Shout Out

This is just to say thanks to those of you who commented!

It was fun to come home from work and have greetings from friends.

Employed

I thought I should give people and employment update.

On Tuesday this week I started a full-time temp job. I was hired through United Staffing Services (temp agency), and am currently working at Directory Distributers Associates.

Basically, I answer phones for people who are ordering phone books or giving information to individuals seeking some extra money delivering phone books. I do not know how long this job will last, but am thankful for the Lord's provision of it at this time.

I also now have three tutoring clients (total of 4 hours). I do this in the evenings. I am still hoping to gain more clients and then find a part-time job during the day.

That's about it-- as far as the job goes.

Thanks for any prayers and I would appreciate your continued prayers as this is only temporary work. I would love for tutoring to work out. I am not sure what my "other" job should be to supplement tutoring so that I can pay my bills.

Doing my best to "take a break" as the Lord has told me to do. I am doing my best in His strength to live it out day-by-day as He has not exactly revealed to me what this year is suppose to look like.

More Pics from the Compound

FYI--"The Compound" is the name of our house. It was given this name initially because sometimes people think it is crazy or cultish to choose to live with as many people sharing a house as we do. To take this notion to the extreme, it was termed The Compound. Some are more fond of the name than others.

Last week, everyone in The Compound was off on the same day!

We decided to take advantage of the day and made waffles, eggs, and bacon for breakfast.

In the process, we learned there are different opinions how to store the waffles as we make them, how "chewy" or not chewy the bacon should be, and if scrambled eggs are better with or without cheese melted in them.

After this, we loaded into the van (all but Britt) and headed to the park.

Jason sandwiched between the kids in the back

Saji and Jason worked with Micah on his tree climbing skills

Painting Toes

The other night I was painting my toes in the living room. Elisha noticed what I was doing and got permission from her Mommy to paint her toes. She gladly took her socks off and did a good job of holding still while I painted her toes and even did an okay job waiting for them to dry.

This was her first time to have her toes painted.

Our pretty faces

and our pretty toes!

Micah was building robots with Becca.

He wanted to make sure he and his robot made it into our pictures!

And my attempt to get a picture of all three of us.

Hosanna Grace

Hosanna Grace Mooney is the newest member of our home.

She was born Sunday, October 17th.

Below are a few picture from when she came home. We took the pictures of us (The Singles) meeting her for the first time with my camera. Pictures taken of the Mooney's with the kids were not taken on my camera so I cannot share them. Here area few though.

Elisha kissing her baby sister.

Micah and Elisha picked out the pig for their baby sister to play with.

Jason and Hosanna

Me and Hosanna

Saji and Hosanna

Delayed Reaction

So it has taken me much longer than I would have anticipated...

but this week I have started thinking about LeadTimers and those still at Doulos. I am starting to miss people and the relationships there.

I am forming some good friendships here, we are just at the starting point, rather than at that point where we have walked through some tough stuff together and shared community for a year. I am confident I will get to this point in my new community, but am not there yet.

If any of you from Doulos actually read my blog...know that I love, miss you, and am thinking of you.

I talked to Emily Whitely a few days ago and it was so nice! I teared up a bit. It was just soooooo good to talk to her and hear how she is doing, and even to hear about a few other people on property.

Waiting

In three days I hit my one month anniversary in Georgia.

I have a home.

I have a fellowship I am a part of.

I don't have a job.

Actually, I am employed for At Home Tutors--I have been since my second day here. However, it is not until beginning to mid October that people start looking for tutors. Therefore, I have no clients, which makes it feel like I have am unemployed.

I potentially have a client. I tutored for them last night, and they are waiting to hear from the two other tutoring places before they make a decision. In the meantime, I might tutor for them again next week. Our first session went well and I am hoping this turns into a regular tutoring job.

I have had a few interviews (one nanny, one teaching), but I did not get either one of those jobs.

I have applied for several other jobs, but nothing has come of it.

In the next few days to weeks, I should be able to see how much income tutoring will bring in.

It is sort of a waiting game. Waiting for these things to work out or to see what else the Lord brings my way.

In the meantime, I am using my time to get to know some of the peeps in our fellowship and hanging out with the housemates. I have had a few babysitting and tutoring jobs as well.

My New Home

Unfortunately, at this time I only have pictures of the house. I promise to take pictures of roommies soon and do a post about them. But for now, this will at least give you a visual of my new environment.

Residents:

Britt, Becca, Micah (4), Elisha (almost 2), and baby (to be born any day now) Mooney.

Myself.

Saji (27) and Jason (20)

My new home is NOT crooked...

however, I have a tendency to like the way crooked pictures look!

Our living room.

Upstairs:

On the right are the doors to my bedroom and to the kids bedroom.

At the end of the hall is my bathroom.

On the left is the door to the Britt and Becca's bedrom and bath.

Downstiars:

Kitchen, laundry room/playroom,

studio,

Saji and Jason's room, and Saji and Jason's bathroom.

My bedroom.

My bathroom with my lovely reflection in the mirror.

The kitchen.

Laundry Room/playroom

Hallway from kitchen leading to...

Saji and Jason's room

Saji and Jason's bathroom

the studio.

That's about it. More interesting pictures of roommates to come!

Walking in Boldness

So the Lord is really placing it on my heart to grow in boldness for Him and proclaiming Truth to a lost and dying world and within the Body.

Last year I had lots of opportunities to speak Truth to the Littles. Sometimes I feel like the Lord had things He wanted me to speak to the girls. I tend to be very unconfident in my relationships with teens. As a result, sometimes I would speak what was on my heart, sometimes I wouldn't. I would let fear win.

However, the times that I did speak, I was always surprised at how well it was received. It wasn't always. Or sometimes it was just received and I have no idea how much of it was processed. Despite the person's response, the Lord used several conversations and times with Him to encourage me in the area of boldness to speak what He tells me. The Lord has given me Truth to proclaim to the captives and He has ways He wants to speak to the Body (fellow brother and sisters in Christ) through me.

So the Lord brought this topic up some during my LeadTime and then He really started bringing it up more frequently toward the end.

Then I traveled to California to visit my sister. My sister has a heart for discipleship and telling the nations of Him. The people she hangs with share this same heart. They talk about it a lot and encourage each other a lot in their conversations with one another. Though one day she desires to be in a foreign country, my sister is taking full advantage of using this time to reach those God has currently placed in her life through her job at California Baptist University. She lives a lifestyle of proclaiming the gospel and Truth.

So while in California, I was further encouraged to do this in my own life just by watching the example of my sister and her community.

On my way back to Atlanta from California, I sat next to a guy that was anxious about flying. It was the anniversary of 9/11 and he was going to his high school reunion. Many times I felt like the Lord wanted me to share with Him my source of peace, but instead I made friendly conversation. Rather than do the "scarier" thing and tell him of lasting peace, I did the "safer" thing and offered a temporary distraction.

Two weeks ago, I had an interview for a nanny position. Afterward, I felt like I was suppose to go to a park and swing with the Lord. So I grabbed some Chic-fil-a and went to the park. It was a beautiful evening, so I sat outside and had dinner with the Lord. I found a table near the swings facing a Little League game. A grandfather of one of the girls comes up to me and starts talking. I listen to him and feel the Holy Spirit prompting me proclaim Truth. However, as he is talking, their is no "natural" way to steer the conversation toward the Lord. This grandfather just keeps rambling and the Holy Spirit keeps pressing it on my heart to steer the conversation toward Him.

As I am internally struggling with this choice, I keep remembering my choosing my comfort over the Holy Spirit's prompting in the plane a few weeks ago. I was battling wanting to love the Lord through obedience but also not wanting to be uncomfortable by fumbling my way through a potentially awkward conversation or a weird reaction by this man to the shift in conversation.

These are all trivial, temporary things to contemplate, especially considering the eternal things at stake and the opportunity to please God--however, these are the things I was battling in my mind. I decided however, that I would rather please God than serve myself and decide to steer the conversation toward the Lord.

I say to the man, "May I ask you a question?" He says sure. Then I go to open my mouth and speak, hesitate, and almost back out. I finally spit out the question the Holy Spirit had been pressing on my heart, "What is your opinion of God and have you had any experiences with Him recently?" To me, it felt like a weird question. I won't recount the conversation here, but it was the right question. We talked for probably another ten minutes. At times I fumbled through the conversation--but the Lord is definitely at work on this man's heart.

As much as this interaction was about him and the Lord, it was equally, if not more, about me and the Lord giving me an opportunity to choose obedience to Him--even when it is uncomfortable. It was Him giving me an opportunity to practice what I felt like he was teaching me in private.

I might not always get it right or perfect, but He is bigger than all that, and He desires obedience. I want to get to the point where I desire to obedience God and don't hesitate to obey even in the uncomfortable moments and even when the fear of man is involved.

These are just a few examples of interactions with people who are unsaved. This same principle applies within the body. Abba, has also been equally growing me in this area within the Body. I don't always do the best at speaking up in large groups and letting the Lord use me to minister within the Body in a group setting. I don't hesitate to share so much one-on-one (my comfort zone), but am not so good at other times.

So I am still working on this. I feel like this a newer area Abba is growing me in and He has much more yet to do with me in this area. He is teaching me what it means to walk in boldness--both to the lost and dying world and within the Body of believers.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (Verses such as this one have so much more meaning when you consider the verses preceding it...however, I won't go into that now).

California!

Unfortunately, I don't have any awesomely brilliant pictures of California. Photographing the memories was that last thing I was concerned with in my tired, energyless state that I was in for most of this trip. Sometimes now, I wish I had made more effort...but the trip was awesome and just what I needed.

OHHHH....when I arrived family and friends has written me notes of encouragement and given me gifts certificates! Thank you so much to all of you who blessed me in this way. I felt extremely loved and encouraged. As my sister Alicia would say, "My little Amber heart was happy."

Alicia and I in Hollywood.

I half-heartedly jumped not expecting Alicia to really take a picture, but she did.

We were looking for a good palm-tree lined street to take a picture in. This street won.

This one is for you Shannon.

At some pier that is apparently a California sight that is in several movies.

Alicia, her roomies, and I at Laguna Beach. I love water and the ocean!

Above is the neighborhood where my dad grew up in Ventura,

and below is beach he walked to each day!

How awesome would that be for this to be your backyard or neighborhood park?!?

I have wanted to visit California since middle school. I haven't chilled with these family members in California since I was 2 months old! Since then, I have seen them twice. Except for my Aunt Celeste--I have seen her three times. The trip was long over due and so much fun to get to know them better and in their environment.

Me, Aunt Celeste (Dad's sister), and cousin Leigh

Traden and I--we share a July 1st birthday!

Cousin Thomas and I

Cousins--Leigh, Me, Erica (Traden's mom)

Me, Aunt Celeste, and Traden

Me and Uncle Tom

The "Korean UPS Blanket" Award

During our LeadTime graduation, each one of us received an award with a "prediction" about our future. I included this in my blog just for kicks.

Some are inside jokes and may not make sense to a lot of you...

The "Korean UPS Blanket" Award

Amber moves to Georgia and is amazed to find a Korean American school that needs a math teacher! They hire her on the spot, but can't pay a high salary, so to make ends meet, Amber decides to earn some extra cash by selling her amazing quilts and rag blankets. She invites some students to help her, and as she teaches them to sew, she realizes she also has the opportunity to increase their math skills, as well. She creates a "Rabbicus Blanket"--A rag blanket with an abbicus. Her students begin to excel so much in math that she markets the blanket and sales skyrocket! In fact, UPS gets so overloaded by all the orders that they ask her to return to help manage the extra work. She resists until they promise to sweeten the deal by providing free Korean meals and free postage on all the amazing notes she sends to her friends. Today Amber is doing an amazing job juggling all 3 jobs--teacher, blanket maker, and UPS manager. Money is no longer an issue, so Amber gives back by providing cars to all LeadTime students who don't own one.

Not so sure about this prediction about my future...

LeadTime Graduation

As and addition to what I learned last year...

I am going to include the letter that was read to me at my graduation. It sort of wraps up this past year from someone else's perspective. Graduation was a time where we celebrated the Lord and His work in our lives this year.

The letter was written by Amy Hobson, LeadTime Assistant Director (a.k.a.--one of the main people pouring into me last year).

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:6-8

Amber,

I love these verses for you. I think they acknowledge your strengths and your desires. And I think they give insight into God's work in your life this year. He doesn't always work in typical ways, but He is always faithful and always loving. Over and over this year I have seen Him meet you and speak to you in personal and meaningful ways.

The first verse I read is an easy fit for you--you hunger and thirst for righteousness. Integrity is of utmost importance to you , and your character is a virtue. As I was praying for you, however, the words that stood out to me the most were "pure in heart." Even more than your desire for righteousness, I admire your purity of heart. Very early on I got a glimpse into your heart and I loved what I saw. As the year has continued, knowing you more has only affirmed what I noticed then--that you have a heart I can trust. There is such beauty and goodness there, such deep love for people and concern for their welfare. You long to know God and are willing to go through the fire for His namesake. You are bold and courageous, even when it's hard for you. And as this verse says, the pure in heart will see God. That is His promise. And He has been faithful. You have seen God time and time again. He has provided for you , comforted you, affirmed you, and strengthened you. He hasn't always taken away the tension or the struggle, but as you've walked through the fire, He has been with you, and you know Him more deeply and trust Him more fully. When our hearts are pure, our eyes aren't hindered from seeing His presence and work around us. You see His work, and I believe you'll continue to recognize Him in inspiring ways.

Finally, this verse speaks about a love for mercy. This year you've expressed a desire to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God." As you seek to love mercy, God continues to bring your strengths into balance. And you will know and experience His great mercy in deeper ways, as well. God has brought many Truths to the forefront of your mind this year. He has loved and refined you, and I know His work in your life will continue. Your committed and convinced that He is worth it. And your life speaks that Truth to me as I watch you.

Thank you for all the ways you have loved and served this year, Amber. I'm excited to see what good things the Lord has in store for your future.

Love,

Amy

Lessons Learned

I decided my first post should probably be about the Things I learned learned while at Doulos. I will not share ALL that I learned, however I will highlight what I feel some of the bigger lessons are that God taught me. Some might be repeats of what I have shared on previous posts.

We all have our issues. I can wish away certain things that have a tendency to repeatedly come up in my life and seem to affect my relationship with God and others....or I can accept those things the Lord has placed in my life and learn to glorify Him through them.

Personally, I have found the later to be the most productive.

Before LeadTime, I think I really struggled with some of the weaknesses or "pitfalls" that come along with my strong personality. I would question the Lord and ask Him why He would make me this way? Why couldn't He have just made me different? What I have come to realize this year, is that if I didn't have this particular issue, I would just have another. We all have things we struggle with.

As I write this, I keep thinking of 2 Corinthians 12 where Paul is talking about the thorn in his flesh--his lifelong weakness/struggle. He says,

"Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake for when I am weak, then I am strong."

God didn't make a mistake when He made me. This past year is the first time in my life where I have not questioned the Lord and asked Him why He made me the way He did. I did not question if He knew what He was doing when He made me. And I did not question if it was good.

It isn't because there wasn't an opportunity to question the Lord. This year, some hard conversations happened. I had several very hard relationships. There were circumstances, conversations, and people's reactions to me that where hard to deal with at times.

After these times, instead of questioning His intentions, I held on to His promises and Truth. He knit me together in my mother's womb. He has created me to do good works which He prepared beforehand for me to do. He created me and said it was very good. He named me Amber Sue--Beautiful, Cherished one.

During these times He continually took me to Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

It is my job to do justice, love kindness, and to walk humbly before the Lord. I am to do these three things and leave to rest to Him--namely people's reactions. If I am walking humbly before Him in obedience then I do not need to question the Lord and what He is doing. Even when the circumstance around me, the feelings inside of me, and people's reactions to me don't seem good.

The Lord delights in me ALWAYS. This one sort of goes in conjunction with the above one. In my heart, I understand what I call the Ragamuffin Gospel love the Lord has me. For the first time in my life, I can understand beyond head knowledge, how the Lord can love me, and delight in me, even with all of my sin and junk that is in my life. I always knew this truth before in my head, I just didn't experience it. I KNOW His love in new ways and there is such freedom in it.

The longer I live on this planet, the more I realize how closely related Love and Obedience are. I don't really know that there is a whole lot to add to this. It's just a truth Lord is continually revealing to me at different levels.

Blog Build-up

Since it has been awhile since I have blogged....

and I have transitioned to a new season...

the time has come to mass blog!

I will probably end up doing 1o or so blogs--that could be an exaggeration. I will try to do them in order, but honestly, that usually doesn't happen.

Enjoy them all or pick and choose the ones that catch your attention.