timothy enjoying some 500 up
enjoying fellowship of others...
sums up part of the weekend
Erika & Sam
The "professionals"... of photography
... of grilling
Pily
Joel and Erika!
Just a glimpse... :)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Busy, Busy
This week is flying so quickly, I can hardly bear the fact that tomorrow is Friday!
Monday morning didn't start off too productive- almost like the calm before the storm! Monday afternoon took Paul, Barb, Joel, Nicolas, Timothy, Felix (a man from the assembly) and I on a trip to El Borrego. After about 2 1/4 hours of driving, you sit down and are served a LARGE meal by Doña Petra. There is so much food that your stomach starts to feel full just looking at it! This meal included pasta, meat with some sort of swiss chard type of vegi, beans, agua de blackberries, hot tortillas, cheeses, salsa, and a HUGE bowl of homemade rice pudding. With all of that, I am probably forgetting something! However, it tasted good, and I was in BIG need of a walk afterwards! SO... Joel, Nicolas, and I walked around a little bit enjoying the sights and sounds, taking in the greatness of the perfect rainfall, and taking pictures.
On Tuesday I began my first day of school at CEPE (part of the Universidad de Guadalajara) with an oral interview for my class placement. Because the student population size is down significantly from last year, the class offering were slimmer. I needed a literature class in the Spanish language as a graduation requirement for UNOmaha, so because they did not have enough students interested in literature, they offered me the opportunity to take the class privately. So, for the morning I went to levels 8 & 9 (out of 10 levels) until I got literature straightened out! I then took an hour bus ride home, ate, and out of exhaustion I took a lovely siesta while it rained outside. In the evening off to Bible study we went.
Wednesday brought quite the flurry of activity. I went to school, leaving at 7:10am and got picked up at 1:45pm. Then the Thiessen family (minus Erika- the hard working practicum-er) and I joined the Castro family and Miss Jean (A.C.E. coordinator for Latin America) for a fabulous lunch- so much food, sooo delicious! :) Then we bustled off to the Castro home for dessert. Time continued to fly as we headed straight the the children's meetings at the Peñas home. We were there for a little while (enough to do my homework and take a little nap). Then, home again, home again! :)
Sorry for the long blog posting... the week was busy, but I am thankful in so many ways!
Hasta mañana (ok, probably Sunday)...
Amanda :)
Monday morning didn't start off too productive- almost like the calm before the storm! Monday afternoon took Paul, Barb, Joel, Nicolas, Timothy, Felix (a man from the assembly) and I on a trip to El Borrego. After about 2 1/4 hours of driving, you sit down and are served a LARGE meal by Doña Petra. There is so much food that your stomach starts to feel full just looking at it! This meal included pasta, meat with some sort of swiss chard type of vegi, beans, agua de blackberries, hot tortillas, cheeses, salsa, and a HUGE bowl of homemade rice pudding. With all of that, I am probably forgetting something! However, it tasted good, and I was in BIG need of a walk afterwards! SO... Joel, Nicolas, and I walked around a little bit enjoying the sights and sounds, taking in the greatness of the perfect rainfall, and taking pictures.
growing pineapple
Don Reinaldo's grave
a glimpse of El Borrego
the entrance
Then, a gospel meeting was held where Timothy (interpreted by Joel) and Paul gave the messages. Afterwards, the trip home made for a late night. I thank God for his protection on the roads and for the message that went forth there in El Borrego.On Tuesday I began my first day of school at CEPE (part of the Universidad de Guadalajara) with an oral interview for my class placement. Because the student population size is down significantly from last year, the class offering were slimmer. I needed a literature class in the Spanish language as a graduation requirement for UNOmaha, so because they did not have enough students interested in literature, they offered me the opportunity to take the class privately. So, for the morning I went to levels 8 & 9 (out of 10 levels) until I got literature straightened out! I then took an hour bus ride home, ate, and out of exhaustion I took a lovely siesta while it rained outside. In the evening off to Bible study we went.
Bienvenidos! :)
inside the school...
Wednesday brought quite the flurry of activity. I went to school, leaving at 7:10am and got picked up at 1:45pm. Then the Thiessen family (minus Erika- the hard working practicum-er) and I joined the Castro family and Miss Jean (A.C.E. coordinator for Latin America) for a fabulous lunch- so much food, sooo delicious! :) Then we bustled off to the Castro home for dessert. Time continued to fly as we headed straight the the children's meetings at the Peñas home. We were there for a little while (enough to do my homework and take a little nap). Then, home again, home again! :)
The youngest Castro talking and laughing away about something to Joel! :)
Just a glimpse of the main course!
Today, Thursday, I started my first day with literature class. It is one-on-one, making it a bit interesting, but I think the class will turn out alright... and I may actually learn something (a novel thought, I know)! :) Then, I had a break (since I started at 8am) and then had my Nivel 8 class until 12:50. Then kind Paul saved me from the bus and then we headed home to where I sit blogging and doing homework! Soon, however, we will head off to meeting. Then I will pack up a couple of things and prepare for a little landing as we head to a rancho until Saturday! Something I am looking forward to experiencing! :)Sorry for the long blog posting... the week was busy, but I am thankful in so many ways!
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalm 136:1
Hasta mañana (ok, probably Sunday)...
Amanda :)
Monday, June 13, 2011
Week review in brief (June 9th-June 12th)
Thursday
· I arrived in Guadalajara safely and without too many glitches! Boy was I happy to be off the plane :)
· Went to meeting and enjoyed reuniing with many that I got to know last summer and meet new people!
A view of the rising water upon departure from Omaha:
Friday
Slept in, relaxed, read, took a nap (A morning that I very much enjoyed!)
· Spent time with Barb and Erika on a Girl’s Afternoon Out which included a wonderful meal at Applebee’s, a fun Walmart trip, many discussions, and even more laughs!
· Erika and I spent some time in the evening watching a movie, talking, talking, catching up, and enjoying our time!
Saturday
· Time to clean!
· Joel arrived at the airport
Sunday
· A lovely morning meeting spent around the Lord Jesus.
· It was a soak-through sweaty humid day… (enough said J )
· Afternoon time spent with the “siblings”
· Gospel meeting
· A couple of people over for ice cream making for an interesting end to the day!! J But it was yummy!
· A HIGHLIGHT: Meeting a super cute baby that I have been so anxious to meet: Miss Cloe J
Pictured here with Mr. Nicolas-
Today is my last day without school for 5 weeks… please pray that I get into the needed classes for the summer. I go in for my oral interview at 8am tomorrow and begin classes at 9am. Please pray that the trip to El Borrego for the meeting will go well, souls will become aware of their condition before God and that there will be souls saved, and that the travel on the roads will go smoothly.
How to find the *perfect* purse :)
When shopping for the perfect purse, one must complete the following:
1. Check for the color of the bag (what will you wear with it, and is it versatile)
2. Check for "personality" of the bag. If it's too bland or plain, place it back on the rack here!
If the purse is the right color and has a good personality, then continue...
3. Place some of your current purses' belongings into the potential purse and complete the time test.
In 20 seconds or less can you...
4. Check the fabric of the purse- will it hold up? will the grommets come apart the first usage? will it make lots of noise when set down?
5. Finally, check the purse over for potential spots in which the purse fabric could be coming apart!
If your potential purse meets all of the above qualifications... then you have probably found yourself a great purchase! :)
Demonstration provided by the latest PRO purse shoppers- Barb and Erika :) *picture removed* :D
Happy shopping! :)
1. Check for the color of the bag (what will you wear with it, and is it versatile)
2. Check for "personality" of the bag. If it's too bland or plain, place it back on the rack here!
If the purse is the right color and has a good personality, then continue...
3. Place some of your current purses' belongings into the potential purse and complete the time test.
In 20 seconds or less can you...
- find your cell phone
- find your car & house keys upon command
4. Check the fabric of the purse- will it hold up? will the grommets come apart the first usage? will it make lots of noise when set down?
5. Finally, check the purse over for potential spots in which the purse fabric could be coming apart!
If your potential purse meets all of the above qualifications... then you have probably found yourself a great purchase! :)
Demonstration provided by the latest PRO purse shoppers- Barb and Erika :) *picture removed* :D
Happy shopping! :)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A thought from G. Muller
Just a little quote that I was just enjoying to think about on this lovely Saturday afternoon...
“The first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day is to have my soul happy in the Lord.” –George Muller
Have I spent time with the Lord today?
P.S. ...will update soon! :)
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
God's creation
Last week I took a little trip to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. As I walked into the different exhibits and took a look at the different animals, insects, and flowers all around, I remained amazed at the greatness of God's great creation and the intricate details of God's design.
and to think that people think we were transformed from the likes of these?!
the beauty of the simple...
two of the zoo adventurers...
an aerial view of the cheetahs... wow...
and the sloth... eating upside down. Amazing how God made each one so different.
Anyway... just a little thought for tonight. God's creation is so intricate, so detailed, so planned that humans will never begin to understand it all... take a little time to enjoy it!
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