Adventures Down the Red Dirt Road: An Update...well kinda

I figured that since it has forever since I've written...it is time. There have been many times this summer that I felt like writing, but I have not had the words. I still feel this way.

Basic update= I've been at home since the middle of June. This time has flown by! I've spent a ton of time with my amazing family...especially my lil' man (my nephew). It has been so wonderful to be a full time aunt again! I love it!! He makes my heart :)

Job update= Don't have a clue. It is complex at this point, so I'll leave it at that for now. Stay tuned.

This summer I spent a little over a week with some friends from Taylor in New York City. One of my best friends and I were talking while there and she told me that she has been learning to find herself. At first, I tuned out. But then I realized she was talking about something deeper. The number one question this summer has been "what are you doing now?" I really don't know the answer to that...and man is it hard for me to say, "I don't know." Because I don't know and feel insecure, I started to take my friend 's advice. Take away everything that I know. People keep telling me, "You have to do what makes Amanda happy." My answer has come down to a simple truth...to follow what the Lord has for me. That is when I am the happiest and most content.

So I have been trying to take away pieces of myself that has become my identity...my profession as a teacher...graduating from Taylor...my family...my friends...my car...my own desires...

As I remove these things in my head, I want to see what is left. Is it a girl who is craving the Lord and following His steps? Still working on this...it is hard for me.

Well, this coming weekend I am heading to Indiana to meet up with my bestest...LB...and then we are going to Chicago to spend some QT together after a long year of craziness and living in different states for the first time since 7th grade. I miss her and I miss my friends. So, after we get back from Chi-town...I'm spending a few days around the Taylor area and catching up with friends. I cannot wait. I think I am going to work on packing now. :)

Here are just three pictures that sum up quite a lot from this summer...more to come.