Amber meets, greets and embraces 29

As I lay here, confined to bed because of a migraine and nauseous every time I get up, I figured now would be a good time to update my blog since I've let time get away from me!


As of yesterday, I am now officially 29 years old. Or, if you will, 1 year from 30, 11 from 40 and just plainly making my mom old (according to her.) : )

Cake, candles and even a fake smile! Rats!

Yes, Hello Kitty. I will always be my mom's baby girl!

Yesterday was a wonderful birthday! My oldest niece Madison spent the night with me and we ventured over to Owensboro for a time of fellowship and worship with the Chrysalis community, and then I treated her to dinner at her favorite place TX Roadhouse and then even ice cream at Cold Stone. My birthday morning started off with her huge bright blue eyes inches from mine proudly singing "Happy Birthday To You" just after the sun peeked over the horizon. I fought desperately the urge to be upset at not being allowed to sleep in, but man! she so made it worth it!

Punkin bringin' in some joy and excitement for Auntie Am!

At my request, we had a family dinner at my mom's and then watched movies in our pj's. This included me (in case you wondered!), my mom, my brother, sister-in-law and both nieces. Jason and Amy unfortunately couldn't make it home. We had originally planned a game night, but we ran out of time. I love my family! Every time we get together, whether just a few of us, or all of us, it is always a good time!! I am very blessed -- and I really don't take this lightly! After losing my dad in 2000, the Lord has taught me to store up every moment with my family, to let them know just how much I love them and to praise the Lord for His favor in such a blessing. I know so many people who struggle with family relations or who don't have any family at all. And I'm not above taking them in as my own family too!

Bug excited for some cake! She is definitely a Douthit!

I am so incredibly thankful that the Lord has kept me around for 29 years. What an honor to know that He still has a plan for my life and He alone keeps this 'ole heart a thumpin'.

Bug "eye-ballin'" the yeast rolls

So, I must confess that before 2009 was ushered in, I didn't hold out many expectations for the coming year. I believe it was because of a conversation I had with a friend who - knowing all of the events in my life in 2008 dubbed that year for me "The Year of the Rear." I'll leave that expression to your own interpretation - but will let you know it was a bit of a rough year.

But, the Lord has poured out his Grace on me and showered me with such love in the first few weeks of this new year - that I can't help but swell up in praise to Him and with soaring expectations of hope in growing closer and closer to Him this year and experiencing even more with Christ!!

This year has already provided many adventures!! And I'm sure (knowing how I always seem to find an adventure or two) that there will be many more in this year to come!!!

Oh!! Praise Him!! The Lord of all!! The Lord that has turned my heart from despair to great hope!!

Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving thanks.

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his ^[a] ; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;