Let Freedom Ring
Happy Fourth of July!!!!!
The Fourth of July is always a good time! Amen?! Parades, hot dogs, watermelons, swimming, fireworks, barbecues, just to name a few things that happen every fourth.
Our little community always has the sweetest parade with popsicles, watermelon eating contest, and fun for all!
The question is…
Every Fourth, do we really grasp what the Fourth of July really is about? Or do we just say, “Whoo Hoo! We are FREE! We are independent! We are America!”
I looked it up and here is what google has to say about the Fourth:
On July 4th, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, which had been written largely by Jefferson. Though the vote for actual independence took place on July 2nd, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.
American Independence!
Independence we know means a state of being independent, but to go deeper it means: freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.
We became a FREE country! When I look at that personally I see good and I see bad….Good because yes we are FREE, but bad because some could and (I would argue do) abuse that. Which is why we need rules. However, I personally think if we could buy into what God has to say about Freedom, our country would be a much better place today! Just my two cents.
What am I referring to?
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
So many good things there…humble and serving to point out a few things!!!!!
To break it down in Worthy terms here is what I think God is trying to say:
There is freedom that comes with faith in Jesus Christ.
What faith do we need to have in Jesus? Well, for starters we need to believe that Jesus bought our salvation through his blood. He literally died for our freedom, for our salvation, because of His blood we are freed from the slavery to our own sinfulness.
Next thought is what would keep one from sinning if all you have to do is say, “I believe Jesus died for me and I am forgiven, I am free?” Why wouldn’t we just indulge in whatever we want, sex, drugs, rock and roll, stomping on others to get what we want and think we deserve, indulging in too much of something…what keeps a person from doing this if all we have to do is believe?
That is where this verse comes in and Paul, the writer of Galatians, is clearly saying, “Don’t use your freedom in Christ as an opportunity to do whatever, whenever you want, with whoever you want, just because it feels good.” In other words don’t use Christ as an opportunity to selfishly serve your flesh because it feels good to you, because you can, because you want to, because you think you deserve it, because whatever….And he backs that up with…serve one another humbly and in love. BOOF!
When was the last time you served someone humbly and in love?
When I think about this idea I think of all the men and women who have fought and died for you and for me…all so we can be free. Their service to our country is a gift that we do not deserve. We surely do not deserve the gift of forgiveness for all our sins from Jesus… and when I think of all the strangers who have gone to war for you, for me, for this country, and died…. I think WOW! Did they deserve death? No, absolutely not, yet they paid the ultimate price.. and one could argue those of us sitting at home eating our hotdogs and sipping on our beer do not deserve their service. Talk about humbling.
So this Fourth of July….when you think of your freedom, remember those who paid the ultimate price and remember the freedom you are living in through Christ’s blood and remember this….God loves you! So much! So look for His love and strive to serve one another with that same love. If we could all do that….well this world would be a better place. In my humble opinion.
Happy Fourth Friends!!!!
XOXOX,
Amy
aka~Worthy
PS….this Fourth of July remember: The reason we celebrate the Fourth of July is because of our fallen and serving soldiers. These soldiers have fought in the past and many more are still fighting for our country, lives, and freedom so that we can all live in peace. So Peace Be with You!!!! And Happy Fourth!!!!!
Happy Fourth from our Family to Yours!!!!!!
Hey! It's Worthy!
Hi Friends! I have seen a lot of new faces around here so I thought it was high time to reintroduce myself so we could get to know one another!
That is one thing about me that I feel is truly different from most bloggers. I don’t want to just write something, throw it up on the intra webs, and pray someone reads it. No, I really want to get to know you and what makes you tick, what lights your soul on fire, what is bringing you down, what is bringing you joy, what is your favorite color, if you could come back as an animal in the next life (no I do not believe there is a next life…this is just fun game of getting to know one another) what animal would you be and why?
I would like to come back as a dog…but not just any dog….a dog owned by ME! These brats have the GOOD Life fur realz!
Why do I want to take the time to get to know you? Because I am an enneagram 2! YES! I finally figured out my Enneagram! And we 2’s stand out for our personal warmth, strong relational skills, selflessness, and eagerness to support people in their time of need. So call me eager, call me a helper, call me Worthy, the point is I want to be here for you!
It is the law of radiation and attraction really….
This handsome man, my daddy, taught me all about the law of radiation and attraction…”Amy…it is the law of radiation and attraction! You get what you give in life! You give love, well, you will get it back ten fold!”
Why do I say that? Because writing for me is cathartic and healing so by you supporting my page, indulging me with a comment or a share every once in a while, well you are giving back to me and I only hope to return the favor! You see! It’s a win-win!
And listen, as a 2 it is my greatest desire for every person to experience love, reflect the love, and see and feel the love and nurture of God.
So a little bit about me….
I grew up in the small north central Texas town of Graham, Texas, now known as Graham America. I am number three in the line of four kiddos and I can honestly say I had a beautiful up bringing out there in the country!
COLLEGE LIFE AND MARRIAGE...
I went to college at University of North Texas and Texas A&M where I met my husband in 1991. Long story short, I followed him to Texas A&M my SENIOR year (who does that! I guess I do) and when he graduated he told me if I would hurry up and graduate we would get married.... so I hauled my hiney back to UNT, graduated, and well....THAT DID NOT HAPPEN...after NINE years...YES you heard me right! NINE years of dating off and on we FINALLY married in December of 2000 and we are still going strong to this day. We have three beautiful boys and one angel baby in Heaven.
My beautiful family!!!!!
WHY THIS BLOG....
In December of 2016 I lost my best friend, my confidante, and my angel on earth. I lost my mom....and this rocked me more than any other loss I have ever experienced. My mom knew ALMOST everything about me...the good, the bad, and the VERY, VERY, UGLY side of me that my baby brother Paul has so eloquently named TAWANDA. My mom loved all parts of me, even Tawanda. I called her daily and on average we talked 5 days a week. When she left this earth and went home I can honestly say I was lost. This loss has challenged me on many levels but most of all this loss has challenged me in my faith. This blog has been huge in helping me grow stronger than ever in my walk with God and it could not have come at a better time! Trust me on that!
DREAMS AND HOPES FOR MY BLOG...
One, that I become more consistent. In the beginning I wrote all the time, life took over and well, I stopped. But what I found was I missed it and believe it or not some of you did! So thank you to all of you who have gently and consistently reached out encouraging me to write more.
Other desires are to bring you many more yummy recipes (I do love to cook), some funny stories, probably some not so funny stories, because I promise to be real, and let's face it life is messy sometimes, I might have some words of wisdom here and there (if I do it will be from something I learned from someone much wiser than myself!) and one thing I will not promise is fashion sense....I try so hard here, but I am a dance teacher and a MELT practitioner for fitness and health. My wardrobe consists of black tights and black tops....I will challenge myself in this area and maybe with your advice I can grow here...because Lord knows I am not fashion savvy! Another area you will not see on my blog is Home Improvement. It’s just not in the cards for me. Have you seen our redneck swimming hole? That explains everything!
Want to take a dip in our Red Neck Swimming Hole? It’s truly the best!!!!!
You will see a lot about God and Worthiness and Affirmations…Why? Because the world needs more Jesus, more Love, more Hope, and more Encouragement….which is what Affirmations are! Words we say to ourselves to encourage oneself. I actually self published a journal, The GOOD Life, because I believe in this so much! You will see more about that as time goes on!
I am proud of this little baby! I have it in blue too and my the cover art was done by my beautiful boy Will!
And you will see…
Gratitude and Love for my life and my amazing family!
This is us!
I hope you will stick around! I really do! I want to grow this family! The WORTHY FAMILY and I want us to be a community built on faith, love, trust, and joy. A community that will build one another up and bring a little more sparkle to this world. Because Lord knows this world could use some goodness.
So….
In a nutshell, I am married to the love of my life and my best friend. We have three beautiful boys, two dogs, and we are blessed. I love God, Dance, Melt, Writing, Soul Goals (my free community for my sisters in the house), my amazing family, and friends. I am Amy Berry and I would like to be your friend!
xo,
Amy
aka….worthy
College Bound!-A Mother's Advice To Her Son
A mother’s advice to her son leaving for college…
It happened so fast. It was just yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with you and now you are going to college. Just like that, you are gone, and boy does it feel like you are going to be gone forever.
Realistically I know this is not true, God willing it is not true, but I can’t help but shake the feeling that you are ready to fly. I know this is a good thing, but my heart hurts so bad, yet at the same time I am so excited to see what the future holds for you. Is it possible to be in both emotions? Gut wrenching sadness and excitement? I say yes! Because I am living in it right now.
Will, your future is bright! How do I know this? Well, I am going to give Dad and I a HUGE pat on the back here and say because we did right by you! I know we did. How do I know this? Because we did what we were called to do by our creator. We loved you from the moment you were formed in my womb. We protected you. We raised you to know Jesus. We were there for you and I know for a fact the Holy Spirit is within you. How? Because I see it! I see it daily in your acts of kindness and in your thoughts and in your dreams. Why do I tell you this? So you know you are NEVER alone! EVER! And we are just a phone call or a car ride away. Know that! Remember your safe word? You are never to old to use it! Trust me on that! I will ALWAYS coming running!
This is going to be one of the BEST TIMES of your life! Soak it up! Cherish it! Enjoy this ride, BUT, be smart. Work hard AND play hard. This is kind of a balancing act. Balance to me is a lie society tells us we can achieve. I disagree. I feel that there will be times where you find yourself playing pretty darn hard and YOU, my son, will have to figure out how to fit in the work hard part. You ALWAYS have a choice! Remember life is ALL about choices. Every choice you make has a consequence so make sure you choose wisely and choose carefully.
You will mistakes. We all do! Lord knows I have made MORE than my fair share! What you do with those mistakes will define who you are, the mistake itself will not. You can always pivot and remember, EVERYTHING IS FIGURE OUT ABLE!!!! Trust me on this. You just might have to get creative with the solution!
Speaking of solutions….try to always be a part of the solution. One of the biggest mistakes people make is staying in the problem. Save yourself a lot of time and energy and figure out how to be in the solution. My dad taught me this and it saved me so much anxiety. But, don’t let me fool you….this is a hard one…sometimes we just want have that pity party and be in the problem. Beautiful thing here is YOU are in charge of YOU and you get decide when you no longer want to be in the problem, but in the solution. Being in the solution will automatically put you ahead of the game and you will grow so much from it.
Another huge way to grow is to seek out people who are different, Will. Truthfully, you have always been good at this, but remember you learn from others and when someone is different we can learn so much more about life. So much goodness comes from others which can and will change your life for the better and help you grow into a loving and compassionate person. Something this world needs more of. Speaking of…Be the good! Always be the good.
Get to know your professors. This can make or break a grade. Trust me! I know first hand. And did you know your mama graduated with a 3.95, which back in the olden days was what a 4.6 is for you guys! So there is A LOT of goodness that comes when you get to know your professors, your deans, and anyone who is involved with your school. TRUST me! Not to mention, practicing the art of getting to know others and being truly interested in their lives is a super quality to have out in the real big world. It takes you out of yourself and into others. And that is what people want the most. No matter who they are. They want to be seen, heard, and respected.
Which leads me to my last bit of advice….CALL YOUR MAMA! I NEED to be seen, heard, and loved. I need to know you still need me, even if it is just to ask me where to go to buy socks. I need to know you see me and you adore me….so call me! Please call me!
OK I lied! One last thing…you can pivot on any decisions you make. If you find that what you are doing does not light you up, just pivot! It is not worth doing if it does not light your soul on fire! You do You Will because the world needs the human being you are!!!!!
Dad and I gave you roots and now we must give you your wings!
This is your life Will! It is yours to create! So write the story of your dreams and go after them! Go after them with all your heart! You are AMAZING! You are TALENTED! You are READY! Your mountain is waiting! So get on your way!
LYMSIL
AND, always remember: BE A LEADER, NOT A FOLLOWER. DO YOUR BEST. BERRY’S NEVER QUIT! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
LYMSIL!
Mom (and Dad)
PS….KEEP YOUR KNEES TOGETHER! Love, Grubba
Thank You For The Storm
We have less than 40 days until 2019 comes to a close. When I look back on 2019 I am so proud! Proud of me, proud of Trey, proud of our boys, just proud!!!!! And oh so grateful!
I think most of you know by now that I hate new years resolutions and I like to do themes or words for the year. This year my theme was GUTS! To see why click here.
GUTS-The informal meaning is that the word guts is used in reference to a feeling or reaction based on an instinctive emotional response rather than considered thought.
When I look back on my family’s last year we lived the true meaning of guts! And I could not be more proud of each individual in my family or more grateful for this period of time. Would I do it again? That is one question I need to really ponder because the truth is we came out so much better and I am so thankful. Truly thankful. We are stronger, we are more resilient, we are more compassionate, we seek to understand each other, we listen, and we have respect for one another. Was that missing before? Maybe, but, I can honestly say each one of us has had a transformation for the better and we have all become better at serving one another. What a beautiful experience for a family.
Thanksgiving 2018…..
Times are tough and through it we are each learning to see what it is God is wanting to do with us during this unsure season. We have a lot of unknowns before us, but we are remembering to keep God at the front of it all. Whether it is a decision on a college, a job, a teacher, a counselor, to go with a group of friends, to go to the party, to say yes or say no, boundaries…..whatever it is we are ALL getting better at looking to God and relying on Him. Truly relying on Him. And you know what…..that takes GUTS! True Guts.
It’s hard to rely on someone you cannot see or you cannot touch. You can talk to God, but He is not going to talk back to you in the traditional way. Our family has learned to do this. We have learned to rely on God. Are we great at it? No! Were we somewhat forced to? Yes! Do we have room for improvement? Yes! Of course. Faith takes practice because fears take hold and when they do it is so easy to slip back into old behaviors, but now that my family as a whole has learned the beauty of turning our will over to God we can remind each other of this gently and compassionately. We can remind each other of the miracle of this past year and we can have hope and peace. For this I am forever grateful.
So as I look back on the past 365 days, I look back in awe and I am so grateful to God for the disaster He brought us to and through so that we could be the family He made us to be. What miracle it is to say Thank You for the Storm.
Happy Thanksgiving My Friends.
XO,
Amy
Why Veterans Day is Hard for Me as a Veterans Wife
Today brings a lot of mixed emotions for me. It is Veterans day. A day that we as Americans honor and thank all military personnel who served our wonderful country. The key word is served. Why does this bring me mixed emotions? Well, my husband served 20 years in the Navy and up until this year he struggled with it. Why? I am not sure because I am not him, but I will tell you what I think.
He was in a plane crash in May of 2000 while practicing night time carrier landings. There was a bird strike, long story short, and he and two of his buddies went down in the middle of the night in a pitch black sky. They all three survived, but the ramifications from the crash were pretty huge starting with a broken back. Would you believe that he and his friends were back in the cockpit doing REAL night time landings on the ship by October. True story! Talk about brave and they were overseas in less than a year fighting for our freedom. Again very courageous and brave.
This picture does it no justice
What was I doing? Well, I beat myself up daily now because I was Suzy happy homemaker making a home and in such bliss of being engaged and newly married that I never even stopped to think of the mental ramifications this might have caused. I mean when you get a call in the middle of the night that there has been an incident but your fiance is alive, well, you are just relieved and when they discharge him from the hospital hours after the crash, well, one tends to think no big deal right? Wrong! It was a freaking plane crash! It was a hunk of metal that dropped from the sky, split in half, and caught fire! VERY TRAUMATIC, but you would never have known with how I was responding or how Trey was responding. Never! Because we kept on keeping on.
The investigation begins…..18 months later Trey and his co pilot were cleared. That was a long 18 months……and they flew in a war while waiting to know…..for our freedom…….away from their families….
How many people will survive a plane crash in their life? A very small percentage and very few that can say they were at the controls when it happened and everyone survived because of his and their co pilots ability to compartmentalize and work together to save themselves and all the civilians below them.
It has been over 19 years since that fateful night. 19 years of much joy, but there has been a lot of pain. Physical and mental. And I can honestly say this year is my first year to admit I am angry. Angry with how the military was not their for my husband and his friends during that time. Now, I need to clarify. Trey’s squadron was AMAZING. His CO and XO were outstanding! But the Navy overall during that time, not so much. Sure they crossed their i’s and dotted their t’s, but I blame them for so much pain my husband has endured over these past 19 years which in turn my family has also endured. We are strong and lucky for my husband I am not a quitter, but I know there are plenty of other military families that have split due to the trauma of something they experienced while fighting for this country. And all they get is a parade on November 11 or a celebration. I am really not sure what I expect either, but I do know our military needs to do better when it comes to trauma. They need to do better when it comes to Vets and I feel like I can say this because I witness it under my own roof. Am I asking for a handout? No. Hell, I am not even sure what this is about other than it is one step in the right direction of healing for me, for Trey, and for our beautiful family.
Our family is strong and our family fights for each other. Could not be more proud of us!
Point is, when you have suffered from something so traumatic and you don’t get the help you need, mentally the mind will remember. The body will remember. And those around you can and will suffer. And all for what? For your freedom and for my freedom. I should be thankful, but this year I am struggling. Why? Well, that I know but not ready to go there….So instead I want to tell you why I think Trey has struggled up until now with Veterans day and why I am sad and angry and for no reason other than I need to get it off my chest. So here it goes:
The civilian world is not anything like the military. We do not have the motto “No man left behind.” We have the motto, get dirt on him, stomp on her, do whatever it takes to get to the top. That is the real world. That is not how it works in the military. So when you come from a band of brothers and you are thrown into a den of lions, well, it is hard. It is hard on the veteran and it is hard on their families. REAL HARD! And throw trauma of any sort on it…..well…..that can get real messy. What do we do about it? That I am not sure of, but if you know me, you know that me just writing about it means I am thinking about it. I am thinking about it so much that I am writing about it and maybe someday I can help do something about it. That is all.
So for now I have a favor. Today, when you see a veteran, sincerely thank them. Thank their family too…. because a lot of them have had some kind of trauma they endured for your freedom and they and their family have sacrificed. Whether it was time with their family, not seeing their child be born, not seeing their child take their first steps, not being there when their family member was dying, not being there when their parent died, going into a war, surviving a plane crash, being shot, seeing their best friend shot down in the plane next to them, and the list goes on not to mention all they have endured mentally just getting out of the military….I assure you they have sacrificed. More than we will ever know. Trust me I know, because I live with a vet and cannot fathom it…..So if you could take a moment today and say a prayer for all our vets and current military and their family’s that would mean the world to me and my family. Maybe it will start my healing process too……
Until Next Time.
XO,
Amy
48 Years Ago Today....
Dear Trey,
48 Years ago today the world was forever changed and believe it or not mine was too. I firmly believe that 48 years ago today, God started to pave the path for you and I to one day be together in marriage. You know why I believe this? Because my mom was a woman of prayer. My mother prayed daily for all of her kiddos and I have been blessed to have witnessed this and I in turn do this now for our kids.
Do you know what one of those prayers is? I would love to share it with and you, but I must confess this prayer has evolved over the years due to lessons I have learned from people who love me and love us. It goes something like this.
Dear God,
Thy will be done with our boys and if I may I would like to be open about what I would love to see, but I will trust your will. (YES! I do say this!) Thy will be done with all the boys. I pray they all three do great in school, they are self motivators, do their work, stay out of trouble, and are leaders. I pray they all know you Lord and have a servants heart and a heart for you. I pray they all get into a college of their liking, one that you see fit for them and one they would love. I pray they get to do their passions, whatever they are, from the arts, to athletics, to work. I ask that you guide them and when they are through with college, I pray the perfect journey will start for them. One that includes their hearts desire as well as a partner and helpmate for life. A partner that you have been preparing for them now with a heart for you and one that will build them up and love them always right where they are. I pray if it is your will they will have children and Trey and I can grow old together watching all of this unfold and getting to be a part of their lives….with our health, happiness, love, and finances in tact so we can participate in life with them. What a beautiful thing that would be God. That would be my dream. Thank you God and I know you have us all but please keep my boys safe from the evils in this world. Protect them and fill them with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amy
Yep….everyday this is what I pray….sometimes I add in and sometimes if I am being lazy I just cut to the quick and say something like, “I am tired….please God allow us to grow old watching all three boys grow up to be and do wonderful things.”
I believe in my heart of hearts my mom did this for us. I believe she prayed for us starting October 22, 1970 and December 30, 2000 I believe my mom’s prayer came to life. Maybe not exactly how she would have had it because Lord knows I gave her a run for the money growing up, but when all was said and done I know she thought, “Yes Lord, this was my prayer. This man who loves and adores my Amy.”
December 30, 2000……The day we became one…..
So February 18, 1971 the world changed because of a beautiful addition, one that would change my world. I am so grateful for you Trey Berry! Thank you for always loving me right where I am, for believing in me when I don’t believe in myself, for building me up, and for giving me loads of grace! Grace that I don’t deserve.
I am so grateful my mom prayed over me like that and I am so grateful you were in God’s plan for me. You complete me and our family is so blessed because of you. I admire you. You are the most courageous man I know and the way you fight for your family leaves me in awe daily. Thank you for believing in us and for setting such an incredible example for our boys. Because of you someday they will make someone feel as safe, protected, and secure as you have made me. My prayer is they will find someone to love them back right where they are… always believing in them like I believe in you!
Our beautiful family….
I believe in you Trey Berry! Don’t you ever forget this! Happy Birthday my love and here is to many, many, more!
IWALY/LYMSIL,
Amy Girl
Peace
As I sat reflecting on the second week of Advent, which is Peace, I really struggled with what does peace mean for me? I mean I am a mom of three boys whose husband travels AND I help take care of my father. I don’t know but does this sound like it would be peaceful? NO! There is rarely a peaceful moment in our world. But, is that what peace really means?
PEACE
I looked it up actually and the definition of peace is: freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
Ya, that does not happen with all the moving pieces and peeps in my life, BUT, I will tell you the more I thought about it I do know it is possible to have a peaceful life IF I choose to do a few things to better myself and line up my priorities. I am telling you guys I am learning so much about this and it is weird how when you take time to better yourself in the areas of your relationship with God, yourself, your health, your spouse/partner, kids, and friends in that VERY order you will have a peace that is so eerie at first, but you learn to just be in it and relish it.
Let’s take a look.
God-Trust me on this….get up everyday earlier than everyone else in your world and spend a minimum of 15 minutes with Him. Start there! Just doing this starts you in the right direction. When you are in a relationship with God it is amazing what starts to happen around you.
Yourself….get a journal and write down all you are thankful for daily! Start little…..start with one thing a day and build on it. It is amazing when you turn your heart into a grateful heart how much peace overcomes you. Along with this take a self improvement class, read a self help book, or find a mentor. Fill yourself with positive mental nutrition and watch the peace pour over you.
Your health…start watching what you eat….NO not a diet! Maybe you go from 3 cokes a day to 1, maybe it is only eat dessert 3 times a week….I don’t know what it is but start paying attention to what you are feeding yourself AND join a workout class or a tennis team. Walk the dog longer, take yoga, maybe it is kick boxing for you? Find one thing that is a workout that YOU really enjoy, not anyone else, YOU and go for it! I am speaking from experience in that I REALLY wanted to play tennis and be a part of a team and I did it, until I got injured, and I look at that injury as the BIGGEST blessing and you know why? Because I found dance! No one else was doing it and heck my friends are still not doing it, but, I am and I love it and I have lost a total of 30lbs and still losing! Why? Because I LOVE IT! And now I feel great about myself which makes it a lot easier to feel peaceful.
Your spouse/partner….this is a big one and it is still a struggle for me, but here it goes….we all really need to set aside one night a week for time with each other without kids, cell-phones, or friends…..just the two of you. Trust me guys….I get it and I am being so honest here by saying I am failing hard at this, but now that I wrote it I am going to work on it! As well as a relational journal. Try writing each other notes of gratitude about things you are grateful for about each other. I actually got Trey this for Christmas and I cannot wait to start it with him! Now, let me say there will be times when one partner is the only one writing….it is what it is and that is just part of a relationship, but stick with it and see what happens. Trust me! Ha! I have not even done this yet, but I know in my heart it will work! I just know it! It will not solve all problems, but it will change our perspectives and show us the good stuff!
Kids….Now these guys will be so much happier if the steps above are all working and when you then throw in special time with them, no cell phones, night out for a movie, or whatever it is amazing what happens. I know my children love it when I take them out one on one. It does not happen near as much as I would like, but we do a family dinner and I try to make our one on one time special. Even if it is just a ride to get their haircut. Take that time to talk and you ask a question and really listen. It is amazing what happens when you really listen to your child.
Last but not least friends….Now here again I am going to be so open and I am ashamed to say this, but I use to put my friends first. I really did. Why? I am not sure why except that they are so fun to hang out with and I really like them! But the truth is the order has to go how I put it to find peace. It just does….and when one is out of whack peace is hard to come by, but when they are all in order it is so amazing the feeling you get.
So my biggest take away for you today is YOU CAN HAVE PEACE! You can! You just have to make sure your priorities are in line and you are taking care of you! When you take care of you and improve on you and no I do not mean nails, hair, botox, or whatever….I mean really improve on you with positive nutrition for your brain and mind you will find peace. No every day is not full of roses, but it sure is easier to handle and handle with ease when all these things line up. So…….
Go in Peace Always and until next time….
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
fill your mind with positive nutrition!
The Seasons are Changing and I am Changing
Change...it can be risky. It can be difficult. It can also be beautiful. And it will always show you more about yourself....The good, the bad, the really ugly, but the really strong and courageous too if you open up your heart to it.
I have been doing a lot of changing lately. It has been painful, but it has been beautiful. I saw this tree the other day and thought to myself can the tree feel the change that is happening? The new season of life? Lord knows I am feeling the change….and no I am not talking hormones here, however, that is happening too if I am being honest. I am 48 after all! LIFE!
I digress….back to the tree. I drive past this tree daily and for some reason the beauty caught me and I started thinking about all the changes and how beautiful they are. I actually thought to myself, “Man wouldn’t it be nice for the changes my family and I are going through to be beautiful like this tree?” I remember stopping right there and taking the picture and thinking, “UM, hello Amy!!!! It’s all how you perceive these changes. If you perceive them as work and negative that is how they will be or you can change your perspective and see what that does for ya!”
Beautiful colors….beautiful change…..
I decided on Saturday, November 10, 2018 to open my heart and mind the potential these changes could bring. Do you know what happened? A weight was lifted from my shoulders. I am not kidding. The weight of the what if’s is slowly leaving. The weight of the what could have been is slowly disappearing, and the weight of trying to control the change and the outcome is slowly diminishing. It was so freeing! It was like the leaves were falling and the new me is being pruned to really bloom.
So yes, change is hard, but if you are going through a change in your life like me and it is uncomfortable try looking at it with an open heart and a different perspective. You might be amazed at what that does for you and you will really be amazed at how free you feel. Do you know what happens when you feel free? You project love and couldn’t the world use more love?
Until next time…..
XO,
Amy
How we Met
It was a rainy day in August- way back in 1991. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was my first day on the job at the Physical Education Building at the University of North Texas. Julie Lane and I were working the door, checking student ID's, and making sure each person who came through was a legit student at the University. I remember looking down the long hall and watching the most handsome guy I had ever seen coming towards us. I looked at Julie and literally said that day, "I am going to marry that guy!"
Would you believe when Trey got to the door he did not have his student I.D. on him! I was so upset because I fell in love right there and I had to tell this hunk of a guy, "I am so sorry, but you have to have your I.D.?" I remember he was very kind, but he did ask us to please let him in, not to mention it was storming outside so he was going to have to walk all the way back to his dorm. I felt horrible, as did Julie, but we were new to the job and we just couldn't do it.
As luck would have it, Trey figured out real quick that the dorm I lived in was the sorority dorm full of women and our cafeteria was the best! For the next three months we would see each other at the gym or in the cafeteria and EVERY time I saw him my heart would skip a beat or two! Not kidding. Slowly but surely we started talking and in December I finally got the guts to invite him out on the town with my friends and I. It was December 13, 1991 and I remember it like it was yesterday.
Circa 1992….Trey, Hogan, and I
I found this dog and wanted him to meet her. He probably thought I was crazy because I snuck her into my dorm for the next few days until we broke for Christmas break, but he came over, we went out on the town, ate pizza and returned back to the dorm to let my adorably ugly pooch out. It was there that we had our first kiss. I remember that like it was yesterday! I was holding Hogan, my dog, and he said, “Have you ever had a Hogan Bologna sandwich?” I turned to look at him confused and right there with Hogan between us I had my first of many Hogan Bologna sandwiches and I saw and felt fireworks in my heart and in my veins. I knew that day he was mine….but as with anything else in life it was a long hard road to get to where we are today.
NINE YEARS to be exact! I won’t bore you with all the details and maybe someday I will share more of the powerful stories that shaped us into the couple we are today, but yes NINE years! We were together from 1991-1994 when we broke up for many reasons. Trey then went into the US NAVY and I was out on that! I still remember my dad saying, “Amy he is going to land planes on a moving ship in the middle of the ocean!” Want to know what my ignorant response was? I am embarrassed to tell ya, but here ya go: “Dad, Top Gun was in the 80’s! It is not cool anymore and not part of my plan!” WHAT THE WHAT! Yep pure ignorance because I do understand today what a badd ass my husband is and was…..sorry for the curse word, but I had to get my emphasis across because he truly is remarkable!
During the next 5 years we did a little dance of get back together, break up, make up, break up, meet other people and get involved, call one or the other, get back together, break up….you get the picture. Bottom line we had a lot of growing to do individually and spiritually and every person we met along that road was not in vain. We both became better for ourselves and for each other. I truly believe that.
FINALLY in November of 1999 Trey asked me to meet him at his Fly In, which is when the guys who have been overseas come back and fly off the ship back into the squadron. Pretty neat experience. I basically said, “Um, we are not dating and I have plans!” Cold blooded I know! I was scared and fear makes us do things that are not healthy, but fear can also push us in a good direction if we just embrace it. I am happy to say I did and guess what….I surprised him at the fly in!
Y’all, I remember walking into that hanger with my now mother in law and her parents and sister and thinking, “What the hell have I done! I bet one of these pretty chicks are here for him! I bet he called the next gal in line!” What was I thinking? There it is again….irrational fear!
I assure you it was irrational because there was no other woman there for him, but me and what a reunion we had! I remember his Grandpa at dinner the next night kept saying, “This is going to be THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!” At the time I just thought he meant because “his Trey” was back. NOPE! It was because he knew Trey would be proposing…..
Funny story on that-It was around December 20th or so and Trey drove to my hometown of Graham, Texas to ask my father for my hand in marriage. I had no idea mind you and we were not dating technically. As a matter of fact if memory serves me right I was dating like 3 guys! No lie! Not seriously, just having fun, but still!!!!!! So, when Trey ask my father of course my father gave him his blessing, but when Trey asked him about jewelers in Graham my dad choked and said, “Aren’t you putting the cart before the horse…shouldn’t you ask her first?” When I asked my father later why he literally said, “Amy you were a loose cannon at that time and I had no idea what you would say!” Ha! I love that story! Lucky for me my dad advised him to talk to my sister Robin and she helped him with the ring and I have to say Trey did an AMAZING job!
So the day came for Trey to ask me. It was December 24, I was on a sales call and my sister kept calling me and asking me when I was going to be back to the office. I kept thinking why is she rushing me? NO CLUE NELLY HERE! I remember walking through our offices front doors and seeing my sister and brother Paul at the front counter smiling these huge cheesy smiles and I was like what is wrong with them? I walked into my office and there were candles lit. If I could just describe my office to y’all for a moment-it was a DUMP! I am not one for organization, but I know where EVERYTHING of mine is! Seriously if you ask me where the post it note that is orange is on my desk at home right now I could tell you it is under my book Hope below which has the water bill on top of it! For real! Anyway….I see these candles and then this man stands up from my chair. It was Trey! He gently grabbed my hand, I still remember that so clearly, walked me around my desk to the chair and sat me down and took a knee….Now….confession time….I don’t remember what all he said to me because my mind was racing, but when he asked, “Will you marry me?” Want to just take a guess as to what my response was? I dare you! My response was, “BUT, we are not even dating!” Are you kidding me AMY IRENE!? No, friends I am not kidding you! Trey gently and quietly said with the most beautiful tears in his eyes, “I am not asking you to date me, I am asking you to be my wife.” Well….you know what came next! A resounding, “YES! YES! I want to be your wife!”
So almost nine years to the day our first kiss, my best friend, the man of my dreams, my knight, my protector, the father of my children, and my forever love asked me to marry him and so began our journey. A beautiful journey one that I hope to continue to share with you all.
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
Gratefulness Even in the Storm
Most of you know by now The Berry house is in the midst of a storm. It has been a while since I have blogged, but it does not mean I am giving up. For now it just means that as of late my energy is being spent taking care of my kids and myself first. #priorities
My number one priority right here!
The one post I was able to crank out talked a little bit about our storm and how honestly even though this storm is Ugly, Fierce, Big, and STILL thundering down on us, I am able to find gratitude. You guys I cannot tell you how much just changing my perspective and looking for something to be grateful for each day has helped me in the midst of this hurricane. Truly!
There are days where I feel like I am being kicked when I am down, there are days that start off feeling “quasi normal” and then I get slugged, and there are days where everything is “not too bad” all things considered. -Every one of those days though I have found something to be grateful for. Even the bloodiest of days!
I can’t begin to tell you how this little change has been so good for my soul and for my family’s livelihood. I am learning a lot about myself and my kids resiliency, but I am learning a HUGE THING.....gratefulness even in the storm.
I know there are people out there fighting through their own storms right now. I also know that EVERYONES storm, no matter what that storm looks like, is big to YOUR heart and YOUR family. I know this. PAIN IS REAL. If there is one thing that I can offer you today besides a virtual hug it is find something-ANYTHING-to be grateful for today, then tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day.
Trust me when I say I understand if you can’t and I understand if you don’t believe me when I say this helps. I did not believe myself when I started this. I actually started with little notes in my journals of what I was thankful for. It started out like this, “Today I am grateful my kids got fed and to school.” The next day it looked like, “Today I am grateful the kids got fed, to school, and I moved from my bed to the leather chair downstairs.” NOT KIDDING! One time it read, “I am grateful Graeme got something other than Captain Crunch Donuts Cereal today to eat!” I will digress for a moment and say that cereal is the bomb.com!
Slowly my gratitudes turned into something more meaningful. Just this weekend I wrote, “Today I am grateful of my new mindset and I am grateful for Will and his friends and their imaginations.” You see, Will came to me asking if he could change our Backhouse into an art studio. Folks, let me tell you the old Amy would of said, “UM not just no, but Heck NO! That Backhouse is for guests and I want it cute!” What the What! With my new mindset I am learning what is important. Right now in our Storm it is important for Will to have something that is his. Not the entire Backhouse. I am making him keep the bed and TV up their for guests, but he has a dream and a vision and the space is only used for guests, so why not? No it might not be cute and quaint! But let me tell you what I saw unfold. Will and about 7 of his friends started building furniture, discussing what they could do with the space for their dreams and desires, THEY PUT DOWN THEIR DEVICES, and they worked together! Like good old fashion work and they are proud! It was amazing! Something that I assure would have not of happened before my storm because I would have blocked it with my worldly thoughts.
So yes, this storm is powerful! It is powerful in more ways than destruction. It is powerful in that it is bringing in a tide and the tide is rising and so is my family! No, I am not sure what the outcome will be, but I trust in God and I know He is faithful and I am still hoping for my double rainbow!
The Tide will Rise…the boats will rise with the tide…..my family will rise!
So I want to challenge all my readers who are in the midst of their own storm-start writing down one thing each night you are grateful for, EVEN if it is you brushed your teeth, write it down, keep doing it nightly, and watch what happens! I dare you!
XO,
Amy
Need an idea for a journal here is one! Try it! Tell her Worthy Heart sent you! XO
Hurricanes, Rainbows, and Hope
Have you ever been in the middle of a crisis and stopped to think what you could learn? I know I personally have not stopped-while smack dab in the middle- and thought, “what could I learn from this?” That is until now…..
You see, the Berry family is in the middle of what I would describe as a hurricane. I actually want to call it a typhoon, but if I am being honest with you all, a typhoon would be a worst case situation ever and I don’t believe that is the case. It is bad and it is a story I may or may not tell you someday, but today I will tell you it is rough.
While sitting here this early morning I am honestly starting to feel the heavy weight of this storm slowly lifting. I am starting to see the clouds lift and I am thinking their is hope. I also find myself comparing my situation to Noah. Who is Noah some of you might ask? Noah is a pretty famous dude who has a really cool story. One that I find myself living in. I might get some backlash for comparing myself to this guy, but just go with it. I promise you will see what I mean.
If you don’t know who Noah is, look up in the Bible, Genesis Chapters 5-9. This will help you understand my analogy a bit. And when I say I am comparing myself to Noah I am by NO means comparing my character to Noah’s character….again, just go with it.
You see for this past couple of weeks I did not feel like I had the protection of the ark. Honestly, I felt like I was up to my neck in deep deep waters, paddling like a mad woman, all the while my head was cocked back and I was gasping for air- while the waves lapped water over my face and the rain kept pelting down on me. Then…I got smart and flipped on my back… and this past week I felt like I was entering the protection of the ark, but let me tell ya, the ark provides me a safe place and I don’t feel like I could drown, but it ain’t no party.
The ark is cramped. It is humid and muggy. It is smelly, loud, and the animals are going crazy in their cages throwing their poop at me! It is not fun and I am scared, sad, irritated, impatient and confused. It is however the place I find myself and I, like Noah, keep sending the dove out in hopes for some sign of life. I will say I am not seeing it yet, but I have the beautiful story of Noah and I know there is a rainbow for me and my family- selfishly I hope there is a double rainbow. I mean after all God does say the rainbow is the sign of his promise to never send a flood to destroy all life on earth again so I am asking for TWO rainbows in hopes that this hurricane we are in will never happen again. I mean come on….it never hurts to ask!
Did you know that a rainbow is a mixture of light-a perfect harmonic combination which produces a symbol of beauty, promise, and enlightenment.
Some Symbolic Meanings of Rainbows:
Life, hope, promise, potential, provision, harmony, connection, transformation
So as I wait for my double rainbow and I think about all the different meanings above, I find myself pondering the following:
What am I suppose to be learning from this storm? I think it is to breath. Don’t react. I cannot control anyone or anything, I can only control myself and my responses. Be grateful even in this storm-Transformation of Self.
Am I prepared to move into these circumstances with an open heart, forgiving and letting go where and when I need to? I don’t know, but I do know I have God in my corner and all I can do is lean on him and remember I have four humans counting on me. Their names are Trey, Will, JP, and Graeme.-This falls under life, hope, promises, provisions, and harmony.
What kind of promises have I made to the four individuals above and to myself and am I honoring them? I can honestly say yes to my family, but I need to remember my promise to myself and take care of me too. I need to put my oxygen mask on first to be able to take care of them and others. If that means I don’t respond to text messages or phone calls because I have zero energy then so be it. People will understand. If that means I need to take a nap and the house will suffer….oh well. If that means sometimes I need to go “dark” as I put it to get my footing then I shall go dark. This falls under hope and transformation.
Am I ready to be open to the new life in front of me once the dove comes back with signs of it? I don’t know, but what I do know is that it is okay and for now I will live my life one day at a time, some days one hour at a time and that is ok. Again hope.
My little words project bracelet for my daily reminder. I love it so much!
So as I sit on this stinky ark in the middle of our storm I will wait patiently for the signs of life and the rainbows. While I do that, I will take this time to grow in my relationship with my Lord, I will relish my times with my family, and I will learn to let go and let God and I will do it with a grateful heart. From here on out I will announce how grateful I am for this storm.
XO,
Amy
Salty Kisses, Jungle Adventures, and Cave Tubing on the Berry Family Summer Vacation
If you have ever thought about going on a cruise take a look at our 2018 Summer Cruise. You might decide to jump on it because I am telling you we had a ball! Lots of salty kisses, swimming, adventures, and great family time! Take a look!
If there is one thing you need to know about our family trips, it is that at least once a year we cruise. I am married to a pilot so the last thing Trey wants to do is get into an airplane to get to a destination so we do a lot of driving. Lucky for us we have a few ports within driving distance and we all win. There is no flying, which if you read my post earlier in the week you know I am way O.K. with that, AND we get to beautiful places and do amazing things! This past week was no different!
Royal Caribbean still caters to the young at heart! Graeme Loved all the characters! Especially King Julien!
Side note- we have graduated to the Royal Caribbean and I say this because we have done Disney Cruises in the past and they are WONDERFUL, but with two teenagers now they are past the Disney scene and Royal offers more activities for kiddos their age while still catering to the young. If you are reading this and you have kids that are younger and you are considering a cruise I highly suggest Disney and then you can graduate on to the Royal. However, if money is a factor Royal is probably half the cost of Disney and just as good so keep that in mind. Either way you go you will be happy!
Golden Ticket to Paradise! Your Sea Pass Card!
We set sail on Sunday on the Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas and I will tell you we kind of have this down to an art for our family until this time! We decided we would leave our house a little later and see how the boarding process went and let's just say that was not smart! With that being said I am not sure if it is always like this because I later learned they were having technical difficulties that day with getting everyone their sea pass card. Which speaking of, your sea pass card is as golden as your passport. You MUST have this card to get on and off the ship, it is the key to your room, you can use it to shop on the ship, order food that is not included, which there is plenty included, or for special drinks like Evian water up to booze. So this card is important and they issue it to every human on the ship and this particular day all of their systems on land were down so they only had 4 on board to work with. That was quite an ordeal considering there were 4000 of us! So that made for long lines in hot weather and that was not fun, but once we got through it the fun began! However, with that being said, I would still suggest getting to the port at 11 and then you get to enjoy the ship all day. Just pack a tiny bag with swimsuits, cover ups, sunscreen, and Yeti/waterbottles! Because remember that sea pass card I spoke of? Well it is the key to your room so you have access to your room immediately just not your entire luggage hence the reason behind a small bag with swim gear etc.
Once we finally boarded and got to our room we were all famished so we headed for some grub. Now food is never a problem on the Liberty as they have many options. At lunch the Wind Jammer is always open and they have all kinds of buffet style food from Chinese to hamburgers to salad to you name it they have it. They also have a pizza joint on Deck 5 that is out of this world and the pizza is FREE! There is a Johnny Rockets on Deck 11, however, that is not included in your meal plan so that will cost ya, but it is good. The milkshakes are on point! Once we had some grub it was time to get our cruise on and do what we came to do and that was to sit by the pool and REEEELAX!
Pretty much that is how our days at sea went. Get up, do our first 15, grab some breakfast. Next Trey and Graeme would hit the surf rider and I would hit the gym, all the while Will would sleep in because he stayed up way too late the night before with all the new and exciting friends he met from all over. We would all meet up around 10 or 11 for a check in, Graeme would go to kids club, Will we would not see again until dinner, and Trey and I would hit the pools and REEELAX! It is amazing! Dinner rolls around and some nights Graeme joins us and others he eats at kids club! On nights he would join us we would take him to kids club after dinner, Will again would split off, and Trey and I would have a date night! Yall 7 date nights in a row!!!!!!! It was so good for our marriage! We talked, we laughed, we cried, we dreamed, we danced, and we enjoyed each other. Some days we would even snag a nap or two! Cruising for our family truly is relationship building! We love it! Sea days on every 7 day cruise we have taken are the day you board and the next two days. After that you hit your ports.
Wednesday was our first port and it was beautiful! We were in the beautiful country of Honduras on the island of Roatan. This was my second time to the island and it is still as beautiful as the last and I felt very safe. We took the boys zip lining through the jungles with the group Tree Top Canopy Adventures. This was our second time with this group and I asked for our tour guide from our first experience and he was still there! IF you ever go and do this ask for Jeffery! He is AMAZING especially with the little kids! He is so funny and he makes you feel very safe! This excursion is something anyone who has dreamed of being in the tree tops or gliding through the air like a bird! You literally get to do just that through 28 acres of jungle and mountain terrain! It is so awesome! You cover about 2 miles above the trees and through the trees and it is a site to behold! Especially when you are zipping towards the ocean! By the end of the experience you truly feel exhilarated and on fire. After the zip lines they take you to a beach where you can grab a bite to eat and put your toes in the sand. The first time we went we were dropped at a quiet beach, this time we were dropped at a resort beach and yes it was nice, but there were a lot of people there pushing massages, hair braids, bracelets, blankets, etc on you. It was crazy! Before I knew it I was slammed onto a stool being lathered in oil where not one but THREE ladies were massaging me! I DID NOT even say yes! It was crazy and Trey just sat there watching and laughing because I TOTALLY got bamboozled! And listen people, while I love a good massage, sitting on a beach in the middle of the Caribbean, being slathered in oil, well, I just could not relax. All I kept thinking was this is a recipe for skin cancer! So my advice here, if you find yourself on a beach where you are being swarmed by pushy sales peeps, put your game face on and just say NO! Or else you too will find yourself being slathered in oil while your boys are getting Caribbeans braids in their gorgeous locks! Don't have SUCKER written all over you like I OBVIOUSLY did!
Our next port was Thursday and that was Belize City, Belize. I had never been to Belize and I was very excited about this stop. We decided to do the Cave Tubing Tour and we were with a group called VIV tour and our guide was Karim and he was so good. I cannot say enough about Karim! You start your tour in a car and he takes you on about an hour drive out to the jungles and the caves. All along the way he told us about his country and different sights etc. It was very interesting and even our seven year old was a part of the conversation. Once you arrive at the site you take about a 45 minute hike through the jungle and Karim was our guide and you learn about all kinds of things from trees, to bugs, to animals, to medicinal uses of leaves, and the list goes on. I was so amazed at everything we learned and Karim did such an amazing job of keeping even Graeme involved. It truly was a cool experience. Once we got to the caves we were all given a tube, a life jacked, and a hard hat with a light and we hit the sapphire blue water. You guys this was a very cool experience! You pretty much just get in your tube, lay back and relax as you float through the dark cave, but again Karim knew some very interesting information which just made our experience even cooler! Our float lasted about an hour maybe longer and we ended with the boys jumping from some rocks and just having a bang up time. We then grabbed some lunch from the little village there on site and it was delish! The beans and rice had an underlying taste that I could not put my finger on but I later learned from Karim was coconut milk! So cool! We then got back in the car and headed back to the ship. Our tour that day was amazing and Karim made it even more special. If you are ever in Belize you should look him up with VIV and take his tour. You will not be disappointed. You will learn things you never even imagined and experience the beauty of this beautiful country.
Our last port we hit Friday and it was Cozumel. This time we chose to go to Playa Mia I am not going to lie. If I have to do it again, I probably would not do this. It looks amazing and I am sure for kids it is, but it was more of a beat down for us. Our day in Cozumel there were 6 other ships so that meant 7 ships PLUS the normal tourist. If you did not arrive to this beach by 11 you were out of luck on getting a seat anywhere, luckily we did, and it was just stupid crowded. It was an O.K. time, but nothing spectacular and the food was awful. We probably stayed all of 2 hours total and decided we would have more fun shopping. Which we did so that was a good call on our part. If you go I have a few tips I think would of helped us.
Get there by 10
Great spot if you have multiple kids other than just siblings (Ie. cousins or friends) because Will and Graeme are too different in age to really play together on the water jungle gym which means I was doing it. It was fun, but you guys it is a full on work out in the ocean on that bad boy!
Maybe bring your own food unless you are just jonesing to try theirs, but I promise it is not good and I am not a picky eater.
Bring your own life vest if you have room for the water jungle gym otherwise you are waiting in line. Once you have one you can keep it as long as you are in the water, but once you get out you have to return it and if there are seven ships at port this makes for long lines.
Bring your own snorkel gear or goggles because you do see some cool stuff if you go a little out.
Bring Cash because there are extra activities you can do if you have the $$$$ Like jet ski or water tricycles.
So like I said, once we left there we took to the streets of Cozumel and had a ball. We bought all kinds of stuff and we had so much fun watching Will use his Spanish speaking skills and negotiate with all the people. I was very impressed on how well he speaks the language, but I guess when you have been playing Soccer for as many years as he has you learn things, Spanish being one of those things you learn.
Saturday we woke up to our last day at sea and we did not waste it! We hit the slides, the surf rider, the pools, the shows, the pizza parlor, anything we loved we did! We had a ball! So much of a ball as God as my Witness we have already booked our next cruise! This time we will be bringing JP as we had to leave him behind because he is in his school musical and had rehearsals, so we will have JP, our cousins, and Grandparents! So that will be a big time! It will allow for more intimate dinners and awesome talks, more family time, more date time, more awesome countries, and more vacation time, which all in all equals very blessed time! So there you have it! The Berry Summer Family Vacation! Soon I will share with you how I packed and some tips and tricks if you have never been on a cruise and are considering it! I have an amazing Contact who will set you up and once you step board on the ship your worries will disappear! I will share with you tips I have learned for excursions like what to bring etc. If you are considering a cruise don't miss it! I promise it will be huge because you do not need half the stuff you think you do!
Until then!
XO,
Amy
I have included some video to give you a feel of all the activities you get to do in seven days and this is just a taste! I am telling yall.....cruising is so fun if you are an active family like we are! I promise to send some tips this week and if you are interested but have questions you can message me and I will answer what I can. I even have a contact that can hook ya up! And no it is not me. It is my friend Brandon and I promise he will hook you up!
Hello, World!
Thinking of going on a trip soon? It is the end of the summer and you know what that means! Good deals on Swim Suits!
Start Spreading the News!
My triple threat and I are heading to the big apple! Follow along with us and to hear about what we are doing check out today’s post! This mama is very proud!
Oh my, Oh my! Today is the day! JP is off to great places! He is off and away!
JP, my mother in law, Ginger my childhood friend, and I will be heading to New York! JP has been invited into the 2018 High School Musical JR Choreography DVD shoot cast. YES my friends! He has been ask to be in the cast and Trey and I could not be more proud! The more I learn about this opportunity the more in awe I become. He will be working with choreographers from: iTheatrics, Broadway Junior, Disney Theatrical Group, Music Theatre International, Tams-Witmark Music Library, Samuel French, and The Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization! Pretty big deal for a 15 year old boy! A 15 year old boy who we literally through the help of his dance and choir teacher, just discovered his talent a year ago! If you do not know my back story on my beautiful and talented boy you can read about it here: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2017/11/12/my-triple-threat?rq=my%20triple%20threat
I cannot wait to share with you all about this amazing experience, but in the meantime I would love to ask you all for your prayers for a safe, successful, amazing trip, that will open up many doors for my beautiful boy, if it is God's will! I just know God has a plan for JP and the gifts he has given him and I cannot wait to see what that plan is! Until then I wrote a little diddy, using inspiration from a very popular song! Hope you enjoy it and the video I included of him! He is pretty easy to spot as he is the only boy on the stage and please excuse the quality-yours truly was the one recording it from my silly phone. :) Until next time! XO, Amy
Start spreading the news! We leave TODAY! JP is going to be a part of it, New York, New York!
With his converse shoes-he is longing to stray all around the heart of Broadway!
He is going to wake up in the city that doesn't sleep! He will be kind of his hill, top of my stack, and he will never want to come back!
His summertime blues, will finally melt away and he will be on his way to making a start of this and I promise you, I know he will try to stay, right there in old New York!
Hello, World!
Father's Day Lessons
It’s Father’s day! What are some things you have learned from the Dad’s in your life? I share of few lessons we have learned today! Take a look!
It's Father's Day! A day we celebrate our fathers contributions to our lives and thank them for all they do for us and our families. Did you know Father's Day was first celebrated by a girl by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd and she came up with the idea way back in 1909 when listening to a sermon at church about Mother's Day? Sonora sat there and listened to her pastor and thought, "I want to designate a day to my dad, William Jackson Smart, too!" You see, Sonora's father was a Civil War Veteran and a single parent who raised six children! Sonora recognized his contributions and wanted him to be celebrated as well as all fathers. So, June 19, 1910, at the YMCA in Spokane, Washington Father's Day was founded. How special is that?
The truth is though, Father's Day was not official until 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed it into law and made it an official holiday. Now Father's Day is celebrated every third Sunday in June and fathers get the day off and are celebrated and loved on all over the nation. This Father's Day I want to do just that and I am asking my boys and Trey to do the same. I have asked each boy what is the best memory or piece of advice their father has given them and I have to say I love their answers and I think you will too.
Let's start with the youngest Berry Boy! Graeme! When I asked Graeme what Trey has taught him he sat there for about two minutes which I really loved. It showed me he was putting serious thought into his answer and boy did he! He looked up at me and replied, "Dad has taught me how to cast a fishing rod REALLY good Mom! I am really good at fishing now because of that!" I giggled on the inside and said, "That is so special Graeme!" He nodded. I then asked him if there was anything he would like to say to his dad. He again sat there for a moment with the serious thought he gave me before and looked up at me and said, "Yes, I would like to tell Dad he is the BEST DAD and thank you for always fishing with me and teaching me how to play Monopoly. I would also like to tell him I love him all the way to Booger City!" So there you have Trey, your son loves you all the way to Booger City! I know you are so proud! Ha!
The boy NEVER quits!
I then had to text the other two as John Paul is on a trip with a friend and Will is on his mission trip. I asked them both the same question. Will was the first to reply and his favorite piece of advice from Trey is: "Berry's never quit." This advice dates all the way back to their preschool days when we would take the boys to school. Trey always said and still does by the way, "Berry's never what?" And the boys would and still do reply with a resounding, "QUIT!" I have to say I really do attribute this daily dose of never quit from their Dad to all of their success. We are so blessed by their can do attitudes and their work ethics. Both big boys that is. Graeme remains to be seen, but I pray daily he follows right along in their footsteps.Point is, I believe in my heart of hearts it is due to the tiny pep talk each morning Trey has given them and I so treasure that and all those memories and moments of "Berry's never quit."
Next I got my sweet JP's response and wow is all I can say! JP literally wrote back to my text the following: "Food is a necessity for life, but it consistently acts as a home and a place to talk, relax, and be together with your family. Going to get dinner or lunch with my dad, specifically at S&D Oyster Company, gave me something little but something I will never forget and something I will be eternally grateful for. I learned some of the most valuable life lessons and so much more more and it was so nice just to talk for an hour or two with my Dad." Oh my I love this kid! And I love that he appreciates these special simple moments with his Dad.
Family, food, and good times! Nourishment for the body and for the soul!
I asked Trey the same questions as I really wanted to see if some of this that the boys had to say about their father stemmed from the way Trey was raised and it is a resounding YES! Trey's best advice from his father is the following:
Forgive-that my friends is my favorite!
Keep your knees together-I will save this explanation for a future post! And trust me you will not want to miss it!
He said his father always told him and still does by the way how much he loves him and how proud he is and was of him-even when he screwed up!
And last but not least-Never quit! He said he learned the art of persistence from his dad! And there it is....the roll over came from my father in law! Thank you Grubba! It all really started with you and now my husband is carrying the tradition and my hopes and prayers are that my kids will too!
I kid you not....my father is LITERALLY preaching about the law of radiation and attraction in this photo!
When I think about these questions for my own father I can tell you the best advice my father ever gave me is very simple and it is kind of the meaning behind my blog when I really think about it. My father always told me, "Amy, life is all about the law of radiation and attraction! What you radiate you will get back." My dream and what I want to be remembered for is my love for all and that people see me radiate love. I learned this from my father. My first knight and shining armor, my first love, my first hero. My dad gave me my roots and my wings so I could fly and taught me to reach for the stars and follow my dreams and to do it with love. Thank you Dad! I love you so and I am so proud of the man you are and so proud to call you My Dad!
So this father's day if you are lucky enough to still have your Dad on this earth, take a moment, reflect on what is the best advice you have gotten from him, and thank him. Tell him what he has taught you and make sure to let him know you love him. After all we are all worthy of love!
Happy Father's Day Trey, Dad, Grubba, Chuck, Paul, Ralph, Tom, and all the Father's of this world!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
This is a great book to get for any parent! I am doing it with my dad and I so wish I had it when my mom was alive!
Happy Birthday to the Best Father in Law a Girl Could Ask For!
Happy Birthday to the best father in law a girl could ever ask for!
It is May 31 and it is my father in law's birthday! Happy Birthday Grubba!
We call him Grubba because his nickname was Bubba. Then he had his first grandbaby, Autumn, and she named him Grubba! Grandpa and Bubba all mixed up in one. Pretty cute if you ask me and oh so appropriate as he likes his Grub!
All about his Grub!
The man can cook! Oh man can he cook! I actually learned how to cook bacon and meatloaf thanks to my father in law. Meanest meatloaf you will ever taste! I posted about it a while back because it is that good! Link to that recipe is: https://worthyheart.com/blog/2018/4/22/grubbas-meatloaf He also loves to cook us "Grubba eggs". These eggs are amazing, but I always say they are a heart attack on a plate. He gets a ton of bacon grease really, really, really, hot in an iron skillet. Once it is piping hot he cracks an egg into the grease and watches it bubble and cook. These eggs are oh so good! But probably oh so bad for ya! I really don't care though because they are that good.
Grubba Guitar
Another thing my father in law can do is pick the guitar. Every time we have a family get together we do "Grubba Guitar". We all sit around singing songs and having a ball. Such an incredible family tradition. When Trey and I got engaged we started incorporating it into my side of the family's holidays and I kid you not, my nephews are bummed when "Grubba Guitar" is not there on Thanksgiving or Christmas. It truly is a tradition on both sides of our family now and a tradition all of us cherish.
This past Christmas was our first Christmas with my Mom in heaven and our second without her as she was in the hospital in 2016. I really believe in my heart "Grubba Guitar" is what helped us all enjoy the holidays with such a huge piece missing, my mom. For this I will always be grateful. Thank you Grubba!
Two Big Grubba Lessons
I have learned many things from my father in law over the years, but the two things I have really taken in are the importance of family and and the importance of faith. My father in law gets both. He loves us all so much and he loves time spent with his family. Not too much time though! He always says, "After three days, fish and company stinks" In other words don't out wear your welcome. I like that and I think it makes a ton of sense if you think about.
