Ministry So Fabulous! » In which I am in love with you, yes all of you.

In which I am in love with you, yes all of you.

Oh, my little lambs. You may need some tissue for this one.

This girl is tucked away in bed, just reading through your comments on my last two posts. Do you know what good you did for my heart? No, there’s no way you could know.

Growing up, I used to lay in this same bed (yep, I’ve had it for awhile) and stare at my ceiling wondering why I had no talent. All the other girls had something they were good at — ballet, piano, art, sports. And I?

I had no talent.

I wanted a talent so badly for two reasons. The first was awfully selfish: I just really wanted to be in the annual talent show at my school like all the other kids.

And the second reason? I wanted some kind of assurance that God would be able to do something with my life one day down the road, that there would be something — anything — that I might be able to look back on and say “You know what? I was good at that.”

That might sound self-centered now, but to a young girl who truly believed that she had nothing to offer anyone, least of all God — well, it was about as far away from prideful as you can get.

Your comments about my photos meant quite a bit to that little girl left inside of me.

With that said, I can make a tiny confession: over the past year, I’ve been thinking about trying to do some kind of little photography thing on the side. While it would be great to make some money that will go directly towards paying down a particular school loan of mine, the reason I’d really like to do it is because I feel like it would be a creative release for me. I’ve been asking the Lord to show me how to “decompress” from my day-to-day work with Starlite because, as He very well knows, I need it.

I really just wanted to say thank you. I still don’t know why you all show up each morning to see what’s happening in my life, but I am so very grateful that you do.

And, since this can only get more sappy, I have another confession to make: I secretly hope that you’ll still be around through all the next phases of my life, too. As crazy as it may sound, I daydream about the day I’ll log-on to tell you that some boy put a ring on my finger and asked me to be his bride. I think about how I’ll need to take my laptop with me to the hospital when I finally have that baby, just so I can let you see the first picture. And heaven knows I’ll need you each and every single time I attempt to cook dinner for my future family.

After all, how many recipes could there be that call for Sunny Delight?

Posted: July 9th, 2008 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 33

Comments

Comment from Bethany
Time: July 9, 2008, 12:14 am

You know, one of the best things about God’s work in our lives is that He does His best work in the people who come to Him with nothing more than a desperate desire to serve.

God doesn’t need talent – He’s the author of it. He needs people like you, who will let Him fill you up with whatever He can, to meet whatever need He sets in front of you.

And then, sometimes, when you’re wrapped up in radiating His glory, He gives you a talent or two, just to see you smile and cry and wonder over it.

Isn’t it awesome that our God never gets tired of giving us gifts He knows we will enjoy? =)

Blessings,
Bethany

Comment from Michelle
Time: July 9, 2008, 1:49 am

Amy Beth you are truly one of the most amazing people I know! Seriously girl, I know quite a few people, even though I live in Africa
You are talented beyond belief, quite obviously in photography, but more importantly, in matters of the heart. Now I know there is no way to measure that with prizes or with awards, but it is measured in how you impact other peoples lives, unbeknownst, on a daily basis!
Keep rocking on! I will be your blog reader through life.
With love xox

Comment from Christy
Time: July 9, 2008, 2:15 am

you has such a beautiful way with words AB and I am so glad you have been encouraged…I hope you pursue the photography passion…I have a passion for it too and it really is a wonderful release and it makes you feel good. Those photos you took of MacKenzie are amazing and oh so creative.

I am glad I found your little home on the internet and I hope to be reading your blog a long time as you have so many other wonderful things happen in your life )

Blessings.

Comment from Kelli
Time: July 9, 2008, 2:40 am

Go for it girl!! I am working up the courage to take some photography classes because I love taking pictures and capturing those precious moments! Lead the way!

Comment from Gayle
Time: July 9, 2008, 3:41 am

You should so pursue that dream of yours…You’re pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
Plus, think of all the stories you could tell with them. The old saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” is so true. And in the ministry, I think it’s important….

Comment from Brandy T
Time: July 9, 2008, 7:03 am

I think that’s an awesome idea. It could be a great creative outlet for you, and it’s already clear that you’re super good at it.

Comment from Karen Owens
Time: July 9, 2008, 7:19 am

I didn’t look at your photos untill today — so stinkin’ cool! Love them, love you — you know how I feel about photos and well… those made me a bit jeaous!

Comment from Shelly W.
Time: July 9, 2008, 8:39 am

Wow! Those are some amazing photos. Definitely keep it up–and keep posting them!

Comment from Sarah
Time: July 9, 2008, 8:49 am

Ummm…good to hear, ‘cuz I’m pretty much planning on your courtship,wedding, and every other event being podcasted so I can come along.

I have no talent either…not the usual kind anyways…”normal” talents are totally over-rated. What God has given you is far better than any talent

Comment from Jennifer Miles
Time: July 9, 2008, 9:04 am

You are precious!

Comment from Kelley
Time: July 9, 2008, 9:04 am

I did a photography class in college and loved every minute of it. You, my dear, come by this naturally.

I firmly believe that God gives us talent. It’s just that He doesn’t *always* toss in one of those arrow signs with the blinking lights with letters that say “YOUR TALENT IS RIGHT HERE”. He wanted YOU to find your talent–and you did. First Starlight, and now this!

Just think…you taking awesome photos = saved money on promo shots for marketing materials! : )

Comment from Mandy
Time: July 9, 2008, 9:42 am

USE YOUR CREATIVE OUTLET WHILE YOU STILL CAN! Once you have that hubby & baby…your time is not your own anymore.

You are fabulous, inside & out…well at least from my flat screen, super bright, 24 in view. =)

I think you should have laptops lined up at your wedding, with each of us via webcam, being your bridesmaids. Just please, please, please avoid making us wear flowers. =P

Comment from Jenn @ Casa de Castro
Time: July 9, 2008, 9:46 am

In case it has been a while since anyone mentioned it, I’ve noticed you also have quite a talent for WRITING! Hmmm…. writing plus awesome pics… I smell a book – written by you and illustrated with your photographs! When you’re a NY Times best selling author (and have that school loan paid off), just THINK of all the Sunny D you can buy and all the beautiful young girls you can minister to all because of your m.a.n.y. talents.

Blessings, dear one.

Comment from Ronnica
Time: July 9, 2008, 10:01 am

the photography thing sounds like a great idea! I think we should all nurture our creative sides and seek to grow in them.

I was just thinking this morning on my way to work what it would be like to be able to tell the blog world that I am no longer single and am on my way to marriage!

Comment from Liz @ Discovering Liz
Time: July 9, 2008, 10:42 am

I’m sorry that I did not comment yesterday, but I had noticed the quality of your photography. The pictures looked like they were done by a professional. I think you could do well with that photography thing.

I’m looking forward to reading your blog, wherever life takes you.

Comment from Jamie
Time: July 9, 2008, 10:58 am

I haven’t been reading your blog long, but I’m gonna have to disagree with you. I believe your talents are many!

Oh and I have a son in need of senior pictures if you want to use your photography talents. I’m pretty sure you’d have to travel and the pay wouldn’t be much, but I know we’d end up with some amazing pictures

Comment from Airlie
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:04 am

AB,

I’ve been lurking on your blog for awhile now, and I’ve come to the conclusion that you are pretty incredible. I admire all of the work you do each day.

I would hate for you or your future family to starve, so I found you a recipe that uses Sunny D

INGREDIENTS
4 lbs. frying chicken

1 cup Sunny-D

1 cup chicken stock

1 cup water

12 cloves of garlic, smoshed

1 tbsp. parsley

1/2 tsp. fresh ground peppercorns

1/2 tsp. California garlic salt

1/2 tsp. celery salt

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. Meat Tenderizer

Extra Virgin Olive Oil EVOO

Butcher Twine–36 inches

Cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS
Clean chicken. take giblets and neck and put them in a ziplock freezer snack bag and put them in the freezer for future use. Stuff chicken inside with paper towels..two should do. Also dry chicken off on the outside.
Put oven shelves down to the lowest position, so that the top one is in the middle position,
Set oven at 450F degrees and let heat for 10 minutes AFTER the 450F is reached.
Use a triple layer aluminum roasting pan…one that will leave 3 inches around the chicken.
Put EVOO in pan. about 1/2 cup of it.
Lay cleaned and patted dry chicken … breast side up… in the roasting pan. Sit aside.
Mix all the spices and herbs together, add the Sunny-D and the chicken stock in 2 cup measure. Whip together with a wire whip.
Have the roasting pan with the chicken in it on the counter in a comphy working position.
Dip your hand into the herb-spice-liquid mix and rub it inside, outside..all over the whole chicken. Next tie the wings to the breast of the chicken with the twine. Put the garlic cloves inside the body cavity. Next tie the legs up, closing the body cavity. Now pour the rest of the spice-herb-mix over the chicken…SLOWLY..
Put the chicken… in the roaster… into the oven on the middle shelf.
Roast at 450F for 10 minutes..THEN…Lower the heat to 350F and roast for 1 hour..after 30 minutes..add more water to the pan…basting… with the liquid in the pan …the chicken every 15 minutes.
After one hour is up, turn the heat up to 450F for 20 minutes..basting with the liquid in the pan every 5 minutes..remove from the oven after chicken is nice and toasty brown…THEN remove the chicken from the roaster and put on a platter. Make gravy in the roasting pan (on a stove top burner sat on high)…by adding cornstarch to some cold water and whip with a fork until all the lumps have dissolved and add to the boiling liquid. Serve gravy in a small bowl for over the chicken and mashed potatoes.

I have all the confidence in the world that you could make this dish without burning down the kitchen!

Comment from Natalie Witcher
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:13 am

You’re sweet. I don’t cook anything original so I’ve got nothing for you in the reciepe department.

I can show you how to make mean mashed potatoes though!

Comment from Becky Schultea
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:31 am

Hi Amy Beth,

Only in Siestaville,or in the greater Body of Christ in general, can you “accidentally” find someone you’ve never met and instantly feel like best pals!! I followed your link from a comment on the LPM blog and found my way to an amazing Sister who I instantly considered, just from what I glimpsed on the first page, an incredibly talented person…and who is in fact, a sweet and humble servant of the Lord, giving him 110% of your sweet self to Him for His purposes. I’ve bookmarked you now Sis, so I’ll be here often to be sure!! You’re one of those great writers that bring tears and laughter all at once…like when rain and sun come together just right to form a rainbow…and I really LOVE that!

Your photos are amazing…truly…good as any I’ve seen and I’ve seen a lot… God has given you His vision through that lens to capture possibilities and hope and beauty in all its splendor and its subtlety… it is a gift and today, I am better, touched, smiling, crying, blessed for having seen them…
Thank you for sharing…keep on sharing from your heart and keeping the door open and we’ll be here, rest assured!

Can’t wait to read more about the ministry…it touches on a real soft spot of mine…we’ll talk more )

Huhs and Blessings,
Becky S.

Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:48 am

“Tomorrow morning when the sun comes up … I-I-I-I I will be here….”

I haven’t gotten to comment on the pictures post(s), because I’m still trying to sort through the 728 posts the accumulated while I was at camp last week. (But those posts are bookmarked and in my folder entitled “Must Comment!”)

But girl? I love sharing your life. I can’t wait to see what God does with you. And I’ll share recipes on a day-to-day basis, if need be.

Comment from Amanda Wootten
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:48 am

If I have learned anything from the NOGs study it is that we all need to live in the truth that comes from Christ. This is your confirmation girl! Just like my cakes for me! I am in the process of getting advertising together, and it is scary! Just keep trusting in God; if He is leading you, and I think He is, He will provide clients and everything else you need! I love you girl, and can’t wait to hug your neck in SA!
Love YA!

Comment from debbie d.
Time: July 9, 2008, 1:01 pm

listen, I’m really going to go back and finish reading this post…but I just couldn’t get past the “same bed” thing…is it the same mattress??…because if so, I’m starting a “new mattress for AB” fund RIGHT NOW! it may just overshadow my ongoing concern over the PNC for Starlite situation…

Comment from debbie d.
Time: July 9, 2008, 1:03 pm

I want to have beautiful, airy photographs of me taken by you…let’s see, StL to Cleveland…468 miles…I can be there in about 8 hours…

Comment from amykay
Time: July 9, 2008, 1:11 pm

well… i’m glad i’m not the only crazy one who went searching for an actual recipe that uses sunny d!

i think it’s especially hard to recognize your talents when God calls you into a relational ministry where it’s your job to take care of people’s hearts. i have had this same struggle sooo many times. is my talent then… talking to people? hugging? i mean, come on! but one of my favorite affirmations that God not only calls me (and especially you!) to serve his people, but also gives us every talent and gift we need to do that, is Romans 11:29… “God does not take back his gifts. He does not change his mind about those he has chosen.” looks like we’ll just have to trust Him on that one!

Comment from Beth
Time: July 9, 2008, 1:47 pm

you really are amazing! I read you blog because of YOU not because of what you do…. I love how you share what you think, you are honest, you are funny, you are talented, you are real.

Comment from becky cesta
Time: July 9, 2008, 2:01 pm

i love you. you’re amazing. the end.

Comment from Kristen Schiffman
Time: July 9, 2008, 2:44 pm

I’ve been away on vacation and haven’t had much time for blog reading BUT I just saw the photos you took and I have to tell you THEY ARE AMAZING. Beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking.

I love them. Truly.

Comment from Jennifer
Time: July 9, 2008, 2:51 pm

ok I hadn’t seen the second post of pictures until now. And girl. You are SO talented. My word. That you would ever think you weren’t seriously makes me want to drive a few hours to give you a hug.

Comment from Lisa @ The PW
Time: July 9, 2008, 6:33 pm

I’m behind on the blog reading so I’m just now seeing those pictures…

Photography on the side? You need to be headlining girlfriend!

I’ve got to email you about a little project…:)

Comment from KAT
Time: July 9, 2008, 11:01 pm

I loved the photos, too! We want to see more!!!!!

Comment from Melody
Time: July 10, 2008, 4:42 pm

I am very very happy to know that you are thinking about photography! I listen to a photography podcast that you might like to listen to…http://news.deviantart.com/article/51492/

You are such a talented and smart person that I am inspired by every morning. You challenge me to do something more significant than what I am. You are just amazing…so, don’t forget it.

Comment from Erin
Time: July 10, 2008, 7:09 pm

You should really start taking pictures on the side. You’re fantastic at it, and I can tell you love it.

(by the way, I day dream about posting the same stuff like that too. No lie.)

Comment from Erica
Time: July 11, 2008, 12:16 pm

Oh Amy Beth, I identify with you very much in this post. I’ve never had talent in anything. I felt like the very dim star next to all of the bright, shiny stars. I still don’t feel like I have any real gifts or talents, but He blessed me with a husband and children that don’t care. God has your future husband waiting and when He deems the time is right that man is going to sweep you off your feet in ways you couldn’t imagine. All because God wrote your love story before you lived it. I’m praying for you.

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