♫It Was Your Grace♫

This is a great song!!! And at the moment it really means a lot to me.
The end of the 2009 and the start of 2010 some of you know I was going through something I had never gone through in my life before. Something that was very exciting! I was trusting my Heavenly Father... but not like how I should have been. And at the end of January... He took it away. February I must say I was kinda going through depression. I was not wanting to leave the house... or talk to anyone! BUT GOD! (I love that! haha) By His Grace... March rolled around... and I began to see this was His will being done... for my good! He thought me that even through something hard like what I was going through... I can praise Him in the storm! And I did! It was very hard at first I'm not going to lie. But man! God is good! I see now that He used this situation for me to draw closer to Him! And I have not felt this happy/joyful in years!
Recently, He has even brought it to my attention, that one week before the end of January, I was feeling very lost. I was not wanting to be at the church we were at... I still did not have a job... I still was unsure where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do in school... and unsure what God had for this situation I was in. I spent sometime in prayer that night... that God would make the choices I need to make clear... and asked that my time with this one thing not be wasted if it was not His plan. One week to that day... He took it away. And since then as well, we have found a new, wonderful church... I now know where I want to go/what I want to do in college... and I have a wonderful job that I love! I now remember that night, and the prayer I prayed! And it shows me, He is taking care of me! HE IS GOOD!
I love the part in the song where it says, "And You stripped me of everything I would depend on, so I'd depend on You". WOW! That is exactly what He did!!!! I am so amazed that He can take something so hard... and turn it into somethings that is so good!!! All I can say is, He is so good!!!! =)

♫It was Your grace that drew me to the cross

It was Your grace that gave me faith

It was Your grace that reconciled me to Yourself

Though I had sinned in every way

You disarmed me of everything that I would lean on

So I would lean on You

And You stripped me of everything I would depend on

So I’d depend on You

In You alone my strength is found

In You alone my hope abounds

In You alone my strength is found

My life is bound up in You

And in my weakness give me still more grace

Grace to cast myself on You

In every trial let me find Your peace and joy

And grace to humbly walk with You

O disarm me of everything that I would lean on

So I will lean on You

Jesus, strip me of everything I would depend on

So I’ll depend on You

Give me more grace

Give me more grace

And new mercies every morning

Give me new mercies

On the Sovereign Grace cd, Valley of Vision
Written by Mark Altrogge

April update... well, the end of April update! haha =)

Hey friends,
Here is another update. I'm trying to stay more on top of it. When I started it back in February 2009, I said I was going to try to update once a week. Well... two things... some weeks I had nothing to update on, life was the same... and it was a little much trying to update every week. So now I am going to try to update the first week of every month about the previous month. I'm hoping this will work better! haha

Ok, well since I just updated two weeks ago... this one is going to be a little short.
But since then... nothing has really happened. Kelsey and I house-sat again for some friends of ours. We had great sister time! We... well I should say I... watched a lot of basketball, since it's the Playoffs. =) Kel loves to play... but does not like to watch it on TV. SHAME ON HER! jk So some nights I had to suffer and watch movies instead of the Lakers game... but it was ok. Thanks to Mark... he texted me the scores! haha =) During one of the Lakers games... it was the 4th quarter and Lakers were up, they decide to put Luke Walton in. He had not been in the whole game, and was in for maybe 10 seconds... and fouls another player! Well, as the other player was going up for 2 foul shots, Walton gets a technical. Kel and I thought it was so funny! We said that we could play NBA basketball better than that! Then... minutes after this, a player from the other team was about to go up for a shot under the basket... and Walton (at the top of the key) runs hard at the guy, the dude ducks, and Walton does this tumble over the other player and hits the ground on his side. Kelsey and I were about to pee our pants we were laughing so hard! And thanks to DVR we kept rewinding the wacko move and playing it in slow motion. We even tried to see what he was trying to do... and we could not come up with anything. Did not look like a block... looked more like Walton was playing football on a basketball court. haha If the other player did not duck, Walton would have tackled him! I love the Lakers... but ever since Walton's rookie year... I have not liked him!
During that time, we also got to go shopping with Sarah and Rachel at the mall. We had so much fun!!! Then eat at Panera Bread. I wish they had more than just one here in P'cola!
Kel and I also go to play basketball with some new friends, Mark and Sean. We had a blast! We meet at an outside court... and the first game it was Mark and myself vs. Kelsey and Sean. We won! =) Then it was girls vs. guys the rest of the time. I am proud to say that we beat them the first game... but they both say it was because they were going easy on us. Ha! ;)Kel and I were both making all our shots they just weren't blocking them! ;) haha The games after that they did beat us. Seeing how Mark figured how to block ALL my shots (which was not very hard for him haha) and he kept dunking over me. Glad Kel was making all her shots... since I was clearly unable to make any!!! =) We are hoping to play a lot more games!!! Sooooo glad we found people to play with!!! Basketball is just not very big here.
April 26th came, and Diego Alexander celebrated his 5th birthday! Dragon-style! haha (It was a "How to Train Your Dragon" party.)
And on April 27th, the metal things that were stuck on my teeth for almost 3 and a half years were taken off!!! =) Yes! My braces were removed!!! I am so happy!!! I am still needing work done... like my peg needs to be bonded and I need an implant. I'm a little short on the moola... but God will provide! He has been so faithful to me the past 2 months... it's been amazing!

Also in the last 2 weeks, God has really been speaking to me! It's crazy the different ways He does speak to us... for me most of the time, it's through my iPod. haha I guess because I have it on all the time! I love my music! ;)
But He does not just do it through one song... it's through many! And all about the same thing! I shared in my last update that He was showing me that even when I am in the middle of a storm... I can still praise Him! Like in Matt Redman's song "Blessed Be Your Name"... the bridge says "You give and take away. My heart will chose to say, Lord blessed be Your name"! I love that!
The last 2 weeks though, He has been showing me that it is ONLY by Him I am saved. It wasn't me!
Here are some songs that I have been listening to...
♫"You Alone Can Rescue" By Matt Redman
♫"It Was Your Grace" By Sovereign Grace Music

The part I love in It Was Your Grace is the first verse... "It was Your grace that drew me to the cross. It was Your grace that gave me faith. It was Your grace that reconciled me to Yourself. Though I had sinned in every way. You disarmed me of everything that I would lean on. So I would lean on You. And You stripped me of everything I would depend on. So I’d depend on You."
So many times has He disarmed me of things I was leaning on... and I wish I would have known it was Him trying to get my attention.... But He does things in His timing! He is good!!!

Oh! And Andrea only has 21 more days till her due date!!! Hurry, Sabrina! Hurry! haha

Ok, that's my update for April. haha
Hope you enjoyed reading! Please comment! I love reading yall's comments!!!
=)Brittany

Wow! Long time no see... well more like update

Hey friends,

Sorry I have not been updating like I said I would! It's been a while. Life is so crazy!!!

Hello 2010!

Let's see... what has happened?

Well starting off... on January 8th, Michael Phelps died. When I went to flush him... and when I dropped him in, it sounded like a rock dropped in a pool. IT WAS SO FUNNY!!! haha And on January 20th, Peyton Manning was bought. I love his colors... he is a aqua blue with red.

In January, I went with my aunt Andrea to her first ultrasound... and it's a GIRL!!! I screamed in the doctors office. I was so happy! =) This is her 8th month... so one more month left!!! Hoping May comes fast! =)

Also in January I applied for a few Home Depots, Target (again), CVS and Publix in Orange Beach. I was not offered any. I must say... I was glad Home Depot never called... because a friend of mine and my brother kept making fun of me... saying that because I was so short, people would not see me and run me over with their carts. Haha James and Josh! ;)

But the beginning of February I started to nanny a friend of ours baby 3 days a week. I am loving it!!! And I am almost at the point where I can quote all of Green Eggs and Ham!!! haha

As some of you might know... my Colts went to the Super Bowl... but lost. =( I was not happy! Plus, it was not good being at my grandparents house (they are from Louisiana... and BIG LSU and Saint fans). Mom was rooting for the Saints as well, since she is from there. And by the end of the game... my own father was rooting for the Saints. All I have to say now... COLTS WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR! ;)

Liliana had her 3rd birthday in February... and my mom and dad had their 20th wedding anniversary! Kel and I also house-sat for my aunt and uncle in February. First time we have ever stayed somewhere over night by ourselves. I had so much fun with my lil sis! We also were able to use their car... and went to go see Dear John with some friends! That was a great week!

First day of March rolled around and my grandmother took me to get my hair cut. Well... I finally did the style I have wanted to do for sometime! Kate Gosselin's! In my opinion... I look a lot older, a little bit more my age!!! =) Some people still think I look younger. haha

March 15th, my cat Snuggs, turned the big 10! =( Izzie also ran away. Kel was not that upset... since she was at the point already of finding him a home. Since Snuggs is the only cat now, he thinks he is king! (And we have not had one cat since we first got Sassy in 1998.) So, now we are down to two dogs, 1 cat and 1 fish. And to think, a year and a half ago... we had over 20 chickens, 3 cats, 2 dogs and 1 fish! Crazyness!

Also in March, we started to meet with a neat group of people about a church plant... and they are hoping to be adopted by Sovereign Grace Ministries. It was so neat... the first night we went (March 7th), I knew this was where God wanted us to be! Isn't He good?! =) Weeks later, we made the decision to join their group. And how neat... for years, I have had it on my heart to be apart of a church plant... and here I am!

God has really been working in my life! It's been amazing! The past few months I have had a hard time with a few things... and He was right there! Not having my friends hear to talk too... I have had to turn to my mom. She has really been helpful!!! Within the past few months, God has brought it to my attention that I don't praise Him when life gets hard... I fall away. But there are 3 songs that I just put on repeat on my iPod... and listened to them over, and over, and over again!

- "Blessed Be Your Name" by Matt Redman

- "As Long As You Are Glorified" by Sovereign Grace Music

- "Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns

They are all worth checking out!

He does give... but He also takes away. Like when He took basketball away from me... I wasn't able to play in college. Or when we moved here... He took Virginia from me. And a few other things... I wasn't putting all my trust in Him! But really at the start of the year, I have been learning... when He does give... and when He does take away (which He does!) we need to choose to say, "Lord blessed be Your name"! Because, isn't our heavenly Father wonderful?! He does these things for my good! That is such a comforting thought!!! ~Jeremiah 29:11~

April came... and on April 4th... Easter... we had our church service on the beach. And wow! That was so cool! A really neat experience! And 2am on the 4th, was one year since we pulled into the Keene's driveway from VA. =( Man, do I miss you guys up there!!! And I am not just saying that!!! I really do miss yall. That week we also had Matt Jones with us. That was really good for Josh! It had been one year and a day since Josh last saw Matt. But the whole time he was here... they were in J-bo's room. So it felt like he wasn't here! haha

Well, that is all I can think for an update... sorry it's long! Hope you enjoyed it!!!

Miss ya guys in VA! Hope to see ya guys this summer!!! <3

=)Brittany

Michael Phelps... MY FISH! Not the swimmer!!!

Hello everyone!
Hope all is well! So this is good, last post was a week ago!!! =)

Ok, well nothing is really going on in the Fernandez household... but one thing. I think Michael Phelps is dying. That is my fish... not the swimmer. HAHA. Well, it all started yesterday... really I noticed it yesterday. But he is not swimming at all or eating, instead just floating on the surface. And he is still alive, because his fins are still moving back and forth.
Today I cleaned out his bowl, because normally he does that, and I clean it out... and he just swims... without stopping... for hours (happy fish =) ). Today... another story, as you read above. Someone told me, he might be cold... but I'm not sure.

Short story... concerning the "HAHA" after I said "my fish... not the swimmer". So my Betta fish, (as you know... is named Michael Phelps) is acting really weird (as you know). Told my mom... and when I told my dad, I said... NOT THINKING, "Dad, Michael Phlelps might be dying... He is not eating, and he is just lying on the surface of the water." And he replied, "Why doesn't he just get out of the water!!!" He thought I was talking about the REAL Michael Phelps!!! HAHA. It was great! I still cannot stop laughing ever time I think about it!!!

But if I do have to end up getting another Betta... I am naming him Peyton Manning. =) I'm already planning ahead!

I will post when something changes!

Thanks for reading!

Love you all... and miss you very much!

=)Brittany

Sports News

This past weekend was filled with mixed feelings. Sad, on Saturday... and very happy on Sunday.

Florida Gators played Alabama for the SEC Championship. Going in with a 12-0 record, they lost... 13-32. What a sad game! Both Offense and defense did not come to play, and did not play as the Florida Gators. During the 3rd quarter, Tebow (QB - Sr.)... and if you don't know who he is, Tim Tebow was homeschooled and is a very strong Christian! <3...>

The hardest part of it all, was when Tebow started to cry at the end. For one, he tried his best to get is team to play... but they just did not do it, as well as being his last game with Florida, or even forever. =( sniff sniff... But what a leader!!! But I personally know what that feeling is like... being so wrapped up in basketball. It's very hard!

Now on Sunday was a different story!!! =) The Colts.... well...

WON ONCE AGAIN!!!!!

They played the Tennessee Titans, and the score was 27 - 17. Titans scoring with just a few seconds left on the clock... and like the Gators... it was to late. Giving my wonderful Colts a 12-0 record. =) So I am still wearing those earing every day!!!!

Talk is going around that my Indianapolis Colts (12-0) will be going to the Super Bowl in 2010 (man that is weird to say!) against the New Orleans Saints (12-0). What do you think? Would love to see what your vote is... so vote on the poll I have posted on the side of my blog... Colts? or Saints?

=)Brittany

DECEMBER!

Dude!!! Can you believe it's December already? My little bro will be 15 in 8 days! Crazy!

Sorry (once again), that I have not updated my blog.

So what has happened since the last post...

We finally got a van, after weeks of trying to get our money from the insurance company, we got a 2005 Town and Country, with Stow and Go seating ... and we love it! It's a very pretty navy blue. =) My favorite color!

Andrea's due date is May 23rd. Gwyneth's birthday. She is hoping to find out what it is this month... so I will keep you updated.

No job for me... I'm working on it though! People are just not hiring young adults like me at the moment.

On November 24th, my great grandpa passed away. So we went to Louisiana (were most of my mom's family lives) for the week of Thanksgiving. It was sad, but also good to see everyone who I have not seen in years. We got back home on Thursday night.

COLTS! Colts are doing GREAT!!!! 11-0 so far! I am a very happy fan! Plus, my dad might be taking our fam to the Colts / Jags game on December 17th. It's going to be our Christmas present... WHAT A PRESENT! I'll get to see Peyton Manning! haha... Far away... but I will see him in real life with my two eyes, and not on a TV screen.

The weather.... Oh, the weather. Very different than VA weather! Taking some time to get use too. But it's good. It's been round 70 degrees during the day, and around the 40's at night. Not wearing the coats I would have been wearing up there. But it's good!

Nothing else is really going on.... We are doing great! God is at work here in P'cola! But I will have to do another post about that soon! Isn't He good?!

So sorry, once again! I really need to be on top of this... with all the free time I have.

Hope all is well. And I hope your all having a great start to December!

Love you all,

=)Brittany

What's New...

Hey Friends,

Happy October! My birthday is in 14 days.... Just thought I would let you know =)

Well, Some bad and good news. I will give you the bad news first, then top it off with some good!

So the bad news... On Friday around 6pm, Mom, Kel, Josh and myself were all heading over to our friends house (the Kincaid's). And when my mom came up to a stop light, we were rear-ended. Hit by one dude first, and the guy behind hit him, making the first dude hit us once again. No one was hurt!!!! Praise God! But it was pretty bad! The dude behind us was going pretty fast when he hit us. After awhile of being on the side of the road, my dad came to be with us. It was a really hard time! I was feeling really dizzy/faint like... so I stayed in the car most of the time. I was checked by the firemen and then again by the paramedics. And since I am 18, I had to sign a form saying I did not want to go to the hospital. (Oh, by-the-way, not sure who my little brother told, but I do not have a crush on the fireman, I just said he was cute! Big difference! haha)
After my grandpa was doing working, he meet up with us as well. We finally left around 8:30 0r so. My grandpa (with Josh) driving my dad's work van, my dad (with Kelsey) driving the Expedition, and me driving my grandpa's SUV. So mom rode with me... making me a little nerves... having her teach me how to drive all over again, even though I have my license. haha During the weekend, Mom, Kel and I all were sore, and I had whip-lash for a few days. Josh was fine! Lucky!
And the latest is, the Expedition was checked out yesterday (Wednesday), and it is totaled. Which we knew already.

Now time for the good news, which is a few things. First, my aunt Andrea (my mom's youngest sister) is going to have another baby!!! We are all very excited! This will be her and my uncle Hugo's (oo'go) third (Diego 4, Lili 2). She is expecting it to be dude in May. So when the baby is born, my grandparents will have 8 grand-kids all living in Pensacola.
{Oldest to youngest - the age we will be when the baby is born - DOB - Dad and Mom. }
*Just for fun... and for you to get to know my cousins =)*
Me - 19 - Oct 15, '90 - Shane & Vanessa
Kelsey - 17 - Aug 5, '92 - Shane & Vanessa
Josh - 15 - Dec 12, '94 - Shane & Vanessa
Olivia - 7 - Jul 3, '02 - Ross & Stacy
Diego - 5 - Apr 26, '05 - Hugo & Andrea
Gwen - 4 - May 23, '05 - Ross & Stacy
Liliana - 3 - Feb 20, '07 - Hugo & Andra
? - May 2010 - Hugo & Andrea
{My mom is the oldest of the 4 Brown girls - Mom, Stacy, Jessica, and Andrea}

The second good news, is that my dad and a friend of his might be going up to VA this weekend to get our stuff. We are trying not to get our hopes up, but we are praying! =)

Here are somethings prayer request... feel free to pray for only one thing! But please keep us in your prayers!

• Since the car accident, we don't have a car anymore, that was our only one. Please pray that God will provide us with a mini van or another Expedition.
• I am still searching for a job. Nothing around here is working out. I did apply for Target again, got an email saying they are not hiring right now. Gave a vet my resume, called a few days later like they said, and told me that they had not spoken to the Doctor yet, but would set up an interview is something was opened. Have not heard from them yet. And I also handed out a few more resumes to other places.
  
• Please pray for my dad who will prob/most likely will be making a trip up to Virginia, pray for safety/and a speedy return/ and that the truck will not break down or anything like it did the last time we moved from FL to VA 12 years ago!

Love you guys! And hope yall are all doing well!!!
=)Brittany

The New House!

Hey Friends,
Thought I would share with you pictures of our new house. We really enjoy it, but really wish we had our own stuff (which is still in VA). We are borrowing what ever we need from family... but it does not quite feel like home... does not have my mom's touch, which is amazing. :(
When we get our stuff, I will post new pictures... but I just wanted to show you what we are living like at this moment.
Not sure if I mentioned this in the last post, but we call this house our "dream" house. Every thing any of us have ever wanted in a house... this ones got! For instants, my mom has always wanted a bar in the kitchen... this one has it. We always have wanted a paved drive way... this ones got it. Kel and me always wanted our own rooms... this one has 4 bedrooms. I always like a fireplace with "seating"... this one has it. I could name lots more... but I won't waste your time. =)

The front of our "Dream House"

Now, just click on this link and view the other photos... or go onto my Facebook, and go to my albums. Enjoy!

Hope yall had a great weekend!
Love,
=)Brittany

OH WAIT!

And did I mention we live 5... yes I said 5... minutes from the BEACH! BOOYA!
Yall come and see us!
<3

SUP?

Hey Yall!
So sorry I have not been updating my blog! Life is crazy!!!! Totally a new life!!!

Well... I will give you an update of my life in a nut shell.....

Traveled 15 hours in a Ford Expedition with 5 grow people, 2 golden retrievers, 2 cats, and a Betta fish. When we got here, 3 in the morning on April 4th, we lived with my aunt Stacy and uncle Ross. Started babysitting the girls (Olivia & Gweneth) while they were at work. Dad got licensed as a Pastor. Saw 17 Again. Celebrated Diego's 4th birthday. My grandpa had a heart attack, that was followed by surgery. Babysat both sets of cousins tons during that time. Played soccer on the co-ed team at our church. Not sure our record. Loved and hated it. Celebrated Gweneth's 4th birthday. Missed graduation because of everything that went on with my grandpa. Watched basketball..... rooted for the Lakers, and they won! One month after my grandpa had his heart attack, my grandma had to go in for heart surgery. Babysat tons during then as well. Swam in the pool....... a LOT. Babysat some more. Saw Terminator Salvation with my dad. Moved out of my aunt and uncle's house at the end of June with nothing much to live with in our new house. Got my own room once again! WOO HOO! Celebrated Olivia's 7th birthday. My aunt Andrea took her kids out of day care, and we babysit them now during the week while she and my uncle Hugo (pronounced oo-go, not hu-go) work. Celebrated 3 more birthdays. Saw childhood friends that we have not seen for 6 years. Celebrated Kel's 17th birthday. Went to the beach. Applied for Target, had an interview, and did not get the job. Got my Florida license! Got my hair highlighted the "fake" way. Looks great! Thanks Nana!

Now, we have been in our house for 2 months, and our stuff is still up in VA. We are borrowing stuff from fam that we are in need of, and God has provided stuff like a washer and dryer. Please pray that we will be able to get our stuff soon!!!! Really soon!
As for a job, Target and the Law office did not go through. But the church is considering hiring me full time. I have been volunteering there some... and its gone well. Please keep me in your prayers! That if this does not work... something else will come up! God has a plan for me, I know it!!!!!
FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!!!!! The Colts have started their pre-season... and have not really done all that great! Hoping the regular season starts out better!!!!! Fingers crossed!

Sorry it has taken so long to post something! I am going to try to stay on top of it now that life is slowing down! And, I hope to post pictures of the new house... aka our Dream House.... really soon! My camera broke, and mom's is not all that great... but I sent mine in for repair since I still had warranty... and it should be here, in my hands on Thursday!

Hope yall are doing good! Comment if ya want! :)
Love and miss you all... and I'm so, so, so, so, so sorry it took so long for me to post!
=)Brittany