I HAVE MOVED TO A NEW BLOG!

  W I L D B L O O M

[formerly under the oklahoma sky]

be sure to follow along via:

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a new direction.

beauty in humble places was my first real blog. i started sharing my photography, daily happenings, random thoughts, and life lessons with the world, not really sure what to expect. as i reflect on all the time & money invested, new friendships, and a few tears, i'm so grateful. along that journey, i found my voice. i discovered that it's okay to have strong opinions. i learned that blogging isn't just a hobby, it's a community of women who are going though life just like me. we share our lives (the good & the bad), while walking in the grace of our mighty God.

i will always cherish beauty in humble places, but it's time to move forward. after two years of blogging, i know exactly what i want to share, write, and post. a new direction. a new blog name. in some ways, a new me. while everything will be new, there's one thing that will stay the same: my straight-forward, no sugar-coating attitude. i'm still gonna tell ya how it is and what i think. and that's that.

so without further ado, my new blog is    under the oklahoma sky

oh mylanta, i'm excited! the name randomly came to me one day at work, and it's been stuck in my mind ever since. so head on over and check out the new blog! there is a new blog lovin and facebook page, so make sure to follow one or the other.

currently.

▲creating:
- the vision for my new blog! i am writing, photographing, and creating new content, so that's why i've been mia lately. it should be ready within the next two weeks. hopefully. until then, you can look at the pretty picture up there to remember what i look like. kidding.

▲ listening: 
- "overcomer" - mandisa.
- "don't ya" - brett eldredge.
- "joyful noise" soundtrack. no shame on this one.

▲ reading:
- book four of HP.
- relevant magazine.
- she reads truth: women in the bible part 2 plan.

▲ watching:
- the office, season five.
- big brother.

▲ looking forward to: 
- wednesday night youth group!
- getting the iphone five next month.
- cooler temps this weekend.

▲ praying for:
- IGNITE. we started a youth group at church last wednesday night. you're probably wondering why we just started it. well, up until now, there hasn't really been any youth at my church to have a group. i've been asking God to make something happen for close to a year. and then when it did, i was all like, whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute, Lord. i can't do this. i don't know how. truth is, i don't know how to be a leader. i can think of more than five reasons why i shouldn't be part of this. but i will be obedient in the midst of all my questions.
- protection for my heart . the enemy has so many tactics to try to get me to stumble or turn from the Lord. i'm human, but i also serve a risen Savior who has overcome this world. greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world. i've believed the lies for so long. i'm learning to silence the lies with the truth of God's Word.

▲ making me happy:
- iced coffee.
- my pretty vscogrid.
- fifty-cent notebooks.
- random hugs from bubba.
- the new blog.
- blooming sunflowers.
- fried okra.
- kind words from strangers.
- OU's home opener and my birthday on the same day!

i started blogging HERE now! make sure to follow along!

should i stay or should i go?

i've been thinking about this little blog. where i started; how far it's come; what i've learned.

i'm debating on how to move forward.
do i continue on with BIHP and leave well enough alone?
do i delete some of the content that i don't really care for?
or do i completely start over, new name, new design, and all?

i've put in two solid years of blogging. i've "met" some really wonderful ladies. blogging has blessed me more than i could have anticipated. in all honesty, i want to start fresh. i have a new name picked out. and i lurrrve it. but all that time i put in to this blog, is that wasted? i know now exactly what i want to post, write, and share. so this is the crossroad i'm at.

i'm not worried about losing readership. and i'll save this blog and keep it up to remind me how far i've come. but i'm just not sure.
any opinions?

baby, you're a firework.

the fourth of july is my new favorite holiday. behind Christmas, of course. 

freedom, family, friends, food, and fireworks -- that's what i call a good time.

happy birthday, mama! and you too, 'merica.
to those who have served/are serving this great nation, thank you.
we are the land of the free because of the brave.

iphoneography.

 created with the amazing typewriter app.

a month in review // june.

[insert long sigh] june was a busy month to say the least! between falls creek and vbs, i think i was away from home more than i was there. but looking back, i wouldn't have it any other way. it's so funny - a year ago today, i started teaching sunday school. i didn't know a thing about kids. i didn't know that i would grow to love each one and appreciate their differences and personalities. i didn't know that i would learn so much from them. i didn't know just how much i want kids of my own. i serve an awesome God, lemme tell ya.

learnings:
- "under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors."
- i am competitive when it comes to sports. i may not be any good, but i'll always try!
- it's not what people call you; it's what you answer to.
- when you think something is silly for junior high/high schoolers, think again. it'll end up being their favorite thing. #VBSlessons 

happenings:
- falls creek!
- my vscogrid went live.
- VBS!
- welcomed the arrival of summer with italian ice. 
- many pictures of beautiful, blooming summer flowers were taken. be still, my heart.

popular posts:   falls creek 2013 // in the hurricane // summer lovin' 

summer lovin'.

summer is: strawberry lemonade, sandals, lightning bugs, tan lines, lots of sunshine, iced coffee, italian ice, VBS, cut-off shorts, sno-cones, drive-with-two-fingers-cause-the-steering-wheel-is-too-hot kind of days, freedom, fun in the sun, warm southern breezes, makin' memories, s'mores, windows down; music up, picnics, fireworks, fresh veggies, that fresh-cut grass smell, wildflowers adorning the highways, sweet tea in a mason jar, bright-colored nails, blowing bubbles, bare feet, pool days, watching a sunset from the porch swing, root beer floats, bbq's, garden-fresh salads, ice cream, bonfires, outdoor concerts, beachy hair, flip flops, and road trips.

summer isn't just a season; it's a feeling, it's a memory. it's a time when you just smile and feel the sunshine on your skin, 

the breeze in your hair, the sights of God's beautiful nature, and the company of loved ones.

three things.

one // the last post i wrote was quite vague, but for those wondering, i am okay. just some tough family stuff going on. 

two // if you'd like to sponsor or swap ads, i have my page set up. free ad swap code is AMBERDAWN

three // with google reader shutting down next week, i wanted to give updated social media links: 

blog lovin' || instagram || small town fashionista ||  twitter || tumblr || pinterest || facebook

in the hurricane.

the past week of my life was hard. though the pain won't ease up anytime soon, i find immense comfort in the shadow of His protecting wings. when everything around me came crashing down last thursday, i didn't cry. i didn't worry. truthfully, i felt nothing. at first, i thought i was just numb from the hurt i knew my family was about to experience, but i realized it was His peace showering over me. i prayed for His protection for my family and for my heart. i know how brutal small town gossips can be.

"dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  
for you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  
so let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
james 1:2-4.

when troubles come, have joy. that's not the initial reaction i want to have, but i am choosing joy in Christ. it's easy to have faith when life is peachy keen. amen, hallelujah, God is good. but when life's storms come rolling in, that's when your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. i will praise You in this storm hurricane. i trust in my God because He is faithful, He is able, & He is for me.

"and when you feel the rain, call His name. He'll find you in the hurricane."

currently.

fun designs using the a beautiful mess app

▲creating:
- fun crafts for vbs.
- a cleaner, fresh workspace.
- more designs using a beautiful mess app. that app is like cheap therapy for me.

▲ listening: 
- "furious" - jeremy riddle.
- "let it shine" - all sons & daughters.
- "rise and sing" - fee.
- "You remain" - ryan fitzgerald.
- "radioactive" - imagine dragons.

▲ reading:
- harry potter, book four. i totally get all the hype about this series now.
- soaking in verses of comfort / psalm 34:18, nahum 1:7, psalm 9:9. 

▲ watching:
- the office. i just started season three. when jim was all like, i'm in love with you - cue the gasp and teary eyes. i'm such a girl.

▲ looking forward to: 
- VBS!
- the fourth of july. celebrating 'merica and mama's birthday, fireworks, grilling, family, cake, and root beet floats!
- june 27, 2014. transformers 4 comes out! yes, i realize that's a year from now. and yes, i have already asked off work.

▲ praying for:
- His eyes to see people as He sees them. during my time at falls creek, God worked on my hard heart toward certain people. people who are rude or lash out at others. they are that way for a reason. it's not my place to solve their problems, i just need to love them.
- comfort and protection for my family.

▲ making me happy:
- a blooming magnolia tree.
- falls creek memories.
- strawberry lemonade.
- spelltower.
- deuteronomy 31:6.
- knowing that God is in control, even when life is turned upside down. 

life via iphone.

falls creek 2013.

 boulder springs (aka the devil's bathtub) // the gum tree

  tabernacle // my daily chill // cross

 cool teepee // fishtail braid

boulder springs

i'm baaaaack!

falls creek was a blast. the worship band and speaker were amazing. i drank way too many icees and slushes, climbed the massive hill that led to our cabin about seven times a day, made new friends, learned valuable lessons, barely slept, laughed until my stomach hurt, and so much more. the memories i made will always be a reminder of the wonderful ways God works in my life. you know what's crazy? i took nine pictures the entire time i was there. what?! yes, i know. i'm kicking myself now. but hey, i was makin' memories.

- after morning worship on tuesday morning, one of my sunday school boys told me he didn't know i could sing. umm, i can't. he explained that when the worship band started playing, they thought i was up on stage because the girl looked just like me. (she had bangs, so she kinda did). it was an ongoing joke all week. kids would ask me if i was going to band practice or they'd tell me i sang great that night. i got a good laugh from that one.

- on the last night, we got to sit on the front row. it was awe-inspiring. the band was so great. but the best part was at the end when people came down front to accept Jesus as their Savior. tons of kids, crying, realizing their need for Jesus. amazing.

- i'm pretty sure i drank my weight in icees, slushies, and lemon chills.

- i swam in the lake. and it. was. freeeeezing.

all in all, i had so much fun. there were a few problems, but i know it was just the enemy trying to mess with our good time. i learned a lot about others. i know what to expect next time and can't wait until next year!


i started blogging HERE now! make sure to follow along!

to falls creek i go!

i'm soooo exciiiiited, and i just can't hiiiide it!
(if you just pictured jessie spano singing that in her room, give yourself 100 cool points. dang, i love saved by the bell.)
so why am i so excited, you ask? i am leaving for falls creek on monday!

most of my readership is from out of state, so some of you might wonder why someone would want to fall in a creek? falls creek is a youth camp located in the arbuckle mountains of southern oklahoma. each week, thousands of students and sponsors travel to spend five days of worship, fellowship, and activities with friends. i have been to FC numerous times, but this is my first year as a sponsor. i am excited to hang with my sunday school kids and spend time with Jesus this week!

so far, i have packed... nothing. oops. i have a legitimate reason: with all the severe weather in oklahoma the past few days, i have been preoccupied. but alas, i must start packing today. this afternoon. or this evening. (i have a feeling the actual answer is tomorrow.)

cell service is shady in the mountains, so i will be back online next week. if you think about it during the week, please say a prayer for us. i want these kids to soak in all God has in store for them while having fun at the same time. hope everyone has a great week!

ps: how is it already june?!

a month in review // may.

popular posts: | home // for such a time as this // instagrams & polaroids |

learnings:
- running is not my forte.
- i become super stealthy when i see one of those people selling straighteners in the mall. they see my long hair, and i feel their talons ready to sink into me and ask, "you want me to straighten your hair?" i quickly dodge into the nearest store before they swoop in. when i see they've caught someone else in their evil trap, i book it out of the store, fake calling my mama. i feel bad, but they don't take no for an answer, and some of them have been very rude to me. i know it's their job, but my $20 walmart straightener works just fine.
- one of my sunday school boys volunteered to pray last week. he asked God to be with us in the tragedies of life & then he prayed that we would not only look to Him in the bad times, but in the good times, too. // i've been teaching sunday school for almost a year, but i feel as though those kids have been teaching me as well.
- i often pray for God to deliver me from my current situation. i'm learning to ask that He be my strength IN that circumstance. a change in the weather may not benefit me as much as trusting Him in the midst of that storm. 


happenings:
- God answered my prayers before i even had a chance to ask. He is so good to me.
- hurting and healing for my home state.
- began reading the harry potter series.
- started a new series on small town fashionista instagram.
- my family and i had to load up our kitty and drive away (for the second time in the last nine months) from the place i've called home for over twenty-five years. the first time was due to a raging wildfire that got way too close. this time was because of a tornado. at the last minute, the storm turned north. all glory to God.

findings:

- the new a beautiful mess app.

- the cutest owl necklace.

- "let's talk" nail color.

- new instax 210.

tidbits of life.

>> home sweet oklahoma. after the tornadoes hit, the images of loss, sadness, pain, and hurt were unreal. the aftermath of destruction left a deep wound in the hearts of oklahomans and many others around the nation. but then the stories of survival, volunteers, and heroes took over. it showed me that there is still good in this broken world. i cried every time a survivor praised God on live tv. He is there. it will take a long time for clean-up and healing, but we will do it together because that's the oklahoma way. we are oklahoma strong. 

>> i started studying the book of ruth. what a woman of faith. i'm only into chapter three, but God is showing me areas of my life that need a change. He's working in my heart and molding me. it's not always easy to see the not-so-good things about yourself, but that's the beauty of His life-changing grace. it can take the hardest of hearts and make it new.

>> coffee time is my favorite time. [made with the new a beautiful mess app]

>> i started a series on my small town fashionista instagram and tumblr. each week, i will post what i am diggin' at the moment. join in on the fun and tag what you are currently diggin' with #STFweeklydig and follow along to see the current weekly dig!  

>> boomer wasn't sure what to think of the swimming fishies on the ipad. she hit it one time, and then decided she was over it.

>> smashchicken and smashfries. it was a party in my mouth. ahhhhh, i can't even explain those fries. out of this world.

>> rosebush at my grandma's house.

>> harry potter & a hairy kitty. can we just discuss HP for a second? i always heard about the books when i was in school. my parents never told me i couldn't read it, but i heard from other people that it was not christian-like to read it. fast forward to present day. i decided to give the first book a try. after finishing the book, i felt the same way after i read the hunger games: i need to read the other books NOW! yes, there is magic in the book. no, it doesn't make me want to go become a witch. it's a work of fiction. it kept me turning the pages because it was creative and well written. i liked it so much that i bought the other six books yesterday. so what's the big deal? if you are against harry potter, please tell me your reasons. i'm eager to hear both sides.

home.

words don't come as freely as the tears do this morning.

after hours of watching live coverage of the aftermath of the moore tornado, i had to get away from the tv.
i cried out to the Lord, letting the tears be my prayer.

my heart hurts for the families who lost everything.
for the families who lost a loved one.
and it is broken into pieces for those who lost a child.

but He is close to the brokenhearted.

people want to know "where is your Jesus?" in times like these.
He is sitting next to the family who is grieving.
He is walking along the streets with those who are lending a helping hand.
He is holding the mamas and daddies who can't hold their babies anymore.
He is the peace and comfort in the midst of struggle and turmoil.
He is right there in the middle of it all.

some of us ask questions.
others cling tight to their families.
but together, we can give our time, donations, and prayers.

on a lighter note, there are two types of traffic jams in oklahoma:
one - tractors driving down the highway.
two - when our communities come together and load their cars with anything and everything to help out those in need.
it's the oklahoma way, y'all.

i started blogging HERE now! make sure to follow along!

currently.

created with the a beautiful mess app.

▲creating:
- the ladies from a beautiful mess released their iphone app, and i've been so inspired. as you can see above.
- redecorating my workspace (work & home) in the coming weeks.

▲ watching:
- season one of revenge. i'm hooked, y'all.
- i watched the princess bride for the first time this week with lauren. i thought it was so funny! i've caught myself a few times saying, "my name is inigo montoya. you killed my father. prepare to die." during the movie, i kept thinking how the guy playing wesley looked exactly like the guy who played bill's arrogant nemesis in twister. turns out, it was him. and now i want to watch twister.

▲ listening: 
- dara maclean's first album. girlfriend can saaaaaang.
- "every good thing" - the afters.
- "a million suns" - hillsong united.
- "meet virginia" - train.
- "wagon wheel" - darius rucker. totally makes me want to two-step.

▲ reading:
- still on the first harry potter book.
- re-reading chapter eight of christian zombie killers handbook.

▲ looking forward to: 
- falls creek. i leave in three weeks! (more on this later)
- VBS! the excitement i get for bible school is a force to be reckoned with.
- the weekend. ice cream and spring cleaning are on the to-do list.

▲ praying:
- for God to prepare my heart for falls creek and remind me Who and what that week is about.
- for His will to be made evident in some circumstances in my life.
- "bind my wandering heart to Thee."

▲ making me happy:
- my new instax 210.
- a beautiful mess app. (in case you didn't get it the other times i mentioned it).
- this little facebook break i decided to take.
- studying through the book of ruth.
- summer-like temps.
- stateframe app.

my first thrifting adventure.

what a wonderful weekend. 

one where the weather was warm enough to lay out on the deck with the kitty and soak up some vitamin d // one where computers and social media were ignored and time was enjoyed with those i love // one where i spent quality time with my brother at the races and devoured a scrumptious hamburger // one where i ate the best dinner and dessert with mama at rodolfo's // and one where i went on my first thrifting adventure! as i was browsing antiques with mama and listening to her reminisce when she saw an item that reminded her of a memory, i realized that i was doing something that i hadn't done in a long time: be present. this is my revelation as of late. i've been so occupied with living my life through social media: instagram, facebook, twitter, and even blogging. life is too short and precious to be glued to my iphone 24/7. the Lord is working overtime on me, or so it seems. and i am nothing but grateful for His discipline.

here are my thrifting finds:

owl bookends

vintage heart locket

coffee mug

the copper penny is located in downtown cushing, next to the movie theater.

i can't tell you how many times i have drove by this little gem while running errands. so excited to thrift here more often!

a note to my mama.

you have many titles: wife, mama, daughter, sister, friend, child of God, bookkeeper, treasurer, sunday school teacher, vbs director, mender of your daughter's broken heart after a boy was mean. you have the heart of a servant, always willing to go the extra mile. you are one of the strongest women i have ever met. God gave me the biggest blessing when He chose you to be my mama, best friend, confidant, and shopping partner in crime.

over the past ten months, i have witnessed a new journey in your life. last august, you made the decision to get healthy. our evening walks and new recipes brought new experiences to our relationship. our shopping trips gained a whole new level of fun and completely different clothing departments for you. when you stepped on the scale last week, and it showed your were 60 pounds lighter than when you began, i was proud of you. i am so proud of you, mama. no one told you to lose weight - you made the decision and with lots of prayer, a new diet, and exercise, you did it! you are an inspiration for all of us.

you are my best friend. you make the best turkey meatloaf. you are superwoman, and the dentist is your kryptonite. though you be little, you are a firecracker, which is true in more than one way because your birthday is the fourth of july. you keep me laughing with your little dances and intentional misuse of grammar. thank you for putting up with daddy and i during sooner football season. thank you for constantly pulling over or into a parking lot so i can get a picture. thank you for always trying new things with me, like fro-yo (which you loved) and chinese (which you did not love). and thank you for the (long) time you loved me during what i like to call 'the great rebellion', the times you told me no, the times you did what was best for me, and the times you sacrificed your own needs for my wants.

happy mother's day, mama. i love you so much! 

happy happenings.

- a sweet fb message from a friend to brighten my day.
- vanilla iced coffee.
- a fresh manicure.
- listening to a song 284 times after hearing it during worship.
- fro-yo with mama.
- finding God's fingerprints in the everyday things of life.
- spring wildflowers.
- getting new prints in the mail.
- boomer sleeping in my bed.
- a letter from kwagala.
- stopping for a few minutes to take in a starry night.
- strawberry lemonade.
- climbing into freshly cleaned sheets.
- hello, my name is  by matthew west.
- falls creek preparations.
- making lists.
- starting a weekly post on small town fashionista.
- seeing God's no as a blessing.
- hosea 14:4. My love will know no bounds.
- eighty degrees. (oklahoma finally got the spring memo).

instagrams & polaroids.

instagram: joyfulamber

instax mini polaroids

ps: for the past week, i have not been able to upload photos on blogger. 
i've had to link them from my photobucket account and i dislike it more than words can say. 
i've deleted my history and cookies and still nothing. is anyone else having trouble? please help!