Random Moments, By: Amanda and Barb

Wow... look at the snow. In one window it looks like flurries but in the other its like.. BLIZZARD.
i think i like coffee
Look candels with snowflakes
Barb, darling. candles is le no el. =)
My face is red. I feel hot. Why is it warm in here. Too many lights are shining. Maybe they'll turn some off for the sake of my red face.
maybe they will charge you on your new skype account.. okay, but for real, i like the lights, its like they are candy dripping from the ceiling. ya know like dip n dots
DIP N DOTS!!!!! You know one time Mel and I were walking through the mall and we saw "dip n dots" and the side said, "Icecream of the future" but like it has said that for about four years now. So how much longer will it be "Icecream of the future"?
hahaaa barb, dont snort in public, they are on too us. they are gonna find out we are just nerds with blonde hair.
Hey Manda, it stopped snowing!! Hey Manda, Da Bears!!!
*Sighs*.... When will it end??
You slapped me. Ouch. Paul!!!
we cant post this, Barb seriously.. Paul is oversees, through the woods, dreaming of grandmothers house...
But this is a normal conversation that happens between us. My nails are dirty
keep it clean, Pink.
Coffee almost came out your nostrials
nostrils, barb. not nos trials. ur killin me, bill.
Whatev. Whoo the screen went black.... my toes are cold
u are not posting this.

*You were at your own risk while reading this. If you were unable to follow along then.... try being us.

Love,
Amanda Myers (Don't put my last name Barb!) and Barb Garard (The future Mrs. Calhoun)

Even the Little Things...

.....like a wedding dress, the Lord provides. I hadn't expected anything today and the Lord knew where to lead me.

Mel, Annie and I started on the road to Janesville at about 1pm this afternoon. Vera's was "the" place to go. The dresses were beautiful and cheap, so I heard. They were great prices but none of the dresses stuck out to me. I was kind of disappointed. Since we had left a wedding shop in record time we decided to head over to, "Great Hang Ups". I wasn't really expecting to find anything but little did I know. Not only did I find something but it was also only $150.00! It was the perfect dress in everyway. I was worried about wedding dresses being so expensive and I knew I had to keep it at a low price. I thought because of a lower price I would have to "settle" for something not as great. The minute I put the dress on and saw the price. I knew I wasn't just "settling" for anything. This was the "one"!!

Even in things like buying wedding dresses, the Lord provides.

Praying for Paul

I was told by members of my church to post something as soon as I heard something. Its not much but Paul did let me know this morning that he has re-enlisted and will receive his orders later next week. In the message, he made it sound like he still doesn't know for sure where he will end up. So perhaps Texas isn't the only possibility. Like I said, I don't have all the details. Lets keep praying!!!

Thank you

Praying for Paul

The Lord is keeping us on our knees. Once agian Paul wasn't able to get in touch with the person he wanted to see. I know in the Army moments like these are normal. But God has been teaching me a lesson of patience and that everything truly does come in His time, not ours. Sure.. right now it would be great if we could hear something more solid and get a direct answer but then what spiritual lesson would I be learning? God knows what both Paul and I need. Growth. SO... lets keep praying. Paul is going to try again on Thursday.

Praying for Paul

I know today all of you were keeping Paul in your prayers. Although, I need you guys to keep praying. Paul wasn't able to go and re-enlist today because the particular guy he wanted to see wasn't there. He will try again tomorrow. So keep praying..

Thank you

98.8%

Praying for Paul:

I talked to Paul tonight and here is a brief update concerning Paul and waiting for Monday to come. He had overnight duty of sitting at the desk in the hall and was falling asleep so he called me to help keep him awake. He told me that as of right now for the past 3 months (Fort Hood, Texas) hasn't been rejecting anyone transfering to them. So the guy told him that there was pretty much a 98.8% chance of him going and leaving as soon as the end of Feburary and the latest of April. But he is still in need of prayer. We are all well aware how fast things can change with the Army but God is more powerful than any decision that the Army makes. So lets keep praying.

*Thanks again for your prayers.

Praying for Paul

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I've gone through several personal trials and every single time, my father reminded me of this verse. I was once again brought to this verse last night.

Two nights ago at our Wednesday night prayer meeting, Chris Metras read out of 1 Peter. It was a humble reminder that when we go through trials we are to bring all the glory to Christ. That night I went home and prayed to God our Father that both Paul and I as a couple would continue to grow and desire to serve Christ. God brought that opportunity the very next day.

Paul called me yesterday to inform me that he was going back to Iraq (most likely in November). The first thing that came to mind was my prayer and then I reminded Paul that we needed to trust God in this situation. Paul also told me of a possible "back door" out of this situation. It would involve re-enlisting. If he were to stay with his normal leave it would put his leave on hold and send him to Iraq for another year to a year and a half. If he re-enlisted and ask to transfer to the states, he would have two more years and more than likely not have to go to Iraq. Both of us encouraged each other to pray but in the end I encouraged him to go with the second choice. Paul received a lot of spiritual encouragement and advice from his dad and my dad.

I know an email was sent out to my church to pray and I thank you so much for praying. The Lord heard our prayers. This morning Paul informed me that it looked like he could be transfered to Texas. Monday he will go and re-enlist and hopefully next week sometime get more solid information about when and where he would go. Please keep praying for Paul. God has been gracious. I had to constantly remind myself that God was in control. There was nothing Paul or I could do. Except trust God. God brought us closer to him in prayers and in reading his word. He answered two of my prayers. My prayer to make us stronger and my prayer to provide this other opportunity for Paul to keep him out of Iraq.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and prayers. I will let you know if anything changes. Also just as a public announcement. I know I have already talked to several friends about being in my wedding. As of right now, all wedding plans are changed and/or "put on hold" until further notice. I'll be moving to Oklahoma after graduation. Either waiting for Paul's return or to be closer to him.

*Just remember that the Army is the Army. Nothing is final until its on paper and things are being done about it.

Keep praying

"The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!"

Yes, the sun will come out tomorrow. Annie is coming to Rockford. Most of you will know what I'm talking about. Others, well I'm sure are lost. Annie is one of my best friends who I was roomates with in High School (Illnois School for the Deaf). She also lived with my family for a semester in Rockford. Currently Annie felt a need to be in a good church and around good friends. She felt she could find that here in Rockford. Annie fell in love with everyone at Morning Star Baptist and I'm sure the feeling is mutual for everyone at church. For a while we all struggled on knowing when Annie would finally be moving to Rockford. She is coming Saturday. Please pray as Annie starts her new job and gets everything moved in to our home. Annie has a meeting with people from work tomorrow (1-17-07) and she'll be stopping by to drop some of her things to the house. There are now four girls living in one house. Scary times are ahead. So far I have had no problems so I'm sure having Annie in the house will just be added fun and conversation. Welcome Annie!!!

Motivation to Move

This morning I was feeling so crummy that I didn't make it to church. I pretty much felt sorry for myself all day. I was actually quite pathetic. After doing my fair share of crying and sinning I realized that what I was doing was.. well.. sinning. So I prayed and asked God to give me grace to snap out of it. About three this afternoon, I took a shower and got ready for church. I still wasn't feeling the greatest but was determined to go to church. I needed it. I'm glad I did. The minute I entered the church doors I felt ten times better. Of course the sermon was something I needed to hear. Pastor Larry Pauly preached on motivation. Exactly what I needed! Its amazing the way God works. Knowing exactly what light bulb needed to be turned on in my head. Also being greeted by everyone in church was extremely uplifting. Earlier today I was feeling sick and homesick for my parents. By the end of the night I felt spiritually convicted and loved my family in my own church.

Lost and FOUND!

My luggage was returned to me at 10:45pm. I was thrilled yet very much tired when I got it last night. I went to bed and then woke up sick. I hate missing church. Hopefully I will be better by this afternoon and can go tonight. I haven't been to my church for 4 weeks! I miss everyone!

I lost my carry on luggage?

Yes.. I did. Who knew that one was able to loose their carry on luggage by simply.. not getting it. Sighs. My luggage has yet to arrive home. Yesterday ended my four week vacation. I can easily say I'm happy to be home but I was sad to see Paul go. Another year of prayers and patience. I took on a carry on suitcase while flying back home with all of my "important" things. Just in case I was to loose the other suitcase that I had checked. Well.. when it came time to get off the plane and pick up my carry on luggage.. I didn't pick it up. I left it for the airport people. I didn't even noticed until I got down to the baggage claim and picked up my other suitcase. After filing a lost luggage report they told me they would bring it by my home tomorrow. Well... (sighs) today is tomorrow and still no luggage. I'm learning that even in the little things.. such as lost luggage God is in control. Along with the bigger things that God has put in our lives. So.. after calling Dad and being reminded of these things, I decided that there is nothing I can do. But have faith. Even in lost luggage, God is in control. I was trying to be God by dealing and controling the situation. Wake up call Barb! You're not God... so stop it.

Here are some other final pictures from my trip over the weeks. I'm very thankful for Paul's parents for making this trip possible. I'm also blessed by God for keeping us safe and granting us a wonderful time together.

Paul, Mercy and I making our gingerbread house

The Painful Dance

Tomorrow is Sunday and at the Calhoun's church, Paul, Mercy and I are doing special music. Paul will be playing his guitar and Mercy will be singing "O Holy Night". I'll be there along with them doing sign language. We practiced a few times before today but today for some reason I was in one of my odd moods. Actually so far, everday this week I've been in these odd moods. For those of you who know me well, you know what I'm talking about. The mood of being weird and annoying. Well..... after practicing a few times I decided that I should do my "interpetive dance sign" version of the song. So jokingly when it came to the words "fall on your knees" I fell down and waved my arms around. I swung my head with full force and smashed my nose into the coffee table. WHACK!!! Pain shot through my nose into my eyes and head. It hurt so bad. I immediantly started to cry. I'm now suffering the pain. I have a bruise on my nose and a small bruise in the eye area. That is the last time I trying to be dramatic with my signing.

Pictures

Paul and I went and bought cowboy hats to fit
in with locals. One problem.. the locals don't
even wear them.
















Engaged!!!
















Take a picture!!

Mall Walking Moms

The other day Paul, mom and I went to the mall and saw something rather unusual that I just had to share it with all of my readers here. We were sitting on a bench when we heard loud music come from somewhere. We looked around and saw a line of moms with baby stollers (with babies) marching down the hall. Mom # 1 had a boom box. Each stoller had a mom or granma with shorts and t-shirts and a baby. The babies looked so funny. They were just cruising a long for the ride. Each had a snack, drink, or toy of some kind. When we got to the other end of the mall the moms were running up the ramps with the stollers and then they stopped. They parked the babies and started flying the arms and legs while single "Jingle Bells". Then they grabbed the babies again and off they went. I asked Paul if I could join them but I recieved the look of, "no way". I got a kick out of it. What a fun yet unusual way to stay fit.

By the way each mom had a t-shirt with a slogan of some kind that explained who they were. For example, "Walking Stollers". I actually can't remember what it said but it was an actual "club" of some kind.

Engaged!

Ok... I told everyone I would post about this asap! Yesterday (as most of you know) was my 21st birthday. We started the morning with toast and orange juice and shopping with mom. Dad went to the church to work in his office. Mom, Paul and I went to Walmart and the mall. For lunch we went and got dad and to Quiznos. I got to choose because I was the "birthday girl". I opened my gifts up there and mom and Paul came together and got a sweater and vest outfit. Way cute. Paul and I raked the leaves for my parents in their yard... I'm sorry, Paul raked and Barb held the bag. For dinner (here it comes) Paul and I went to a place called, "Pastimes". Afterwards we walked down to the park which had christmas lights lit up on every tree. We sat on a bench and talked for a few minutes. Then it happened..... Paul got on one knee. I did not laugh, scream or cry. I smiled and said yes. Here comes the funny part of our "engagment story". We sat on the bench again talking about what had just happened and the bench bent backwards on us. Paul fell backwards with the bench while I stood up on time. So there you have it.. we committed our first crime together. Vandalism to public property.

Today Paul and I are getting the Christmas tree and getting that up. Tonight some kids are coming from my dad's church. I am teaching a girl, Kendi, to sign "Silent Night, Holy Night". I know tomorrow my family and Paul are having Christmas together and watching a Christmas Story.

Well... I'm in engaged.. now what? Keep smiling. Thanks for the prayers, which I know many of you have been doing.

Party at the Cooks

Last night, my entire church was split up into 3 groups to attend different Christmas parties. I went to the Cook's home. I'm laughing now just thinking about it. Its not that anything too funny happened, its just Mrs. Ascher, Heidi Scott and I got the giggles. Yes.. I'm naming names in this blog.

I started my evening by driving to the Scotts' home and getting a ride with them. Barb Garard and driving to the Cook's in the dark is not a good combination. As we arrived not only us but everyone were greeted by two very excited dogs. We started our evening eating tons of great food. After eating we played a game called Four on a Couch. Which was truly funny. I played this game during my youth group days and I can remember this game getting violent for some reason but last night it was all calm. Just for the record, the ladies won! We sang Christmas songs and opened our while elephant gifts. (laughing) I have to tell you some of the gift ideas. First, someone brought a hard drive from some machine, it took us a while to figure it out. A couple more gifts were a little nut cracker that had a string on it and when you pulled on it one leg and both of the arms went up. Which was the highlight of the evening!! I just laughed and laughed. You had to see the thing with your own eyes to understand. After gifts Mr. Cook read to us some scripture. We read from James. The same passage that Jeremy Scott will be preaching out of this Sunday. After all our little events we sat around talking to one another enjoy each others compant and fellowship.

As we drove home several things came to mind. I was thinking about the wonderful time of all of us being together and enjoy each other but also... I was pondering upon the fact that I've never realized that Mr. Ascher was that funny.

I hope all of you at my church had a great time at your parties. I know I did. I thank the Cooks for opening their homes and for the people who have organized it.

Praying for Paul

I know people from my church have been asking me several questions about Paul and his return to the states. So I thought I could post about it and give you all a little update. As of right now folks, he is in the states! He is with his family. I have to admit that none of this feels real yet. It won't until I actually see him.

To my friends and church family in Rockford, Paul will not be able to come. Traveling was getting complicated and it just made it easier to meet up in Oklahoma with my parents. I fly out next Wednesday. If anything comes up... I'll be sure to blog about it.. so keep you eyes open! ; )

Pastor Goula

A couple of weeks ago my family and I were invited to the Hayes' home for dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were there as well. We were enjoying a wonderful evening of great food and fellowship. The topic of Lousiana and Mississippi came up. As discussion of how things were growing in those hurricane afflicted areas were being enchanged, I chuckled at a little memory of my own. At this point, I just had to share it.

Most of you know about my church (Morning Star Baptist) and how we were heavily involved with sending members down to help rebuild some homes and help encourage people in that area after they were hit by the hurricane. One place that they went often was Pascagoula (sp?), Miss. After arriving down there and making several trips back and forth, members were standing up in church giving testimonies of how God has changed them and what they saw while down there. For a long time when they were saying, "We went to Pascagoula" or "We stopped at Pascagoula on the way" It never hit my little deaf ears that it was a city that they were talking about. For almost a year I thought they were talking about a pastor named Pastor Goula. It wasn't until about a month ago when my pastor shared a slide presentation with the church that had the name up on the screen under a picture of the city, "Pascagoula, Miss." It all made sense!!!! Wow...

So after sharing this story with everyone at the table, they were laughing really hard and convinced me that I needed to share this story with others.

Praying for Paul

Great News!!!! I finally heard from Paul yesterday through a phone call. He is on his way home. In the next couple of days he flies to Kuwait and then to Germany. By early December he should he heading home to the states. Please continue to pray for him. God has been good keeping Paul safe this past year. Praise God for his (Paul's) safety that has been provided through Him. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers concerning Paul this past year while he was in Iraq. For all of you in Rockford, Paul plans on coming to Rockford and visiting. I know he looks forward to seeing all of you at church.

Thank you everyone!!

Praying for Paul

Even though Paul's time left in Iraq is short things have only gotten rougher. He emailed me and said he and others were hit by two road side bombs. Four of his friends were hurt but are going to be ok. Please take time to pray for Paul and his friends. Also praise God for keeping Paul safe from any injuries.