Almost the end of the year!

Its almost 2008, and this time last year I was nowhere near the person I am now. This year has seen me grow from a "Once a month head to Church to socialise Christian" into a fully committed Christian who is now exploring the Calling of Officership!

This past year has brought me many challenges. I was quite sick the first half and I think it was then that I really began to realise the Awesomeness of God; Every prayer we prayed was answered. I am now "cured" and back to my healthy self!

In my journey with God this year, I also realised that I've grown apart from some of my Closet friends. But the positive, I have also made many new friends and grown closer to other people which have been much healthier relationships than I've probably ever had!

I have decided that I'm going to defer/leave my course at Uni. I want to take a year to spend time focusing and working on what God wants me to do. I'm planning to expand my studies at the College and possibly do the Gap year that is being introduced there. If that doesn't come about I plan to take on other Subjects at the College (most definitely Old Testament B :P) and see where God takes me.

Its this time of year that many people begin to think of their New Years Resolutions. I have always thought of this as being a waste of time. But a short conversation with a friend last week, made me realise that New Years Resolutions when done properly are done with God. We can use the new year to recommit ourselves to him. This coming year I've decided I need to bring myself closer to God (There is always room for improvement) I want to read more of my bible, I am very slack when it comes to that. I also need to Pray more often than I do. So my main priority for this coming year is to read the entire bible over 2008 (already downloaded a great plan!), and to make Praying a daily ritual. These are things I think God has been challenging me about recently. So with God's help I hope I achieve my goals.

God has quite a bit planned for me in the coming years, I'm very excited to see where he takes me!

I hope your Christmas was great, and that your New Year is a happy and healthy one!

Love and God Bless!
Amy
xox

Time Flies

Apparently I have been a slacker when it comes to writing blogs, I say I have been extremely busy. With what? Some may ask.

Well November was about the busiest month I have had this year...

The 2nd Of November was my brother James' Birthday, He was 18! I celebrated by going to Luna Park for the MCD Youth event! Haha yes I am a great sister spending my Brothers 18th away from him but it was awesome fun! Went on many rides, many times. Saw people I hadn't seen in awhile.

On the 3rd Of November, I travelled to Hamilton for James Party. It was a good night, Hamilton received the largest downpour of rain they'd had in quite a few months. Drinks were drunk, maybe a few to many by my brother, there was much laughing and a great time was had by all!

Melbourne Cup day, 6th Of November, was spent with the Altona Corp. They had a Picnic day in Lara at Serendipity Park. I got to catch up with my beautiful 'sister' (long story there) Christine. God is doing some amazing stuff in her life, it really is exciting!

The weekend of the 10th Of November, my family were invited to Broughton to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Broughton Hall. It was a great weekend! Lots of People, Lots of food (fit for kings). It was good seeing people we hadn't seen in quite a few years. Also made me feel quite old, seeing all the babies, that are now big children!

The 19th Of November, was my Biology exam! I did splendidly well! Surprised myself and others and got a Credit! Pretty good I must say, I'm very proud of myself!

The following weekend, the 23rd to the 25th was Connections '07. The weekend was just fantastic, I got to see loads of people. I went to a few of the electives and got to listen to some awesome speakers! It was great hearing different views on the Salvos from people outside the Army. We heard the plans The Salvation Army has for the future, and I'm very excited and looking forward to seeing these plans carried out! The Sunday saw the Commissioning of the Heralds of the Good News. Spending quite a bit of time at the College this year, I got to know quite a few of them and it was great seeing them be Commissioned as Officers and find out where God is taking them next. God has lots in store for all of them, and I pray and know God is going to keep them safe throughout their Journeys.

The end of November and the first week of December, I was lucky enough to spend the week in Queensland! I flew up there with my bestest friend Amanda, and we stayed in Jimboomba with Her Auntie and Uncle. It was a great week. We spent lots of time shopping, relaxing by the pool. Went to Sea World and Dreamworld, had lots of fun going on the rides. The weather was good! Cloudy, but it was a constant warmth averaging about 25+ degrees all day everyday. Unlike Melbourne it was safe to go out without a jumper and not worry about it getting cold!

News in the family...

Grandpa has and is quite sick with the flu, Hes getting better now but Pray that he continues to heal!

Mum and Dad moved to Portland on Thursday 7th December. Dad started his Job at Portland Hospital as Hospitality Manager on the 26th of November, and seeing as mum has been working at the Hospital for the past couple of months. Of course the next obvious step was for them to move there. This time, they left James behind in Hamilton (we decided they are starting to make a habit of moving as soon as us kids turn 18). Pray for the family as Dad settles into his new job, my younger brothers Daniel and Michael settle into a new town, and a new school, and Pray for James who will now be living out of home for the first time! :S

News with Amy...

WELL Amy had a meeting with Marney Turner today, for those of you who don't know, she and her Husband are the Territorial Candidate Secretaries. Now this does not mean that I'm going to College next year, We just had a chat about what God was calling me to do, and exploring the possibility of College. Which now to me seems like its definitely on the agenda for the future, when is up to God. At the moment I feel that God wants me at Werribee, helping lead the Youth closer to him.

Also! I got my results back for Old Testament, High Distinction for my Essay, Credits for my Tutorial, Reflection and Book Review. Good Effort I must say!

That's all for now folks, I will try to blog more often from now on. Apparently if I don't I'll be taken off peoples blog lists. To help keep me safe for a little while... Check out Aaron's New blog! http://www.stormtheforts.blogspot.com/ He's making me look bad and now blogging most nights.

Love and God Bless You All!

Amy

xox

P.S. 14 Sleeps till Christmas!! YAY!!