Thankful Thursdays #11 My story [part 1]

Happy Thankful Thursday!

This morning I'm sharing my story with you, part of it.  Like I said, I have felt convicted to share for some time, and am finally ready.  I don't know what all God has in mind for this post, but my desire is to reveal God's power, grace, love, and the transformation He makes when one surrenders to Him.

Bare with me as I try to voice my feelings and thoughts........

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My real name is Amelia Marie Yoder, now Showalter.  I am 24 years old and have a fear of aging. I know, i need to get over it.  I am the middle child, and only girl of three children.  I was born in Goshen, Indiana, and lived there until I was 5.  I was welcomed into the world by my wonderful parents, N & M.  They are a continual inspiration and living testimony to me.  My Dad is a pastor/professor/ historian/author {aka: genius} and Mama's a registered nurse.  {Mom and I used to joke that the boys in our family got the brains, us girls got skipped!}  We moved to Virginia when Dad took a job at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and pastor position at Dayton Mennonite Church, the church my little familia attends.  

Growing up I was a through and through tomboy... always outdoors, riding bikes, building forts, and pretending.  I have great, fun childhood memories of life in Indiana especially, but growing up here too.
A favorite memory is when Dad was working on his Doctorate at Notre Dame, he would take us kids to the archives with him.  While he would study, we would play underneath the tables in our "fort", but we had to be quiet. 

Jumping forward.  It was time to start school and I attended public school. I struggled academically from the get-go. School just wasn't my thing!  [except for art and lunch! HA!]   After failing test, after test, and barely passing each grade, I was finally tested for a learning disability.  What do ya know!? They diagnosed me with short-term memory deficit. Which made complete sense since I had always had a serious problem with recollection.  I was put into a resource class, which would continue the rest of my school experience.  

I have to dig deep for this part. it's messy.
There was something else i struggled with from an early age...  You know how you have show-and-tell in school?  Well, who would have thought it could become a bad thing?  In the first grade, I remember feeling a need to compete for the best story to share, since i usually didn't have anything "good enough" to show. The other kids had such cool toys and stories. I felt inferior and envious.     I'll never forget my story about a trip to "Skate Town".  I had spend a saturday there, but that just wasn't going to cut it.  So I added the "I was the champion!" [in my mind i was] part, and the part about winning a 6 foot trophy. I distinctly remember Mrs.B asking me to bring the trophy in for everyone to see the next week. I replied,  "Oh. well... my.... my brother broke it!"

Sure, kids like to tell stories and most have an imagination that's sky-high. But the scary part is that i actually believed the things I was saying.    The next week I got called to the guidance counselors office.  I remember it like it was yesterday, Mrs. G and I sat on her couch and she read me a book... "The Bernstein Bears and the Truth."  I had known that lieing was bad, but all of a sudden i realized that what i had been doing/saying was wrong.  It's not okay to voice your imagination, or what you wish would have happened, as the truth.   I still struggled with "the truth", but i fought the urge to tall-tale the best i could.  All until......       

I made it through elementary school. Summer came and went, and it was time for 6th grade!  I was excited to move 'up' to the middle school. A new facility, new people, and competing sport teams.    Little did I know.........

No one told me there were different 'groups'  [cliques]  in middle school?   What happened to being just a kid.... and equal?    I'll never forget.  There was a pack group of girls,  all who were pretty, and cheerleaders. [go figure.]  They wore the coolest clothes and always had perfect hair and makeup.  I noticed the attention they got, and there was something about it that made me envious. Envious, just like show-and-tell days back in elementary school.  I soon found myself wanting to dress like them and look like them.  ..............And so it started; the sneaking, hiding clothes, drama, and self-destruction!

Along with my changing looks, my attitude and name changed too.  I no longer wanted to be teased by "Amelia Bedelia".  I wanted a cool name. I ditched "Amelia" and asked to be called "Amy" instead. {my initials}  Sadly,  that's not all I ditched.. I disregarded  my real [childhood] friends.  Life became all about "Amy".  I no longer respected my parents, family, church, or God!   I had previously gotten baptized and joined church, but at this point I couldn't have cared less about the commitment I had made to God or church

I will never forget being told by a new "friend" [one of the popular girls] that there was a boy, "R" who liked me.  That was all it took for me to enter a "boy'frenzy'.   I thrived on attention, and did whatever it took to get it.

   

Timeout! I want to clarify.... Often when i hear of girls seeking attention from boys, I can't help but wonder if they are not receiving healthy affection and love from their father.  My Dad was [and is] nurturing, loving and {healthily} affectionate to me!  It was not that I wasn't receiving that from him. 

All through middle school i "went out" with boys, a term that meant "dating."  We used to joke, "a new week, a new flavor," referring to a new boyfriend.   I was caught in a lifestyle of destruction; lying and sneaking, materialism, stealing [yes, several times], pride, and the list goes on.  I tried my best to cover up and hide the double life i was living.  I attended church, looked "right", and for the most part, did the right things.  But my heart was not right.  All of this continued into my eighth grade year, when...........

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I am going to stop there.  It's hard to reflect on the past, but I praise God for where I've come and the work He has done/ doing in my life. my heart.  This morning I am overwhelmed with gratitude for God's forgiveness and grace........ Next Thursday I plan to post [part 2]. 

The Thankful Thursday link-up is open. 

Please link-back to me in your post so others
know where to come to join in!

*WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY??

be blessed.

happenings.

Life has been so full and busy lately! too busy, almost..... 

How do you like the blogs new look? I'm so glad it's finally done and here to stay. for good.  

Some of this week's happenings have included......

... refinishing furniture. 

I have had several pieces in storage, waiting for some love.

Above is a chair I refinished today. 

 I love it, but sold it. I know it's going to a good home.

  it's still bittersweet though.

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Sewing. 

This particular piece is a vintage-inspired comforter top for Molly Whitmore's Fall Foliage session day!

I hope to have it finished by next week. 

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Creating, creating, and more creating.

Have I mentioned on here that we're having a trunk show/sale October 29? Opps!... I don't think i have. 

I'll post about it soon, but I have been working to finish several collections for it. 

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The messy kitchen is calling me.

Goodnight,

  



black & white

I'm about to head out the door for the day, but quickly snapped a several pics of projects I completed yesterday.  It rained all day, so the little ones and I "set-up shop" in the garage.  They played and I painted.


I'm sure you haven't forgotten too blue?? {how could you?}  Not anymore, Hello black beauty!

I'm glad I tried black, i love it!

On to the white......

In addition, I was able to finally finish my folding chair... it had been sitting in the garage for ages.

I'm out!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

my.anwsers

...
goodmorning lovely people! 

I hope you've had a great start to your week! It's rainy here and I'm enjoying a little down-time, as the little ones are playing well together. 

I mentioned in my last Thankful Thursday post; I have felt led to share my story with you all, for those who don't know it.  I am currently working on it, and hope to have it ready to post this Thursday.   Today, I want to take time and answer some questions I've been asked, regarding my faith.

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First, and for the record... No, I am not Amish.  It's amazing how frequently I've been asked this. Now don't be embarrassed, it's an understandable question. I am a Mennonite; but most important, I am a christian! I am a follower of Jesus Christ and The Bible. I believe and know in my heart that God sent his only son to the earth as a baby, to teach and live a life of love, and ultimately be crucified on Calvary... for my sins... for your sins.  He rose from the dead and is alive. He is real and He desires an intimate relationship with each of us.            {I'll share more in the "my story" post.}

If you would like to read more about what we believe or our confession of faith, you can do so on our church's web page.

"That thing". Whether black or white, big or small, lacy or plain, it makes no difference. - "That thing," which is usually referred to as a head-covering, is a symbol taken from 1 Corinthians 11, 

⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. ⁶ For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.   

 and verse 10,

 ¹⁰ It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own^[c]

head, because of the angels.    

For me, it's all about conviction.  I am convicted to wear a covering {of some sort} that's why i do so.

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Thanks for sharing your questions.

Striving,



A best kept secret : RD books

I am always on the prowl for cheap decor! {who isn't??}   Well my dear friend, Ruby {over at Diamond in the Rough} gets the credit for this best-kept decorating secret....   

Above is Ruby's mantel, where i first met these books. Aren't they beautiful!!
I love their vintage look and colors!   Ruby let me in on her secret.... 

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Take a look'see at these old, worn Reader's Digest books  ... 

{they are the perfect example "looks are deceiving"}

But when you take the paper-covers off, look what you find.....

[sigh.]

Aren't the colors lovely!  And that's not all.... The best part is.........

 their vintage-print covers!

Ruby suggested I look at Goodwill for these beauties, and sure enough, there are tons!

I probably grabbed 15 of them at $1.00 each!

My favorite uses for them have been......

*Focal points & centerpieces

As Ruby did, I love books in decor. collections, paired with a variety of textures and shapes.

At a bridal shower, we used books to create a pedestal for these vintage bottles.

Flowers by Hopeful

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"Filler" 

 photo by Molly Whitemore

 Also, remember last week's post of Molly's office makeover? 

 Above, you see the lovely books that found home on the printer stand. ....

Stacked books are the perfect solution to bare space. You know those spots where you

want a little somein'-somein' to jazz it up, create a finished look, but

 not be overwhelming or clutter??  Well, here ya go!

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Check out your local thrift stores for thsese babies. I hope and am sure you can find some!

Happy Thrifting!

 

too blue.

Dear paint-lady,

       When i gave you the navy paint card and asked for it in eggshell-gloss, i was serious.  N-a-v-y, as in dark blue. Furthermore, the paint i recieved sure wasn't the color i gave you.  I expect you to exchange this too.blue shade for what i want. 

Thanks, Amy

BEFORE

I'll let you know how take 2 turns out. 

I decided to keep the subway art up, so this go-around I'll be trying black!

Happy Monday!

Thankful Thursdays #10 part 2

Part 2.  I'm back again.....

Inlinkz is having issues,  I hope the link below will finally work.  You can link up anytime until next Thursday!

xoxo,

Thankful Thursdays #10

Goodmorning friends! 

"Rise and shine" wasn't quit my thought this morning, as I drug myself rolled out of bed.   None-the-less it is a quiet, rainy Thursday morning and the little ones are still in bed... I am thankful for it.    - Life has been extra full and busy lately. So much so, that the last several months have felt like a blur.  Our evenings and weekends have filled up a month or two in advance, we currently are "booked" until the end of October. {sigh}  I'm not complaining, just explaining... thinking.... processing.... all out loud.  I am thankful this fast forward pace won't last forever... I am working at learning to say "no" to new duties and responsibility.   Sometimes I wonder what God thinks of our "over-kill" schedules and lifestyles?

Anyway. This morning I have a real, personal post to share.  It comes from a deep place in my heart. 

Today, I am especially thankful for....

- 2nd Chances. 

I have been thinking about my life lately. alot. Mostly, my past and the decisions i made when younger.  Most of you know the transformation that took place when i was age 18-20.  I feel led to share my "testimony" and will soon, but the short version is ::  At a young age i strayed from Christ and got lost in the ways of this world... appearance, fashion, materialism, popularity, boys, and the party scene.   I lived in sin and denial for years, living a lie.   After my junior year of high school our choir went on-tour, traveling in China.  - It was as if God reached right down from heaven, and unveiled my eyes... he did!   Praise the Lord!

Ever since, It has been a hard, but good journey. I still struggle, but I thank God for second chances.  Through Christ, WE ALL have a second {and third, and fourth}  chance.  If it were not for Christ and calvary, i would have no hope. no joy. no chance. no LIFE!

- marriage.  

My heart has been broken for those we know with strained, hurting marriages.  I know exactly how it feels to be hopeless... to feel "trapped"... be hurting... feel alone... to be tired and not know if you can keep on.    Ya see, my Mr. and I haven't always had a good marriage.  To be real honest, our first year {and more} of marriage was a disaster!  We were young, immature, and selfish!  Looking back, i can clearly see the ways satan squeezed in, creating tension, and discontent. 

It has taken a lot of hard work and effort to get where we are today, and we know we have a long way to go yet.   We still have our valleys and hard times, as all marriages do.  However, I am thankful for a progressing, good marriage and committed husband.  I am thankful God is at work, teaching us, and guiding us. 

My prayer for all marriages is that hearts would be softened, commitments would be renewed, and Christ-like love and forgivness would be practiced.   It's hard work and sometimes very painful, but we know the reward is great.

be blessed.

**In your post please mention that you are linking up here,

so others know where to come & can join in too!

a GuestPost = office makeover

This morning I have a fun 'guest-post' and office make-over to share with you.  The lovely Mrs. Molly and I worked hard to create a new office-space for her and we love the outcome!  .......  Enjoy!

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Office Makeover!

September 6, 2011

This project was SO much fun. I’ve envisioned what I wanted for my office for quite some time, but getting there is a whole other story. After our photoshoot with Katelyn James, I figured – this is the perfect time to make it happen! My colors were designed around our photoshoot colors, so that made it really fun and easy!

First of all, I teamed up with my friend Amy Showalter with Amelia Bedelia Designs for her crafty vision and we went to work! Before I keep you wondering any longer, I give you my office before + the transformation process

I found this amazing idea to repaint a desk + spray paint the drawer knobs! I searched for a used/old desk and found the perfect one downtown Harrisonburg at Hess’ used furniture store. So here is the desk before!

My friend Amy sanding…

Spray painting the knobs oil-brushed bronze…

The kiddos “helping” ha.

We also painted my grandmothers stand (to be used for a printer stand).

Now for the office before. It was a hand-me-down pictures/old item/kids diaper changing room, oh and my office too.

And now, are you ready?!?! The AFTER

This could possibly be my favorite part of the room. I got the idea from a DIY post from Ashlee Proffitt. Found 3 junk drawers, painted them light blue/teal and put on new knobs. Then my husband had the genius idea of hanging matted photos!

Travis’ grandma gave us her mirror, to make it a little more my taste, I spray painted it brown.

Also the “after” of my grandmas stand!

What do you think? I absolutely love it. I’m thrilled how it turned out! Most importantly, it’s a space I can go and get away, work, let my soul breath and feel at peace. I encourage you all to have a place you can feel the same!

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Are you inspired!?! I sure am! [wink]



much love,