As a Teacher....

In light of recent events I've decided to write from a teachers point of view...specifically an agriculture teachers point of view as we tend to spend more time with our students than a regular teacher. Although I have no children at the age of 25....you might see me refer to "my children" or "my kids" well that's because I have about 100 or so high schoolers that I pour my heart and soul into on a daily basis...and they are truly my kids in a sense. So here it goes....

As a teacher....I pray for my students day and night.

As a teacher.....I worry for their safety when they are not with me.

As a teacher....I am filled with joy at their success.

As a teacher...I cry with them during tragedy.

As a teacher...I've seen what they look like at 5 am ready (or not so much) for a field trip and as late as 8:30-9 pm preparing for contests.

As a teacher....I've disciplined them and it sometimes hurts my heart.

As a teacher.....I push them to strive for their very best.

As a teacher......I help them prepare for the future.

As a teacher....I spend hours after school practicing for career development events.

As a teacher...I spend hours researching new ways to have my kids "get" the information and compiling lesson plans.

As a teacher...I spend personal time at home thinking about my classes.

As a teacher...I spend two weeks during the summer at camp and convention chaperoning them 24 hours, day and night.

As a teacher....I've given my students the opportunity to travel and have logged MANY miles with some.

As a teacher....I've watched their faces with glow with awe as they were able to witness 52,000 blue jackets take over Indianapolis

As a teacher....I've spent more time with them than some of their parents.

As a teacher....I'm on of the first to know if my kids get in trouble...whether in school or out.

As a teacher...I've poured my heart and soul into my kids.

As a teacher...I've given first aide and bandaged up wounds.

As a teacher.....I only want the best for them.....

As a teacher....I'd take a bullet for them......

Recently my students asked me if I would step into the line of fire for them if something would happen. In a heartbeat yes. Not because of any sense of duty, but because they are my responsibility and even though they, at time, give me more headaches and grey hair than I care to admit they are still my kids...and even though they act macho and tell me that I wouldn't have to because they would be the one protecting me. However, I told them that they may never (God willing) know how they would react in that situation, they may become scared and look to the only adult in the room who they think they can count on and that would be me. I realize that I too may not know how I would react in a given situation but for me it's not about a choice, they are mine and I have to protect them. I live with the certainty that I am saved and my Heavenly Father will welcome me to Heaven.

I am not writing this at all to tout my own horn so to speak but to let everyone know how teachers feel about "their kids". We would all not hesitate to protect every single one of them in our charge and for parents to rest assured that though some think of us in a negative way and that we are only doing this job for the benefits and time off....yea right! We teach because we have a passion for it and love our kids.

Just my thoughts for the day.....

He's Always by my Side....

On my way to work this morning I heard this song.......

The lyrics deliver a simple message, who shall we fear? Why do we fear when the God who commands armies of heavenly angels is on our side?

"no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD."

Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)

I'm pretty sure the promise made to us in Isaiah isn't just something to appease us, but rather something that we can hold onto. Our God is a promise keeping God and we shouldn't take His promises lightly but believe them to be true. For if we have the faith as small as mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Luke 17:6 (NIV)

I've found that reading and holding true to the promises of God is what gives me strength to face new challenges and ultimately faith when dealng with situations.

For instance, the last month or so I have been a medical mess! I have been dealing with hearing loss in my left ear and battling an infection. However, in spite of these things I know that I will be healed because God is the great physician and healer and He promises that I will be healed. One of the main roles of Jesus when He walked on earth was as a healer and I believe that He has a passion for it. Already I have been feeling MULTITUDES better and am healing nicely from the infection, nonbelievers would say this is due to man made antibiotics and doctors...but who created those two entities?

From where I'm standing penecillin and other antibiotics are a Godsend and definitely a product of intelligent design. Anywho.....I digress....

The point is we always have a God who loves us, who wants the best for us and who wants to protect us at our sides constantly. He's always there and knows every situation we are dealing with. AND He commands an army of heavenly beings who are a force to be reckoned with.

I'd say I feel pretty confident in my battle against the enemy...though he throws things at me left and right....the God of angel armies is always by my side.

~Amber

The Decision to Adopt.....

Travis and I have long loved the idea of adopting.....

Changing a life and giving them opportunities in life that would otherwise be unavailable to them given their lot in life. 

So that's when we decided....we would adopt. Even though we've only been married 3 full weeks and a couple of days we feel like we are ready to open our hearts to one who needs it! 

After researching and researching we have decided to................

Ok...Sorry to get you all curious and thinking in the wrong direction...but wasn't that fun?!?! 

No? Well it sure was for me! I wish I could capture everyone's reaction when they first start reading...priceless I'm sure!

We are so very excited to hopefully be welcoming our new furry friend soon!!! We have located a rescue in Louisiana and are in the process of completing an adoption application so that we can bring home one day our little 45 mph couch potato!!! 

First we have to fill out a three page application...whew! My hand is cramping just thinking about it! 

Then we have to have a home visit done by the rescue organization to make sure our home is suitable for a greyhound. 

Then we get matched with a furry friend!!!

The funny thing is Travis and I never considered adopting a long legged, lean greyhound before.....we're more into the herding group of dogs including corgis, border collies and aussies....but I had a dream last week that we went to PetCo where there was an adoption day and fell in love with a little greyhound lady! I tend to pay attention to my dreams and told Travis...after doing research on the breed who are very laid back we were hooked! 

Travis' thought...wow...a cool dog to chill and hang out with me....my thought...a running buddy!!! And the wonderful part? A greyhound fits BOTH of those thoughts!

So far we've seen the available hounds that the adoption agency has to offer but we aren't sure who the lucky pup will be! 

We do know that our new friends will be a retired racer whose track record was probably not the greatest seeing as how they aren't being used as breeding dogs...and after their careers are over many greyhounds are displaced to rescue and adoption programs which help to foster them and find them homes! 

Though I normally purchase puppies from a reputable breeder, I highly recommend breed rescues. Normally these dogs are amazing older pets whose owners couldn't take on the responsibility of the pet or breed or were no longer able to care for them properly. Most are already trained and live with foster families, the best part about that is you will know if your furry friend will react nicely to other pets and children. 

So over the next few weeks we'll keep you up to date with our adoption story :) Though we think it'll be after the holidays when we will welcome our new family member to let ourselves settle in more. 

Thanks for reading and remember sometimes adopted pets can be as good or better than puppies from a breeder and are way more mature...oh and most likely potty trained! 

So very.....very THANKFUL!

One of my favorite charity's to sponsor, Sevenly, posted this yesterday in honor of Thanksgiving and I thought it was oh so appropriate!

I mean seriously, no matter what you are going through in life or what circumstances are forced upon you there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

 Just think for a minute about the fact that you woke up this morning, you were able to inhale and feel your lungs expanding with life giving oxygen. You were probably able to smell that wonderful fall candle or those amazing pumpkin and pecan pies yesterday.

 (or this morning's dubious morning breath, YIKES!) 

You can see the leaves changing colors, or in South Louisiana the lack thereof. 

Feeling your loved one's hugs and hearing their voices melding together in a sea of happy choruses upon greeting each other. 

Sigh....makes me happy and thankful just THINKING about it! 

I challenge each and every one of you that on a day when you feel like there is nothing going right, list at least 5 or 10 things that you are truly thankful for and I definitely, definitely think that you will have a different perspective after reflecting on it. 

So here are my top 5 things I am so very thankful for this season in my life. 

5. A place to call HOME. Thank You Lord for blessing me with a house, land and barns! Everything about this place is undoubtedly provided by You!

4. My animals Lilly, Jasper and Riley!! My furry friends aka Fur-kids give me such joy and comfort! Again Lord I thank You for the bounty of trusting me in giving care to your wonderful creations!

3. My friends. WOW! Lord You have blessed me in this area SO VERY MUCH!! By bringing these people into my life You have added a richness and a blessing that can never be replaced and I will cherish them forever!

2. My FAMILY! Lord again...though we cannot pick our families it is apparent that You knew exactly what you were doing by having me born to such amazing parents and able to do life with such amazing siblings. From my aunt's and uncle's and their undying support of me to my cousins who forever make me laugh like no one else THANK YOU! Thank you also for the gift of a husband, who when I met him my soul recognized, it's as if my soul said, "There you are!" and yet I had no idea of the journey you would bring us on Lord, on that included YOU as the center though at the time we had no idea!

1. This is the most important thing that I am so very thankful for! Lord, THANK YOU for the gift of SALVATION through Your Son JESUS CHRIST! John 3:16 sums it up, You gave Your one and ONLY Son for US! My mind is blown at the mere thought of what that was like. Lord though I don't deserve it, Thank You for saving me and bringing me to a place where I call You King of kings and Lord of lords in my life. 

God calls us to give thanks all the time and not just for a day or a season. I hope that this inspires you when, even in hours of discouragement, you can find something to be thankful for.

~Amber

HELLOOOO INDY!

So a couple of weeks ago was ridiculously busy and FILLED with FFA activities in the great city of Indianapolis! My co-worker Rebecca and I took 8 of our best and brightest high school FFA members to attend the National FFA Convention!

For those of you who do not know what they FFA is, and potentially think I'm crazy, here is a simple explanation...or you could just click here and check out our national website...anywho FFA is originally known as the Future Farmers of America, a club for students enrolled in high school agriculture classes which helps the students achieve premier leadership, personal growth and career success in whatever they choose to do, whether it be agriculturally related or not since we have a diverse group of students involved.

Well last week over 52,000 FFA students from across the country (from Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Maine to Hawaii, and even the Virgin Islands!) descended upon Indy to take part in our National Convention where we elected officers, celebrated accomplishments and heard from inspiring speakers!

Our week started off leaving from Louisiana Monday morning bright and early! First stop Nashville, Tn! After a nights sleep we loaded up and toured the Nashville Auto Diesel College where our students got a first hand look at how NADC trains its students in auto repair and maintenance along with some cool custom paint and remodel jobs. They LOVED seeing the before and after of this old car!

After NADC we headed out to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel where they have GORGEOUS atrium's filled with beautiful plants. The hotel has its own stores (my personal favorite was a cafe with gelato, YUM!) where patrons can find anything they wish from suits to Christmas ornaments, the public is allowed to go in and check it out...pretty amazing I'd say, though definitely out of my price range to stay!

And while at the Opryland Hotel I met up with some old friends! Yeap, 8 years ago I toured the facility with my livestock judging team as a student and took a picture with these exact same statues, couldn't find the original picture but I remember!

A break for lunch at the Opry Mills mall food court next door to the hotel was in order...I'm a sucker for food court Chinese food!

After lunch we visited the Tennessee Agriculture Musem. It was really great to see how much agriculture has changed and how it has influenced the area and what it may have been like to have been a settler during that time.

 

Housed next to the museum are the horses of the mounted police force. These gorgeous and friendly Tennessee Walking horses were loving all of the attention....and so was this sweet kitty!

That night in Nashville....we did something that can now be scratched off my bucket list! Not that I have one but if I did...this would definitely be on it! We watched a show at The Grand Ole Opry! We were able to hear the sweet melodies from a couple of my country music heroes Pam Tillis and her father Mel Tillis as well as Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant! Our night at the Opry was intensified by the fact that it was actually a night to celebrate the birthday of the wonderful and hilarous Miss Minnie Pearl!

I've always loved hearing that HOWWDEEE!

There were several commedians on hand to honor her by making us laugh hysterically! I laughed so much that my side literally hurt! Henry Cho and "Bubba" were among some of the most HILARIOUS and clean comedians I have ever seen!

While in Indy we attended the National FFA Convention and heard inspiring speeches from Scott Hamilton, who inspired the students with a message about how if your attitude is rotten the situation will seem so also, and Walter Bond, who gave a speech on being humble...there will always be someone better 
than you. And were able to see students achieve such high levels of success and receive awards. It was great! Here are a few pictures from the convention.

Yea.......that's a STADIUM FULL of National FFA blue corduroy jackets!!! 

Typical sights walking down FFA Way!

While in Indy...we took in some of the historic sights as well! We climbed up to the top of an observation tower to check out the city!

What I didn't mention is the CLIMB to get there! I figured since I run I didn't need to pay the $2 to take the elevator....BAD IDEA!!! BUT I survived it and came back down in one piece!

Yea...you read that right...32 flights of stairs...up......and.....down

The observation tower was actually part of a civil war monument and museum...our boys LOVED checking out that history!

It seemed like it was all too soon before we had to hit the road home...but on the way back we stopped in Kentucky to check out the Jim Beam Distillery and learned how the famous bourbon was made! Pretty neat process!!!

All in all we had an amazing trip filled with education and entertaining experiences that I'm sure our boys will remember for a lifetime to come! We are so very thankful to have brought an amazing group of students and have traveled with Rayne, Crowley and Midland high schools to the convention. 

Cannot wait for the next one!! See ya in Louisville, Ky National FFA Convention!

~Amb

Finally :) .....

SOOO very much has happened within the past few weeks that I didn't possibly have time to get it all down! From National FFA Convention in Indianapolis to getting married (Yes...you saw that  correctly!) to running a 10k and the upcoming Color Run with my ladies in NOLA this  coming weekend. I feel as if I have been on a huge roller coaster, a GOOD one though...with thrills and laughs and everything in between!

I figure the BIGGEST news should come first to the blog. TRAVIS AND I GOT MARRIED!!! FINALLY!!!! After 8 long years of courtship and almost 3 years of being engaged we finally tied the knot!!! 

It came as a surprise to some, mostly because we kept it a little on the down low because we kept the wedding so small. Around 20 people, immediate family, were who celebrated with us.

My "Momma Jo" took our photos the day of the wedding, she owns Photography by JoAnn Richard and did an excellent job!!

She and Mrs. Rachel Blanchard of Rachel Blanchard Photography did an AHH-MAZING job on my bridals!!!

We were married at a hall here in Lafayette, La. Lafayette Receptions and Banquets is DEFINITELY a place I would recommend to ANYONE! Mrs. Jodi Snelling and crew make you feel so at home and loved!!! It was wonderful to work with them! Y'all their food is SOO good!!! They also serve plate lunches during the week!! Check 'em out for sure!!

Another fun part was the cakes!!! The wonderful Mrs. Norma Broussard over at Cookie Express hooked a sista up with some red velvet cupcakes, Travis' awesome grooms cake and a beautifully decorated cake table :) SOOO YUMMY!!! Her red velvet cupcakes are my FAVORITE!!!

One of our favorite people in the whole entire world was able to marry us!! We prayed for a while as to WHO we would ask to marry us. We absolutely LOVE our pastors at Crossroads church but there was someone who just fit and who we wanted to be a part of our day so much that we just felt right about it. Mr. David Broussard, who is Travis' former Ag teacher and one of my Ag teacher heroes is the pastor of a church in Bayou Jaque. He's known Travis since his freshman year of high school and myself since my sophomore year. He's seen us grow together as a couple but more importantly as children of God, and that history meant so much to us!

We took the COOLEST honeymoon to Disney World!!! We were welcomed and catered to and had a blast at the parks and on the rides!

So now we are home :) residing in our new home and loving every minute of being husband and wife! I'm actually enjoying learning to cook with my hunni by my side and folding clothes isn't so daunting knowing he's right there helping :)

We are so very thankful to everyone who has been there for us and believed in us every step of the way! We love you all!!

The World Needs a Revelation....

Yesterday was a pretty important day! I'm not usually much for "national" days,  I mean national ice cream day deserves some respect but...submarine day? Seriously? Or national corn chip day (Note to friends....I dislike corn chips immensely)?!?

You can check out a list of real and humorous national days...here!

But on a serious note....today is Anti-slavery day. Here are some numbers....

• 27 million....the number of people in modern day slavery across the world.

• 800,000....the number of people trafficked across international borders each year.

• 1 million....the number of children exploited by the global commercial sex trade, each year.

• 80%....transnational victims who are women and girls.

• 32 billion – Total yearly profits generated by the human trafficking industry.

• The majority of trafficking victims are between 18 and 24 years of age

• An estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year.

• Between 14,000 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the US annually 

• In 1850, the cost of a slave (in today’s dollars) was $40,000. In modern slavery, the price of a slave sn $30.

Y'all...these stats are insane....ridiculous...unacceptable! 

Yesterday the A21 Campaign held it's Key2Free campaign in conjunction with Anti-slavery day. The key represents freedom and yesterday was a day to wear them and promote awareness and the injustice that is running rampant.

Remember the movie taken? Yep....that's not so far-fetched...human trafficking and slavery is a real deal. My passion this last year has been to support efforts to end human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking and slavery. No one deserves this type of treatment...where they are bought for sometimes $10 per client servicing up to 30 or more "clients" a day. As if that isn't sick enough...children, mainly girls but boys also, are sometimes as young as 4 & 5 years old. Outrageous! 

Here is a video on Human Trafficking, share it with anyone and everyone...the more people who know...the more people to help end this disgusting practice. 

Want to help? Here's how! I've compiled a list of legitimate programs and organizations below who help to not only put a stop to human and sex trafficking but to also provide after care for those who are rescued! They provide medical care, food, shelter and even job training to help these women and children to make their own way in the world. They deserve it...don't you think?

Love146
Abolition International
The A21 Campaign
Somaly Mam Foundation

I'm sure there are many more organizations out there but these are the ones which I support and know are legitimate. You can donate, purchase merchandise that promotes awareness, share videos and facts on EVERY facet of social media that you can...ANYTHING to get the word out about this injustice.

I hope this has brought awareness to your life. Here are the keys I wore yesterday in support of the ones who are waiting to be free.

~Amb

Relationship Revelations

So.....I had a revelation this morning on my way to work. As I am on my way to work wayy too early for any normal person (I'm usually at my desk by 7 am) I have a lot of time to think on the 30 min drive, because let's face it...no one else is up at that time....or at least not functioning fully.

Anywho....I digress, I was thinking about what I wanted to write about first (epic decision I must say!) and I started thinking about all of the amazing relationships I've formed since becoming a Christ-follower. 

Not saying that I didn't have what I thought were great friendships before, but they mainly consisted of people who were at the bars Thursday through Saturday and then at church Sunday evening, not what I would call roll models for a Christian life....and I was right along side enjoying that lifestyle. 

But now...God has placed some wonderful, AMAZING people in my life who speak words of wisdom, kindness and encourage me to look to Christ for my answers in life. And whereas majority of my friends from my past life were male, now I have learned how much female friendship is so important. I never before was able to relate to feminine conversation or anything else feminine for that matter.

When I found an amazing home church I was opened up to an amazing group of people who have influenced my life in such a positive way! Take this lady for example........we went to elementary, middle school and high school together and were great friends...but sadly during high school she transferred and we lost touch for almost 6 years! God blew my mind and brought us back together at church and we've been the best of friends since! She's my go-to gal in a pinch and the most wonderful mother of the cutest babies ever! Sad that we don't have any pictures together since high school!! This situation will be remedied ASAP! But for now this is my beautiful friend and her too cute daughter :)

I mentioned the other day that I run...well that's where this group of amazing and encouraging ladies comes in!! I have never had such amazing annoited women in my life who by their walk of faith has lead me closer to the Lord. They and their families are truley an inspiration and Travis and I, we look up to them immensely! The help me to be stronger God fearing woman and, whether they know it or not, they help to guide me in making decisions for my future. I love these ladies!

The next few Christ-centered ladies in my life are these three wonderful gals! Fellow teachers who share a love of the Lord and the stress of being a public school educator in today's crazy world. Look how sweet they are :) they mean the world to me and help keep me sane!

Sadly I know that there is a picture of us floating around somewhere...I just can't find it, ha!

So after being sappy and spilling the beans on some of my favorite people (these are definitely not ALL of them, that would be too much to put in!), the Revelation that comes from this is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and speak life into your life. Those who are negative and bring you down with words or thoughts are just not worth your time and can become like a plague infecting your life. I've seen how much my life has changed and how much of a new person I am in Christ and new friendships who support that decision are key.

God warns us in Proverbs 13:20 how important our friendships are when He says, "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harms." (NIV)

Revelations Begin.....

Welcome! Well...to old friends...welcome again! This is my second attempt at blogging as a couple of years ago I tried and failed miserably to keep up with it or to have a spark of creativity. Well because of a recent revelation (yes, that is the inspiration for the title :) ) I decided it was time to start again, especially since so much has happened and is happening in my life. I want to get it all down. My memory is not the best....as can be evidenced by the fact that I locked my keys in my truck not once, not twice, but THREE times in one month!

 I know what your thinking....this chick is CRAZY!

Well you would be too if you had my schedule! Ha! So anywho...I wanted to make sure I got the BIG things happening down and share with you some of the revelations that I experience along the way!

Before I go into big in depth blogs about my life...hopefully none which deter you from reading and hopefully you relate to and it can help you in your own life, I think it's time for an introduction!

Drum roll please!!!

Ok....it's not that serious.....My name is Amber and I'm a 25 year old high school agriculture teacher. I absolutely LOVE my subject matter and am thrilled to share it with high school students here in South Louisiana.

I run....yeap...I run...don't ask how fast....just know that I do and with some amazing ladies who keep me motivated and strong when I feel weak.

I am engaged to and am marrying the most amazing guy I ever could ask for! We may not agree all that comes up BUT we can agree to disagree!

Though I'm writing these revelations of life mainly for myself perhaps it will in turn help some of you who read it appreciate the things in your life a little more :)

And as a treat...here's the song that inspired my blog title!