To the First of Many..

Ok so this is my OFFICIAL first blog post. I have recently found my self in a new page in my life (Which I will explain soon enough) and I wanted to share that journey with you.

Have to give a shout out to 2 friends who have scolded me on putting my words on paper-aka the web- yea yea you're right (Heather Brannen and Ashley Sheppard, these two are doing big things, chk 'em out on etsy.com).

I'm a simple girl. I have an amazing husband-Gabriel-who I still consider my boyfriend, and my rock. I am blessed to have loyal family and friends. And of course, my unwavering faith in Christ. I'm a wife to a Youth Pastor and the daughter of Senior Pastors. I'm a tad of what u may call a shopaholic. Thrifting is a growing skill and I get excited about sales and finding amazing bargains. I love helping people put outfits together (when they let me), I love my instagram, and I love cuddling on the weekends at home. I used to cook and bake as a profession, now I'm.. Well.. Still figuring things out. Lol I live in South Florida and my second home is Buffalo, NY (where Gaby's from).

Soooo that's the short version of my life at this point. I have a lot to say and share of each detail, but it's time will come. Can't wait to show you what's stirred up my new found blogging life. Hopefully you find me a tad interesting, if not, well whatever =] Until next time!

Oh, just some pix of me and them!..

[Pastor's] Little Girl

          Some people know me simply as Amanda, maybe as Gaby's wife. During my childhood many just saw me as "Pastor's little girl". I'm the daughter of Pastor Alberto and Aleida Santiago. Growing up, I thought I lived a pain-free, ordinary life; nothing special. Not knowing that God had something up His sleeve. Preserving me for greatness. I was envious of other kids who didn't feel they lived in what I considered to be "a fish bowl." Always being watched and compared to by others. I remember certain nights of my childhood sleeping in my dad's office during a long weeknight service, or watching church members' toddler as my parents counseled them. Not knowing that a legacy was unfolding before me, soon to be lived by my children I have yet to meet.

        I took lightly the front row seat I had to my future. I thought my mother's advice or my father's stories were things parents just do, until I realized the calling in my life. A young girl who had stage fright and never had much to say, called to be a Pastor's wife? Impossible. But with God, the Potter, all things are possible. I definitely knew how Esther felt. Thinking too little of herself to be "called for such a time as this." 'Til this day, I thank God for my parents for seeing the woman in me before anyone, even myself, could see. God has shifted my thought process, my self esteem, and my heart. All He needed was a willing vessel. God has a plan for every man, woman, and child. He doesn't care what your past looks like or how many long words you may know, all He's looking for is a "YES."

These were just a few sentences of who I am. I hope you have enjoyed! Until next time......