Claire's Baptism

What a fun day! Claire was one of 6 who got baptized last Sunday. She was such a big girl and did a terrific job. She said the water was "super warm." We should have had a hot tub party after church! :-)

What Happened?

I'm really not as addicted to Starbucks as it may seem from reading my recent blogs. Really. It's just the world that I live in. In Superior I am surrounded by the lifestyle of technology, fitness, outdoors, "Green," $ (or lack of it) and yes. . .Starbucks.
It's the social hangout. It's were you go to meet your friends. It's where business men and women go to work and relax and get their next shot to help them through the day. It's where we do Bible studies and book clubs. It's culture. And yes, no matter how hard I try not to some days, I have learned pretty well how to morph into my Starbucks world.

I realized this in a huge way last night as I was confronted for the first time with the new Starbucks cup. Laugh and laugh as much as you wish, but I bet some of you reading this have experienced a similar shock if you have patroned your local Starbucks this week. This new cup bothered me so much that I had to do some research on it this morning. You can read my findings here if you care.

Anyway, to sum it up, Starbucks is going for the shock factor with their new cup. They are going retro to shake things up a bit. They are trying to create conversation. And obviously it is working. But what bothered me the most about my experience last night was how something as insignificant as a cup had such a quick and shocking effect on me. It's ridiculous. We are talking brown water here! And yet it struck something inside of me and I'm not completely sure why. Maybe because it rattled my predictable world.

So this morning I am thinking. . .how is it that something as insignificant as a cup of coffee can rattle me so much? And how is it that every day when I am faced with so many injustices - so much sadness around me - so many people in need and so many people without hope - those things don't prompt me to do something. Those things don't rattle me enough to Google them. Those things don't shake me enough to relentlessly strive to make a difference. But a cup of coffee. . .I can spend hours of useless time on that one. Doesn't make sense, does it?

I'm gonna think on this some more and add to this blog after I get some good answers. Until then, I'd love to hear your comments.

Jesus Smiling at Starbucks

So Kevin and I were on our date night on Tuesday. . . After a gourmet dinner at Chipotle :-)we found our way to Starbucks (the newest one in Superior - did you know that we now have 7 Starbucks in about 2 square miles from our house??) as usual. We really enjoy using this time to check up on each other. We ask questions like, "how is your week going?, "what has God been teaching you?, "how are we doing?" We get catch up on the girls as far as school and plans for the summer. We dream about the future. Yes, we often talk about church (but just for a brief time), and before the night is over something typically comes up about money. Yes, money. . .that thing that we never want to talk about.

So this week the conversation turned to money once again. My husband, who is mostly oblivious to the rising cost of food and gas, needed to be reminded to spend wisely. And as the conversation continued I shared with Kevin that in March we overspent in gas and groceries by about $200 (according to our budget). Most of you reading this blog knows just how easy that is to do lately. Anyway, we agreed to be very careful this month. And then Kevin went into his typical speech about how it's up to God to provide for us. It's up to him to keep us afloat. If He wants us to stay in Superior (which we know that he does), then He is going to take care of us. It's as easy as that. (BTW - Sometimes Kevin's faith makes me crazy!! Come on. . .worry a little bit with me, Kevin! :-)) So we vowed to continue to be wise and that was that. (Yet in my stomach I am always still a bit nervous even though God has provided in huge and small ways more times than I can count.)

Anyway - this is the point where I now know that Jesus was smiling at Starbucks - completely giddy at the event about to unfold. . .

A long story short. . .the very next morning as I was balancing my checkbook and paying monthly bills I opened what I thought would be a bill from the mortgage company. Instead it turned out to be a check for $256.00. We had overpayed in our escrow account and they were paying us back. That check had sat in a pile for at least 2 weeks unopened. I had no idea. But Somebody knew that there is a perfect time for everything. . .and once again, He provides. . .another lesson learned. Yep, another time Kevin was right. . .humph. . .

Can't Focus. . .Too Much Information

I have started to write this blog many times this morning. So many things have happened since I have really given you something good to read that I can't seem to narrow down my topics. If I write about everything that is going through my mind you would find yourself reading a novel instead of a blog. So instead I am going to attempt some quick bullet points just to get everyone caught up. Then we will go from there. How about that?


*Claire is getting baptized in 2 weeks (April 13)! It's been about a year since Claire made the first step in asking Jesus to come into her heart. Her sister, Emma, had just done the same thing not too long before, so we wanted to make sure that it was truly a heart thing for her and not simply a following of big sister. Claire was only 5 years old, but even at such a young age I was amazed at how persistent and emotional she was to make this decision. So in 2 weeks we will be celebrating! There is NOTHING more important, humbling or fulfilling than to watch your child choose to follow the Lord. Way to go, Claire!!!

*I've just joined a book club in Superior in an attempt to get to know more ladies in our town. I'm learning to read FICTION. It's killing me, but I know I can do it! Non-fiction and biographies are more my style. The things we do for the Kingdom! :-)

*Homeschooling continues to be quite the journey. The end of year 4 is only months away. I'm not sure who has learned more - the girls or me. I'm a bit nervous because this is the first year that Emma will be officially tested by the state to see if she is learning up to standards. Of course she is, but still. . .it makes me nervous. In testing Emma they are also testing me and my abilities and success as a teacher. I'll just be glad when that part is over. In the future I am going to try to blog more about our homeschooling adventures.

*My greatest frustration today??? Looking down at the gas gauge only to see the needle in the red! $3.19/gallon?? How long can this go on???? I have 3 kids to put through college!!!!!! I have 3 wedding to pay for some day!!!! Can anyone say "amen!?"

*ECO - let's just say that he and his hair still have a long way to go (you may need to read the previous blog about my dog to understand).

*Do you have a great husband or know of a truly great man? For me, greatness is not perfection, but instead it is character and integrity that shines through even in times of conflict or adversity. It is the way that a person carries themselves or conducts themselves when the temperature raises. It is the ability to have fun and to laugh at themselves or situations, being able to put even the toughest of times into perspective. It is consistency and noble character. It is doing your best and never giving up. It is loving others relentlessly and asking for nothing in return. Thank you, Kevin, for being a GREAT husband and a truly GREAT man! I'm so proud of him. You should read this blog entry. . .

*What are you reading? I need a good book. Non-fiction or biography, please!!!

*Olivia is starting to read! SAT, HAT, CAT, BAT. . . . WooHoo!

*Way to go TOPPERS! In Colorado there have been red towels waving as we have watched Western Kentucky University (mine and Kevin's alma mater) fight their way through the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, the fight is over until next year. Now I have to side with my dad's team - Louisville!! So, go Cardinals!!!!!

That's all for now. More soon. . .

Happy Spring!

Spring in Colorado is a guessing game. On Easter morning we woke up to 2 inches of snow. Two days before we were playing at the park. Once again this weekend, we are enjoying another beautiful and sunny day, but tomorrow the snow returns. I have to admit that I do love the seasons, no matter how unpredictable they may be. I hope you are enjoying the anticipation of warmer weather as well. Maybe these little smile will continue to brighten your Spring. . .



















FYI...For those of you who wish I would actually do some writing again, I plan on starting to do that again as early as tonight. . .so don't give up on me yet! Check back!

A Day with Dad at the Butterfly Pavilion

Kevin took off this morning to enjoy a rainy Spring Break outing to the Butterfly Pavilion. Check out brave Claire and Rosie the tarantula!! We had a great day and I thought we would just share it with you.

My Poor ECO Boy

Today I am kicking myself for not taking more pictures of our dog before his first tragic day at the groomers. I really don't have a good one to share. Many of you know that on New Year's Eve our cockapoo fell and fractured his femure. At this time her was only 5 months old. He then was sentenced to surgery and 6 weeks in his kennel. And what a long 6 weeks it was.

The funny thing about 6 weeks is that you would be amazed at how much a puppy's hair can grow in that amount of time. I must admit that ECO was resembling a black and brown "Cousin It" until this morning. Poor guy, he couldn't even see where he was going. I felt as if I had to help him out by getting him groomed, but he was such a cute fluffball. . . Like I said, I wish I had a before picture.
Instead, I have only one picture to share. . .the after shot. I know. It's sad. . .All I have to say is this. . .ECO IS NOT A POODLE!!!! No offense to you poodle lovers out there, but I never intended to own one. Yet, today I do. His hair once was at least 3 inches longer all over and all shaggy. Hopefully it will grow just as fast during the next 6 weeks. I'll let you know.

Oprah's Big Give

For years I have watched Oprah. I'm not what you would call a die hard fan, but when I am flipping the channels late in the afternoon she often catches my attention (or maybe that is Brad Pitt, or Johnny Depp sitting beside her that catch my attention). All the same, we all watch Oprah every once in a while.

As a matter of fact, I was glued to the television just last week as her new reality show, Oprah's Big Give, aired. Who doesn't love to see someone doing good in our world today? It gives us a boost. It touches out hearts. It makes us feel good.

But yesterday, I have to say that I stopped feeling so good about Oprah. . . . read on to see why. I don't want to make anyone mad - just informed. Everyone knows that she has leaned towards the New Age end of faith for quite some time. I suppose I'm just suprised by her boldness this time.

Oprah does great things for people. I like her. I'm sure I'll still watch her show the next time George Clooney is sitting beside her and I'll still spend my hours waiting to see who makes the "biggest give." Just thought you would like to know this one. . .as I was listening to some of it I can definitely say this. . .I believe it's a pretty messed up deal.

Oprah's New Jesus

Oprah has skyrocketed the career of another author on her book club. But this endorsement is a bit heart-wrenching. She's taking her fans through a year-long "Course in Miracles" by Marianne Williamson. Each day, her book club site features a different lesson on this essentially new religion. Here are some quotes from this book:

• "There is no sin."
• "A slain Christ has no meaning."
• "The journey to the cross should be the last ' useless journey."
• "Do not make the pathetic error of 'clinging to the old rugged cross."
• "The name of Jesus Christ as such is but a symbol... It is a symbol that is safely used as a replacement for the many names of all the gods to which you pray."
• "The recognition of God is the recognition of yourself."
• "The Atonement is the final lesson he [man] need learn, for it teaches him that, never having sinned, he has no need of salvation."

Quote from a pastor somewhere in cyberspace. . .Last night, I told a longtime friend who is not a believer that I had stepped down as pastor of RCC. She replied, "Well it's hard to have a church that teaches what you believe. Most people aren't so narrow." [dagger in the heart] Jesus is indeed more appealing when he's not the way, the truth and the life. But any other Jesus is a whole other religion.

Read what Church Norris writes. . .yep I said Chuck Norris. . .just do it :-)

FOLLOW UP. . . MY FRIEND, ALETHEA, WROTE A SIMILAR BLOG ENTRY ABOUT OPRAH AND ADDED AN UNBELIEVABLE VIDEO. CLICK HERE BECAUSE YOU'VE GOTTA WATCH IT!!!! IT'S TITLED "FALSE TEACHER" on April 3, 2008.

What bugs you?

Do you want to know what really bugs me? Well, since you asked. . .what really bugs me is when I try to log onto an account that I have used many times before and all of a sudden the computer no longer remembers my password and neither do I. Do you have any idea how many minutes I just wasted of my day trying to think of every possible word that I could have ever typed as my password on Amazon.com? So frustrating.

Do you know what else bugs me? People who walk around the world talking to the air. You know what I mean. It bugs you too. They are talking so loud that they could be heard in the next town. Their arms are flailing as they laugh or share their dirty laundry with the entire coffee shop or grocery store checkout line. I mean, do I really need to know what she is having for dinner tonight or how mad she is at her husband? No. But still, I am subject to the story of her life. Yep, those little ear pieces that people walk around talking on drive me crazy. How rude!

And do you want to know one more thing that makes me crazy? Complaining women. . .hhmmm. Yes, today I wear the badge of a major complaining female. And why am I telling you about it? Simply because I can.

I'm trying hard to find a spiritual application to this. . . just hold on. . .it's coming. . .

Okay, how about this. . .I wonder how many times the Spirit who hangs out with us day in and day out wants to complain just like me? I wonder how many times he wants to choke me for the things I do that are ridiculous and so far away from his heart? I wonder. . .do I bug him more that I make him smile? Probably so.

Okay, I'm convicted. Time for another latte to soothe the pain.

Just For Fun

Click on above pic to watch some hilarious and often even inspiring video blogs from my all time favorite - Steven Curtis Chapman. Make sure you watch the Video Blog song.

March 2, 2008

From one extreme to the other. . .what a difference 24 hours can make!















Driving to church. . .















Welcome to Cool River!

March 1, 2008

Why do I love Colorado so much? Just look at these pictures and you will see a glimpse of the first day of March. Yes, it's still brown, but the sunshine and mountains are oh so beautiful! Today I took Claire and Olivia for a hike on a trail about a mile from our house. Yes - those are spaghetti straps that Claire is wearing. Today has been a beautiful 70+ degree Saturday. Tomorrow they are forecasting 2-4 inches of snow.

Amy Time

I've found a new coffee shop to read and write. It is called Cafe de Paris - this little hole in the wall, eclectic spot in downtown Louisville, CO. I can't quite figure it out. I assume it is supposed to have the flavor of Paris. I mean there is a statue of the Eiffel Tower wrapped in white Christmas lights standing in the corner. And yet, there are Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling and some very odd little reindeer candle holders sitting on the tables. I must say that it reminds me much more of a thrift shop than a coffee shop. (If you can mean that in the nicest possible way, that is exactly how I would like it to be taken.) All I know for sure is that the coffee is great and I can deal with the new age kinda crazy music playing in the background as long as I can count this as time alone. How I love my time alone.

Did I mention the flags on the wall above my head? There is one with a ying yang, one with a Jewish star, one with what I will choose to believe is a Christian cross (yet I'm not exactly sure), another of something written that I think should be a Muslim symbol, and one with a giant picture of the Pink Panther. Now that is the Boulder County that I love!!!

Anyway. . .alone. To my extroverted friends that word even makes many of you cringe. But to me, it is pure bliss. Now don't get me wrong. I would never choose to stay this way all the time. But o how I crave it. This is where I refuel. This is where I get to think and read and journal and feel the most like Amy. This is my time that helps me conquer the world every day. And without it. . .let's just say that you don't want to experience Amy without it. Ask Kevin.

So what is Amy doing while alone today? I am reading 2 FABULOUS books. Though I never really meant to read them hand in hand, they actually compliment each other quite well. If you get a chance, you've gotta grab them. Mastery (one I previously blogged about) is one for any believer who desires to understand the Kingdom of God and their spot in it. The Multiplying Church is written by Bob Roberts. If you have followed mine and Kevin's writing in the past you have figured out that we love him and his family and the impact he has made on our lives through his life lived out is off the charts. Bob is one of the greatest examples I have ever known of someone who truly lives out the Kingdom of God. See how the books go hand in hand? So read them if you can.


So what is my purpose for writing today? Nothing really. I just felt like writing. That is one thing I have not felt in quite some time.

Read Kevin's Stuff

This month Kevin is the featured blogger on a site called vinceantonucci.com. Vince is a church planter who has a cool church in Virginia Beach. He also has a big audience on his blog as he writes for newchurches.com. Anyway. . .all this is just to say, you should really read Kevin's stuff. Here are the links.

Blog entry 1
Blog entry 2
Blog entry 3
Blog entry 4
Blog entry 5

Another Olivia-ism

The other day in the car. . .
"Mommy and Daddy, guess what. . .God and Jesus and Moses are in my heart!!!!!!"

The Book that Will Change Everything

Okay, so we all know that the Bible itself is the most life changing book there is. Read it. Read it. Read it. And then after you have been doing that for a while, pick this one up to read alongside it.

Mastery by E. Stanley Jones

It's an old one. But it's not hard to understand like so many classics. A long time ago I heard a good friend talk about E. Stanley Jones and how he is one of those more silent great minds and authors. This book was written first in 1955, but man, it is rocking my 2008. I will be so bold to say that if you only plan to read one book in 2008 - make it this one. If you are seeking to figure out you and how you relate to God and his Kingdom - read it. If you have never considered something so deep - read it. If you are going crazy because there are things about yourself that you have tried to conquer but fail every time - read it. This book will change your entire paradigm of thinking about the Kingdom of God and your place within it. Mastery - The Art of Mastering Life.

It's out of print. Click here to find it.

It can be read as a daily devotional or a book. I find myself reading about 10 days worth at one time.

E. Stanley Jones said that, "The art of living is the least learned of all arts." In his book entitled "Mastery," he went on to say this, "Man has learned the art of existing, of getting by somehow with the demands of life, of escaping with half-answers, but he knows little about the art of living with all its demands."

Best Video of the Year

The Kentucky girl in me loves basketball, so this video, in my opinion, is a "MUST SEE." If you cry easily, beware! And also be ready to cheer!

The New Piano

The girls used to call this the yellow Vietnam room (because of all of our Vietnam paintings and decorations.) Now it is officially the yellow piano Vietnam room. We were given this piano for free the other day and the girls are thrilled. Who cares if it is out of tune. To them, LOUD is what matters.

Time Flies

2008 - It came in like a lion this year. Kevin and I said "hello" to the new year in the emergency pet hospital in Boulder. He tells the story really well on his blog, so I won't go into details. Because of the drama that came with that night and the days to come, I failed to really sit down and think about my hopes and dreams for the new year. Now it is already January 21, and here I sit finally taking the time to catch my breath and think on this next year. . . this year that is already one month complete.

My grandmother is always talking about how quickly time flies. I think I'm starting to relate. It drives me absolutely crazy when I think about all of the things that I hope to accomplish - all of the things that I want for my family - all of the things that I need to do - all of the ways that I hope to grow - only to blink my eyes and see that time is slipping away so quickly. At the end of the day I do well to say that my kids got out of their pajamas today, the family was fed, the laundry was done and I read my Bible for maybe 15 minutes. Where does the time go?

And if the time is flying by so quickly, how am I possibly going to tackle living my hopes and dreams? How will I ever meet my goals? Is there really enough time? I surely hope so. . .

You see - this year I do expect to accomplish more than dressing and feeding my kids, getting through a day of school and taking a shower every other day. This year I have big plans. . .

I'll tell you all about them soon. . .

Christmas Pics

Good soup, good friends
and a birthday party for
Jesus on Christmas Eve. . .














Christmas morning. . .let it snow, let it snow about 7 inches