The Kid

I will admit that this post is totally unlike the others that I normally put up, however, this is a topic that I cannot help but share my thoughts on!

One of my dearest forever-friends has been blessed with an incredible opportunity and I am beyond proud.

To describe this man as a dear friend does not begin to scratch the surface of what he has meant to my heart in the years that I have known him. He is a brother. ( and a wonderful one at that.)

We do not talk everyday and I never know what state he is in- but I know that if/when I need him that he will be at my side in a flash with a sarcastic joke and word of wisdom.

This brother is Ryan Kinder.

Ryan has had dreams of writing and playing music for as long as I have known him. If my math is correct- He has been in my life for about 11 years- all the while passing new song lyrics in drivers ed for me to read and emailing me ideas for new songs he would like to tackle.

We have seen him play at battle of the bands, beauty walks, college parties, beach hang outs, comedy clubs, work play, high school lunch rooms...and that is just to name a few :)

Ryan's passion and drive for writing music that is solid and raw is an incredible blessing.
He is a gifted former of thoughts and does so beautifully in the songs that he is written and music he has made.
To know his heart is to read the lyrics of his tunes.

The road to get Ryan from where he started to where he is now has been a long one-
many a day where the "future" and the "dreams" seemed impossible- out of reach- and so far away that frustration was the only option.
This kid pressed on. Didn't quit and has given all those who doubted that he could do this a little punch in the gut.

A few weeks ago I got a phone call from Ryan with some sweet news that we have been waiting for/praying for/hoping for. I sat in my car with tears in my eyes thinking about the journey behind him and the life ahead of him.

Ryan signed to a record label and the opportunities/experiences that he has ahead are sure to be challenging and incredible. They will change his life.

I am so anxious and thrilled to see the ways that the Lord continues to allow Ryan to use his gifts.

Seeing Ryan go through this journey has been an incredible learning experience for me as well- a challenge.

How many of my dreams/goals have I put on the backburner or given up on completely because I thought that they were too far out of reach of that I was "dreaming to big"?

As long as I have known Ryan- he has not stopped fighting for and pursuing his dream.
I am so proud and overjoyed in his diligence and his spirit.

Thinking back on Ryan's journey has been a sweet reminder that if the Lord calls us to a task- whether it is to be a rock star or a school teacher- that He will equip us to complete the task and make us look more like Jesus along the journey.


I am thankful for Ryan Kinder and love him to the core. Excited to continue to watch his journey.

Now time for you to look at corny pictures of Ryan/Ryan & I over these past 11 years...
Enjoy and Be Blessed this day!

Through the Rivers.

I do not know about you but the business of the holidays has just about worn me out...The parties, cooking, decorating, sitting in traffic...all while listening to Christmas music and secretly looking forward to this "seasons" departure.

This weekend I was battling the traffic of Highway 31.
A seemingly endless 4 lane road of bumper to bumper cars.
It is a true joy.

I realized that this would be a perfect moment to turn off my Carpenters Christmas album and talk with the Lord- an act that often goes to the side burner when my schedule gets full and my time slim.

(Does this happen to you too? Try turning down that music in the car and being still before the Lord.)

Without really meaning to begin the process- I started to reflect upon the year that has been 2011.

Can you believe that another year has come and gone?
A new one just on the horizon.
2012.
Blows. Me. Away.

This year has been a full and busy one-

To summarize my 2011:

Engagement
Trip to London/Paris
3 best friends married
I became a wife
One best friend had a baby
Many friends moved to new locations
Moved into new home
Completed Degree

Truly the most formative and impacting 365 days of this girls life.
One of the most difficult & joy filled seasons- with more transitions than I have fingers.

I cannot remember the heart of the Amy that started out this New Year.
Is that crazy?

This year has had its moments of utter joy and moments of despair.
I have truly stood a top the Eiffel Tower in Paris and felt on top of the world- and weeks later found myself in tears sitting on my couch in Birmingham trying to figure this life out.

The Lord has been sweet to place people in my life who know the heart of the Amy that I am now. People who call me out when it is needed. People who love me enough to remind me that I cannot do it all on my own. People who hear my heart about where the Lord is leading and push me in the direction of obedience. People that point me to Christ and are forever friends. The Lord is faithful to teach me through my core relationships on a daily basis.

I can only imagine that 2012 will bring with it the same types of mountains and valleys.

What lessons will the Lord teach me in 2012?

What battles will be the hardest to face?

What will the Lord take away from me to bring me closer to Himself?

Where will the Lord send me?


ALL overwhelming questions.

My only hope is that at the end of this year that I look more like Christ.
That I daily submit my ways to the Lord and trust in Him to sustain and protect my life. That I am bold in proclaiming the Gospel.

May I remind you as the Lord has continually reminded me-
This life is not about me or about you.
Even worse- This life is not about my comfort or happiness.

As sons and daughters of the Most High God- our role is to make much of Christ and to be doers of the word and fishers of men!

The ways in the which the Lord will allow us to fulfill these roles are endless- Who knows where the Lord will lead us and how He will call us to serve Him.


A little daunting, Huh?


I found such rest in these words of Isaiah:

"But now thus says the LORD,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
'Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and through the rivers,
they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through the fire you shall
not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior."
ch 43. v 1-3a.

As I reflect upon the last year of my life I can say with confidence that I passed through NO rivers, fires or waters without a Savior in my midst.


How sweet is it to face the days ahead knowing that the creator of heaven and earth looks at this mess of a person and says-Amy,You are MINE.

In a world where covenant is temporary, people will fail us and promises are broken- These words could not be more powerful.


I am in tears. God is so good and we need not be afraid.


My prayers is that we move forward to the days, months and years ahead remembering the faithfulness that Christ has shown to us in our past.

This may require us to take a step back from our list of "wishes" that have not yet been granted and really see the goodness and nearness of a Mighty Father.
His fingerprints are all over the place.
He has preserved our life.


Praying for you today. Trust in Him to provide our needs for tomorrow and guide our steps as we move forward in obedience.