Author Archives: Amy Jane Sandberg
whew!
Talk about an adrenalin rush!! I just cleaned out my office ( for the most part) in under an hour!!! Along with unpacking 3 boxes, dishes, sweeping, and watching an hour show!! I got more done in this hour then I have had time to do in weeks!!! Do you have times like these too? It is so amazing how much you can done when you work like that. Yet it happens; I moved so fast. I felt like the woman from “No Ordinary Family” with her super speed!! Seriously, WOW! If I had a before and after picture of that room you would be amazed.
It seemed like; Every time I started working on just that room, something would always come up… Good thing, my aunt and uncle surprised me and are coming in the morning!! They will be the first relatives to see my house besides my baby sister, and my parents since I moved in… I though I had more time like til the end of the month when my Nanna and Baca (grandma n’ grandpa) are coming; and soon after my boyfriend early October . Good thing I started doing the other chores yesterday and this morning. My house has not been so clean since my sister visited. It is not hard to clean but I was pet sitting and and not putting things away, not folding, kind of adds up ;p
I am glad they are coming. I meant to sleep but didn’t wanna leave the main stuff for morning.. Now I just have lil things to do… shower, and clear off dining room table, and hopefully finish folding the clean cloths ( in 3 garbage bags…) That is the chore I hate most! folding, boo! I don’t have a dryer, it is in the lease that the washer and dryer belong to the land lord. Even if I could get one I can’t afford one, so thankfully I can wash my stuff at my beloved parents house not to far from here. God is so Good!
In the last 8 months I have really leaned to treasure the little things, the pleasure of a shower, a cozy bed to sleep in at night, a vehicle to get around, doctors, pots n’n pans, dishes, silverware, hot water, soap, loved ones, a helping hand, patience, joy, health, food, internet, a phone! Praise God I have them! After living out of a suitcase for 5 months travling back and forth from family homes, it is so nice to have a place to be proud of, a place God has blessed me with to keep me safe, and where I can share my time with people who are important to me!!
I had this whole other blog I was gonna write, but it will have to wait till latter, sleep has finally come and now I am saying good night! God bless you, and take time to remember and treasure the people and little thing in your life that are important.
~Amy Jane
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Never Forget 9-11
Love is about, having troubles and being able to get by them, having patience with each-other, working as a team, and knowing the other person has your back in times of trouble.
¤*¨¨*¤.¸¸ …¸.¤\
\ 9/11 AMERICA \
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/ \ NEVER FORGET!!! ….
Eever since I moved here to the valley, I had Paslms 23 in my mind. especially Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; ~ I kept asking God… Please explain it so I can understand.. He did. I am not in the valley of death but in the shadow of it, so I can see the bad all around, but am protected. We are always surrounded by good and bad… The bad out ways the good at times like the Horrid day of 9-11… It can blind us tricking our minds that there is no good out there… Yet God is always with us..
ི♥ྀ Amy Jane ི♥ྀ
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“The White Daisies”
“The White Daisies”
A fictional short story
By: Amy Jane Sandberg
It was long week the week her dad died. She felt like a zombie. The day after the funeral she found a bunch of fresh cut white daisies on her door step. As a child she had loved the flower and it brought back many pleasant memories from her past. It lifted her mood, though she had no idea who had left these flowers there. Over the next few months she would find a fresh bunch once a week.
After a year the pain was not as deep, nor gone. However she was now engaged to a man who was new to the town and it felt like life was getting better for her. He was a simple man, smart, not very rich, and very kind.
On their wedding day he wore a single daisy on his tux. She was appalled that the wedding planner had let him do so. She tried to force him to wear a white rose from her bouquet, but he refused. She gave in since it was seemed to be a trivial battle and she loved him too much to start their marriage off with a fight.
They had a good marriage, yet every birthday, Christmas, and major holiday the only flowers he would buy her were plain white daisies. No matter how much she complained or bagged it made no difference. Didn’t he care what she though, wasn’t she worth more than that?! When they were newly married she thought I was cute, and that was all he could afford. But now she knew he could do much better than those darned daisies! It was beginning to drive a wedge between them in her heart, and she resented, even hated those flowers. She began to not care when she received them anymore. She told him to stop wasting his time if he wasn’t going to send her what she wanted then he should not waste his money. They no longer brought her joy but frustrations’ and anger.
After it seemed countless years of marriage and their children were gown with children of their own her beloved husband grew very ill. The doctors warned her he would most likely not make it through the night. She loved him so but the only thing she could think about was those darned daisies. She wanted to ask him why he tormented her so with them, was it his way of keeping some control in the relationship, did he do it to make her mad on purpose? She needed to know once and for all why? She got up the courage to ask him just before the nurse would come to send her home for the night.
His answer was this. “I remember the first time I saw you at your father’s funeral. I happened to be there visiting my grandfather’s grave, you looked so sad and yet you kept up a strong front for your mother and others that were there. I fell in love with you that day. I didn’t know what to do or how to approach you so I did some research and found some white daisies to leave on your door step. I chose that flower because it reminded me of you. I liked what the flower meant. ‘Pure, along with a true love’ depending where you looked. Yet I also liked that it reminded me of you. It is a small, simple, strong, beautiful, and yet joyful. I wanted them to encourage you, and prayed they would bring you joy. And it seemed to work. I kept it up even after I got the courage to ask you to dinner for the first time. I thought about what you said when you complained about them, and almost did as you asked. However I couldn’t It was as if was cheating on you when looked at other flowers. I hoped and prayed you would ask me why them, but you didn’t. You just complained. I almost stopped giving them to you, however I knew if you ever did ask me why and I told you; you may have questioned or even doubted my love for it. I have never stopped loving you! You are my Gift from God, my white Daisy!”
Utterly moved she was left speechless… She had been so vain, selfish, and petty about the whole matter. Sahe was overwhelmed with remorse towards all her previous thoughts about the white daisies. And how had she forgotten about how they had once made the world of a difference in her life? Ashamed she fell to her knees and prayed. “Dear God please forgive me I sure made a mess of things, and I took my beloved husband and best friend for granted. Please give me a second chance to love on my Husband, and to truly appreciate him, help me make things right! Please heal Him Completely!”
The next day she got a call from the hospital. Fearing the worst had happened, she slowly answered the phone. “Hello… I know it is still very early in the morning but I‘d like to tell you the good news as soon as possible. Your husband took a sudden turn around and his body is accepting the medicine now, we are not sure why. But there has been a great change in his vitals and he will be able to check out within the next forty –eight hours!!” In shock and overwhelming joy she again fell to her knees and Praised God! Never again did she question or doubt her husband’s small gestures but delighted in his presence because he was her Gift from God!
~The End
This came to me in a dream around 3am this morning. This was a personal test for me. I wanted to see if I could write a quick full story, and it turned out better than I had hoped. Along with a great message that has come to mind.
How often do we take life’s gifts, God’s Gifts, any gift for granted? Instead of appreciating what we are given, or have we may complain, or think be mad it isn’t what we wanted, or that it is not enough. Instead we need to just say Thank you! I’m not just talking about material gifts. I am talking about all gifts, including people. How many people do we take for granted?
I have trouble accepting gifts at times. I sometimes even hurt the people I love. I am far from perfect. But God loves us so much, enough to have sent the Ultimate Gift Jesus Christ. John 3:16 Who died on the Cross so that we could have a another chance to get it right, to be forgiven for the things we should not do, but do every so often, like maybe tell a small lie, loose our temper unjustly, say things we shouldn’t…. We are Human. God knew what we needed; there was a lot of thought put into this gift and limitless love. We just need to decide if we want to take it.
God shows His love for us not only with Jesus, but in many things. Great parking on a rainy day, a cool breeze on a hot day, a much needed hug from a friend, a burst of energy when we feel like we can’t go on any ore, or peace in a stressful situation! As my pastor says “Is your Receiver broken?” I know mine was fixed recently… My Giver is working well too. If receiving feels great you should try giving. It feels even better. And you don’t have to give something material, but maybe some of your time? Who knows, it may just change a person’s life.
~Thanks for Reading and God Bless you!
~*Amy Jane
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A New Song – Update
I just revived an e-mail, the book is just about finished…. WOW!!!
http://www.mscbc.org/pdf/a_new_song_preview.pdf Here is a brief preview of the book!!!
Here is the poster!!!
SOOOO EXCITING!!!!!
~Amy Jane Sandberg
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Out soon
The book I wrote an entry for, and have my poem in too, “A New Song” should be out very soon!!!
Hi Everyone,
I just wanted you to know that we are continuing to work on the final stages of the book and in a few days,I’ll have more concrete information to share with you.
We appreciate your patience with the process.
Sincerely,
New Song’s editorial team
Other then that I am in the mist so many projects, I am feeling overwhelmed.
~God Bless You
Amy Jane Sandberg
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When God does something for you, He goes all out!
Dear Friends and Loved Ones,
Hello, I am on my way to my new home tomorrow, I am a bit nervous… It is exciting too though. I have lived on my own before, but this is different…. I can’t explain how. Not just because it is a house, but I guess I feel my life is starting a new season, a new chapter. It is still the middle of my story. But the plot is thickening… It seems when I turned thirty, the story is becoming more interesting and the twists are coming more often.
I did not think my life would change as drastically as it has… I knew when I moved up here God had a plan for me. I knew I was to be up here in Washington, but not exactly sure where till recently, nor why. I was not sure how I would survive… I have been trusting God blindly, no knowing what would happen or where I would be each week. Sometimes life calls for us to do that. It is far from easy, because trusting blindly, means you have to have COMPLETE trust! And I do have Complete trust in My God, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!
Along this journey, I have met some nice people, made some good friends, and got a good deal of writing done. I have been a little lonely. It has not felt like home for a long time. However it has mostly been a fun adventure… But it has also stressful, not feeling like I had a place… I can because of this imagine what it would be like to be homeless… I have more compassion then I thought. I have a better understanding of Walking in faith… I have a strong faith, but each situation is different and calls for different control over different emotions…
I am so glad I had a roof over my head and food on my table.. For a while I worried where I would end up… What would happen to my cats. My mom’s realtors didn’t want me there, because I have not so good credit due to health bills… And I refused to sign their contract. My sister and her new husband are egger to live alone together in one house. Though work locations has kept them apart and not my presence.. I was still an extra body in the house when he was there and I know they longed to start their own lives together …. No one resented me living with them and they love me. I know they all longed for their lives to become orderly and regular… Just like I have. We all have been far from regular since October 2010… Things have been hard, not just for me but for every one in my family, In their own ways…. This transmission has been done in complete faith, not known what will happen next, good or bad, we trusted God and took a major leap! Most of the time, in order to grow, we have to leave our comfort zone, our safe secure life, and take a risk. When Jesus asked the apostles to join him, they left everything to join him.
Matthew 19:27-30 27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Getting back to the story, A few months of going back and forth between my mom and Sister Amanda’s place, my mom found a house in a tiny town, called Klickitat. It is an old valley logging town that has been mostly abandoned. But the faithful town folk have been loyal and stayed there not for just five or ten years, but for thirty to sixty years. The town has one of the top schools in the state, prek-12th grade, two churches, two small grocery stores, one restaurant – bar, a new deli shop, a fire / emc station, and a post office… It is next to the Klickitat River. It is a beautiful place, very peaceful and has the feeling of home.
As soon as I visited them, I feel in love with the place. I was at the end of my rope happy for mom and dad, but beginning to feel the pressure of finding a place of my own, and the worry about how I would pay for it…. I only get so much per month and that goes fast to car and other bills… God told me to get a PoBox in This town. I was shocked, why get a PoBox there when I probably won’t be living there….
Once mom was settled into her place Amanda and I visited her again, My Parents have the river in their back yard. After a long talk and prayer mom and I heard we were supposed to ask about housing in town. One thing I need to mention, because of the great school the small town has few places to live, most people rent apartments because houses are hard to come by… Also, for being one of the top pet friendly states in the US. most places do not allow pets. It took my mom months to find a home that allowed both cats and dogs…
Yet we had to try. Thus we went to the small general store and we asked the store keeper after browsing for a little if he knew of any apartments available… He said none that he knew of. He had a friend with who stood up and said “I have a house that just became available.” “How much per month would you charge? We can’t afford much.” My mother replied. “500.00 Would you like to see it?” he responded. That seemed very fair, and we agreed. It was not far and the place was a huge mess… But God told me this was it! My mom and sister also herd the same thing. He asked when we would be interested to move in, we said June. There was one other couple he had offered the house to. So we had to wait and see what they said. If it was of God, then it would work out. After we took a tour of the house he mentioned he was also looking for someone to care for his mother when he was not around. So if we see people don’t worry. So I told him about my years of experience caring for the elderly, and he offered me the position. I was in shock…. But it gets better.. He told me he would definitely fix up the place for me, and he said since I would most likely be the one to move in, he showed me the paint he had picked out, and asked me what rooms would I like the colors in… And the paint he chose, were my colors!! ❤ WOW!! When God does something for you, He goes all out!
So here I am two months later, getting ready to move in to the newly renovated house tomorrow. It will be my first house, thought I have lived in apartments before…. I am more nervous than I have ever been about a move. But I know this was all God’s doing, so I will be fine. It is amazing seeing the favor, mercy, grace, and love of my father God at work!! I pray you all have at some time in your life, an amazing experience of God’s mighty handy work. Proverbs 3:6 “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. “ Jeremiah 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
We need to remember the power of Praise and Worship!
Take a few minutes and watch this video, This is an amazing song based on truth of God’s love!
http://youtu.be/5YBwMQwr8AI “God Will Make A Way”
God will make a way
where there seems to be no way !
God will make a way
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way
Lyrics are on these videos
http://youtu.be/7x2IpLSfqp8 “I surrender All”
http://youtu.be/g5hN_m55uoM “Here I am to Worship”
http://youtu.be/yiFwnE1IuIU “Draw me Close to You!”
http://youtu.be/vBezK_v_FqY “Lord I lift Your Name Om High”
http://youtu.be/zC617kE1maU “You are my All in All”
http://youtu.be/I71XhjqoHvs “Shout to the Lord”
http://youtu.be/COQ6cni_TG8 “Lord I Lift Your Name On High”
God Bless you all!! Stay safe!!
~Amy Jane Sandberg~
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Ant Flavored Coffee
Hello My Friends And Loved ones!
Well I did it, we loaded up my mom’s expiation with the last of my stuff, and arrived in my home town yesterday! When we got here it was dusk, so we ate dinner un-packed some, and went to bed early…
My cat Boa Bear greeted me right away, Rosa came out let me pet her a few times and has mostly hid from me since.. I am so happy to be back with them!!!
As soon as I woke up my day was busy. It started with a hearty steak, eggs, and hash-brown breakfast. No time for coffee, went to run errands with my dad. First stop was to see my house. It has come a long way when I first said I’d rent it. I wish I had taken before pictures. It is sad the woman who lived there before left so much stuff, the house was in desperate need of repair… In a months time he has replaced the floors, fixed the wiring, cleaned out almost everything, repainted, added some fans, cleaned, added new doors, re-did the bathroom completely, built a new back porch, and fixed up the yard…. The house is still not done, he needs to finish the upstairs, new windows, and window air- conditioning units… But wow!! He has done an awesome job so far!!!
While there we unloaded the car load of stuff, met some neighbors, heard some gossip, and talked about the lease… My land lord says I should be able to move in this week…. I am excited, but enjoying time with my parents!! I have internet here, but won’t be on it much. I have a lot to do with moving into my home, ect. I’ll miss you all!
When we got home latter that afternoon I decided it was time for coffee and found Ants in it!!! WHAT!!???!! EEEKK!!!! If you don’t know me I have an un-natural fear of ants and freaked out… They are only sugar ants, but still……. They should not be there! We made two pots of plain water and still they are full of ants…. Some point in the past few days they nested inside the big coffee pot… Thankfully the filter has blocked them from pouring into the actual cup, however they are in the coffee…. So my poor mom has discovered she has been drinking ant flavored coffee… EEEWWWW!!! Poooooooor mommy!!!!! That was the worst part of the day….
Dad stated a painting project while we women folk worked in the household chores, and other tasks outside… It was a great sunny / windy day.. If you do not know this my parents have a river in their back yard. So we had the pleasure of watching people kayaking and rafting all day. We found a beaver dam! And mom saw a few Kangaroo Squirrels!!!
As it got dark we made dinner, I played with my cats, as I sat down to type this my mom’s dog was barking at something outside, my dad and I went out to see what, in hope that it was deer, but it was a box my dad had just crated for his chain saw. I didn’t believe that was what had scared Linus, so I went out to test that theory, and sure enough when I picked up the box Linus barked slowly approached the box and went towards it. Dad explained to me that Linus notices anything out of place and lets them know… That is one pretty smart dog!!
Today was one busy but good day, and I have a nice sunburn!! ❤
Good Night, sleep good, Be safe!!! Until next time!!
Happy Fathers Day!!
~The Still coffee less Amy Jane
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Moving This Weekend!!
Hello my Friends, and Loved ones!
This weekend I am moving.. House ready or not, here I come!!
I will also be starting a new job doing what I did many years ago. I will be an Adult Caregiver, Some call it a CNA (Certified Nursing assistant) But I will be mainly just keeping the woman company, feeding her meals, and writing my books in-between. Which is perfect!! I have a house next door to where I’ll be working, which makes the commute the best!!
I am not sure what is left to be done in my house, I’ll know as soon I get there. Until it is done I’ll be staying at my parents? Probably? About a mile away… Phone, net, and Tv, will not be hooked up until the second or third week of July. After the yearly family camping event! ALSO ~ My cell phone will not work in my new home town.. So you will no longer be able to reach my by that number. However, I should be able to check my e-mails after work, some nights.
To all of you who love to write me letters, the first thing I will be doing is getting a PO BoX in my new Home Town! Unfathomably, the mail man doesn’t like to travel into town much, so none of the homes have mail boxes.. So be on the look out for letters, post cards, and other things from me with my new address…
I am very nervous about living alone in my new home. It is an amazing house, but I am worried I may get a little lonely or I’ll hate it after a while… (Very Unlikely Though!) I have always wanted to live in a small town, have my own house, and write!! And now it is coming true!!! ❤ God is so Amazing!!! I am still amazed how it feel into my lap like that!!
I have been moving a lot so it seems, since 2003, I may move more still…… But I hope and pray for a while, there, I can be settled and finish my books, at least a few of the many in progress!!! I long for some peace….
God always takes care of me, and loves us all!! Don’t ever forget that!!!
I must sleep now, or soon as I recive a few phone calls. Thanks for taking the time and reading!
~Amy Jane
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What you need to know about me is!
The main things you need to know about me are: I am extremely loyal; I love beyond most people’s comprehension; I trust to easy, and expect trust, I keep my word and promises to the best of my ability; I will defend a friend / family members if that means loosing every one else’s favor and if need be to the point of death. (which I pray there won’t be a need for). If you burn (figure of speech) me I tend to give 3 chances after that I am done. I adore leanring and trying new things and meeting new people. While enjoying what I have…
I am who I am Thanks to Jesus, I will never turn my back on my Father God who gave me the life and love I have today!
I am a passionet person who when attacked with a bad situation, sickness, ect.. I will fight to win! I don’t know what it means to give up in a battle…
I am not obbesive or cazy, I know how to let go and move on. And I will. Once I have made up my mind that is it. That is why I take my time in thinking things through when making decions. I like to pray and makesure they will be the right ones… Sometimes however one does not have that opion and I must just go with the flow. Which has been what all year has been like. But Praise God I am getting by day by day, and with Joy and blessings!!! I am a very blessed and My Lord takes care of me!
He wants to do the same for you if you will let Him….
~Amy Jane~
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A New Home ~Short Story
A New Home
Hello, my name is Amy and this is my story. It was a normal hot and humid
day in July when I first met him. I had just had a horrid fight with my younger
sister Amelia and took escape with a walk. That is when I met the mystery guy.
He approached me when he noticed I was sad and he tried to cheer me up.
At that he was very successful. With a kind smile and a sincere look
I was drawn in. He notably has the most beautiful golden brown eyes I have ever
seen. They were eyes that shadowed his every emotion.
After that day I started waking more in hopes to see him again. And luckily
I did. After that we made it a habit to meet at least once a week when I went
on my walks. He was pleasurable to be with. And his company made me feel
relaxed and happy.
Around Halloween I finally learned his name was Tony. Why had I waited so long
before finding out is beyond me? It is such a nice name and his personality suited
the name well!
Latter that week I invited him over to meet my sisters, Amanda and Amelia.
Amanda and Tony seemed to relate to each other nicely thought it took a bit
for them to connect. However Amelia and him seemed to make a connection
right away. I was very pleased at this, especially since I was quickly falling in
love with him. After a nice visit I was sad to see him go.
A few days latter I was out walking not looking to find him when and I spotted
Tony at another woman’s apartment doorstep. I was upset and saddened by this.
So the very next day I approached her and asked her about her relationship with
Tony she replied that they were just friends and that I had nothing to worry about.
I was very pleased to learn this but was unsure how true her words were. So I asked
her to kindly back off for a while to see who he liked more. She agreed but she never did..
Near Thanksgiving I started to make him dinner ever night which he seemed to
really like and it made me happy. I started seeing Tony every day as a result.
It greatly pained me to leave him when I had to visit my parents for the holiday.
But I left him with a promise that I would return.
When I returned in mid December he was no where to be seen, and I didn’t know where exactly he
lived. I was depressed and mad at myself for never searching out those details. Luckily after only a
week I saw Tony near the mail boxes. I was overjoyed by this and we walked home together. Again
I invited him over and he accepted but didn’t stay for long.
At last, just before Christmas things changed. One night Tony seemed extra pleased to
see me. It looked like he had been involved in a fight and he was very shook up and his ear was bleeding.
So once more I invited him into my apartment. And he gracelessly agreed. This time though, I refused to let
him leave.
So finally he is mine alone, and we are happy..!!! Tomorrow he has a vet appointment for some vaccination shots
and to be neutered. Poor guy…. But then He will finally be forever mine!! He now has a new home with me.
And he has greatly brightened my life and given me hope and a purpose. I hope he feels the same way about
me as I do him.
– Amy Jane 2006 –
Amy Jane's World 