* I know I said I would be posting each chapter at the end of each month, but God has already put so much on my heart. So for chapter one there will be a part one & part two. Hope you enjoy!*
Fresh Start January
Passion & The Voice of God:
This month has already opened my eyes and heart a tremendous amount. God has certainly been showing me new things and reminding me of things I already have known for a long time. There is one big difference in those reminders of the old though, and that is the fact that God has the power to make everything new. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ~Revelation 21:5. Yes God has the power to make the broken new again. I never realized how broken I really was until recently. Of course I love God with all my heart, mind, and soul, and I’m not broken in a way many people would think. Some are broken from horrible circumstances, some are broken from addictions, and some are broken from health conditions. In my case, I found myself broken from the routine of everyday life. Like many, I was so caught up in my other duties (which still happens); I forgot my biggest duty of all, which is what I was made to do in the first place, the wonderful duty of being a servant of Christ. Never has anything been more clear to me, God’s voice was speaking to me. This is not a place for me, me, me, this world is God’s and his plan for us is more then we can fathom.
So many people (including me) struggle with wondering what God’s plan for us is, and I think this is the best conclusion to come to. God made us to BE HIS SERVANT and Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we could TRULY LIVE, so we should do both those things. It is also important to remember that you don’t have to do some huge mission, but every small thing is just as great. Make EVERYDAY a mission and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. We will never know the specific plan for us until he shows us in his time, but everything we need to know is in God’s beautiful word. I believe this is a big part of why I am broken, I don’t make near as much time for the Lord as I should. This is a constant battle for me. It is not that I don’t want to; it’s that instance of “talk the talk (to myself), but not walking the walk.” How horrible is that! It makes me so thankful there is no condemnation in Christ. We are all human, and we will fall short over and over again, but who’s to say we have to be broken because of it?! The devil??
I had an epiphany, God wants us to learn from our shortcomings and take what we learn from him and share it. We all have our life stories and I see that my failures have made me who I am. I have grown stronger because of them, but I will not let my failures define me! Instead I want GOD to be the one who defines me. He is what I live for. I have been reading my bible more, and he has been teaching me so much. I no longer want to feel broken; instead I want to represent God’s love. What does this mean? It means that I no longer will I let the past suck me into self pity, but instead I will share how the past has made my relationship with Christ even stronger, it means that I will try with all that is in me to not let the little things ruin my day, it means that I will try to be brave, and take on the opportunities God brings my way. My life right now is much like that song by Josh Wilson, called I Refuse.
Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong
But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God
So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well
I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
I refuse
I refuse
One old reminder and feeling that I am so thankful God has brought my way again, is PASSION. This time, I’m ready to put this passion to ACTION. Not just say, but DO. I’m looking forward to what God has in store. I don’t want to give the illusion that this action is going to work out perfectly, because I know WITHOUT A DOUBT that I WILL fall, and it is so amazing to know that my savior will be there to pick me back up again. But like I said before, this is not about me; this is about living life to the fullest selflessly and sharing the LOVE AND VOICE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR AND KING. I will have to trust God with all that I am, and I’m going to need all the prayer I can get, but again like the song says
I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I REFUSE!
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love.
* I know I said I would be posting each chapter at the end of each month, but God has already put so much on my heart. So for chapter one there will be a part one & part two. Hope you enjoy!*
Fresh Start January
Passion & The Voice of God:
This month has already opened my eyes and heart a tremendous amount. God has certainly been showing me new things and reminding me of things I already have known for a long time. There is one big difference in those reminders of the old though, and that is the fact that God has the power to make everything new. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ~Revelation 21:5. Yes God has the power to make the broken new again. I never realized how broken I really was until recently. Of course I love God with all my heart, mind, and soul, and I’m not broken in a way many people would think. Some are broken from horrible circumstances, some are broken from addictions, and some are broken from health conditions. In my case, I found myself broken from the routine of everyday life. Like many, I was so caught up in my other duties (which still happens); I forgot my biggest duty of all, which is what I was made to do in the first place, the wonderful duty of being a servant of Christ. Never has anything been more clear to me, God’s voice was speaking to me. This is not a place for me, me, me, this world is God’s and his plan for us is more then we can fathom.
So many people (including me) struggle with wondering what God’s plan for us is, and I think this is the best conclusion to come to. God made us to BE HIS SERVANT and Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we could TRULY LIVE, so we should do both those things. It is also important to remember that you don’t have to do some huge mission, but every small thing is just as great. Make EVERYDAY a mission and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. We will never know the specific plan for us until he shows us in his time, but everything we need to know is in God’s beautiful word. I believe this is a big part of why I am broken, I don’t make near as much time for the Lord as I should. This is a constant battle for me. It is not that I don’t want to; it’s that instance of “talk the talk (to myself), but not walking the walk.” How horrible is that! It makes me so thankful there is no condemnation in Christ. We are all human, and we will fall short over and over again, but who’s to say we have to be broken because of it?! The devil??
I had an epiphany, God wants us to learn from our shortcomings and take what we learn from him and share it. We all have our life stories and I see that my failures have made me who I am. I have grown stronger because of them, but I will not let my failures define me! Instead I want GOD to be the one who defines me. He is what I live for. I have been reading my bible more, and he has been teaching me so much. I no longer want to feel broken; instead I want to represent God’s love. What does this mean? It means that I no longer will I let the past suck me into self pity, but instead I will share how the past has made my relationship with Christ even stronger, it means that I will try with all that is in me to not let the little things ruin my day, it means that I will try to be brave, and take on the opportunities God brings my way. My life right now is much like that song by Josh Wilson, called I Refuse.
Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not
This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong
But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God
So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well
I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse
I refuse
I refuse
One old reminder and feeling that I am so thankful God has brought my way again, is PASSION. This time, I’m ready to put this passion to ACTION. Not just say, but DO. I’m looking forward to what God has in store. I don’t want to give the illusion that this action is going to work out perfectly, because I know WITHOUT A DOUBT that I WILL fall, and it is so amazing to know that my savior will be there to pick me back up again. But like I said before, this is not about me; this is about living life to the fullest selflessly and sharing the LOVE AND VOICE OF OUR BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR AND KING. I will have to trust God with all that I am, and I’m going to need all the prayer I can get, but again like the song says
I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse
To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I REFUSE!
For You I sing I dance
Rejoice in this divine romance
Lift my heart and my hands
To show my love, to show my love.
~Until next month, love Manda
LOVE.
About me
Hello blog world, my name is Amanda and I love this beautiful life I have been blessed with! Here are a few things about me...
1. I love Jesus with all that I am! I will forever seek him and be his servant.
2. I got married to the man of my dreams at the age of 21.
3. I hope to have 3 children of my own & adopt 2.
4. One of my dreams is to travel the world. I have been to Louisiana,Seattle,Maui Hawaii,Oahu Hawaii, and many different parts of California and Mexico. Italy, and Greece will be our next stop!
Some other places that are on my top list are Ireland & Jerusalem.
5. Along with traveling, I dream of opening up a Christian camp someday. Where kiddos from all over can have fun and learn about Jesus.
6. I love photography, all sorts of music & movies, home decor, the beach, vintage themes,camping, the outdoors, and almost everything that has to do with summer!
7. I adore children and I have my bachelors degree in teaching (& my concentration is in English). I have my teaching credential and I'm so excited to see what God does with that in the future.
8. I am always up for randomness and adventures.
9. Country living is the life for me. Horses, beautiful sunrises & sunsets, lots of land to play, and extremely peaceful.
10. Skydiving is quite the rush, I loved It!
"OUR LOVE STORY"
JULY 10,2010
It sounds so lovey dovey, but it is a story that must be told because ladies & gents...
TRUE LOVE IS POSSIBLE!
Jared and I knew of each other through church and friends. We never talked, just saw one another at youth group a few times. Six months prior, I had been dumped by my first boyfriend. I had decided that boys were heart-breakers
and I was a loooong ways from getting married and finding the right guy. So I made the commitment to focus on God and school. During those six months God taught me so many things and I learned so much about myself.
Then one day, Jared (my husband) and one of our youth leaders decided to invite people to go skydiving with them. With skydiving being on my "life to do list" I jumped at the opportunity. He got the message out to all his friends, but no one else ended up going. It was just us three.
Crazy I know, but we were both excited to jump out of a plane! The day came, and we both were a little nervous. I began to think, "these two boys just might be the last two people I see alive" (i know,dramatic thought! lol). It was such an amazing experience
to be floating in the air. The drop was a huge rush, but then became very peaceful. After skydiving together, Jared and I just seemed to click. We had a ton of things in common, so he surly didn't waste anytime...he asked me to go on a date with him later that day.
He picked me up in a flashy red corvette, and took me to Tahoe Joes and to play some pool. He was so cute, and planned the entire thing. Everything was a surprise, and the last surprise was super romantic. He took me to knights ferry to star gaze...and yep...
there is where we shared our first kiss (Oh and I am DEFIANTLY not the type to kiss on the first date). I waited till I was 18 to even have my first boyfriend.
I could tell though that Jared was QUITE THE GUY, I could talk to him about ANYTHING and the way he talked about his relationship with God made my heart MELT. On the ride home from knights ferry he asked me to be his girlfriend. I
considered myself not ready to start a relationship just yet, so I told him I had to think about it. (He still jokes about it today that that was the longest drive home he ever had.) It wasn't awkward at all though because I explained to him
why. I prayed in my head about it the whole ride home, I was very hesitate to open my heart back up again to a boy that I barley knew. At the end of the drive I came to the conclusion that I should give him a shot, and get to know him more through our boyfriend
/girlfriend relationship. So after much back and forth thought, I said YES to being his girlfriend that night. It just so happened to be the best decision I have ever made; and I will forever remember that huge smile that lit up his face after I said yes.
We dated for 3 and a half years before we got married, but only because of my parents. We knew right away that we were meant to be husband and wife, but I knew my STRICT parents would never give us their blessing till I was done with all my schooling.
So we prayed LONG and HARD for what GOD wanted for us, and his timing was PERFECT! My parents didn't like God's timing because I was still in college,and it took them A VERY LONG time to come around (the ENTIRE 10 months).
BUT Jared proposed to me on a hike while watching the beautiful sunset and scenery, and so then... the wedding plans began! We got married ten months later in our beautiful small town church, and I couldn't be any happier! Jared shows me what it is like to love
like Jesus everyday.
GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD, and his timing is EVERYTHING! He certainly knows what he is doing!
Beautiful.
"Lord I am thirsty for more of you..."
1 Corinthians 13
PASSAGE: 1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
REFLECTION: I have chosen this passage to start off with because it one of my favorites. I love it so much that I even have "1 Corinthians 13" tatted on my foot! (My first and last tattoo). The reason I love this one a whole lot is because I see the world so
full of hate, hurt, and sin. It sounds cliche, but LOVE really is the cure for it all. If everyone loved the way God describes love here, this world would be a much better place! I know that following this love is no easy task, and I am certainly not perfect! This is the reason I decided to get the tattoo. It is
a beautiful reminder to me everyday...to not be proud or boast,to put others before myself, to be patient and to demonstrate this love to my husband every chance I get. It teaches to not hold grudges "it keeps no record of wrongs", it also teaches to not fall into the lies and evil of the world, but instead, love "rejoices in the truth".
It reminds me to trust God with everything because he is the truth and the way, and his love for us is more than I can fathom!It goes to show that we can have everything else, but If we don't have LOVE, then we have NOTHING.
My prayer is that everyone strives to love this way! SPREAD THE LOVE... IT'S CONTAGIOUS! :]
1 Peter 1:13-21
PASSAGE: 13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
REFLECTION: With crazy schedules, world materials, and so many distractions, it is so easy to forget what God did for us. He sent his only son Jesus to die on the cross for OUR sins. I can't stress enough how thankful I am for his ultimate sacrifice. I
was able to take communion yesterday at church,and every time I do so, the image of Jesus dying on the cross really hits me. But I think that it is important to not only remember when we take communion, but to remember this sacrifice every second. This passage is a great reminder of this as well. I am fully guilty of
worrying about things when I shouldn't. I know that God has his plan and I know that if I follow and trust him completely everything will work out the way it is suppose to. We are human, so of course worrying is in our nature, but God is always there to remind us
that he has bigger plans. The bible says no one knows the hour or day of his coming, so we should ALWAYS be ready for him. He is a just and fair God who knows what is best for us. So my prayer is that everyone remembers this ultimate sacrifice constantly, and takes
the time to build their relationship with God. This world and all the worldly things is no comparison to what Heaven will be like. So when it seems like your world is crashing down or everything is going wrong, remember God has better things ahead for us. “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ’God is a consuming fire.’” Hebrews 12:29-29
Luke 18:1-10
PASSAGE: 1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2 He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.
3 And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ 4 “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,
5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones,
who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
REFLECTION: God teaches a lot with this passage. In church we talked about how it teaches patience, to not give up, and to be bold in prayer. Prayer is such an important part of life, it is conversation with God. As I get to know God more, I realize how much
I need to talk with him daily. God tells this parable to encourage his disciples to pray and not give up. Our prayers don't always get answered right away, and I believe that is how God teaches patience. Prayer should not only be about asking, but also about having a thankful heart.
When I was living with my parents It was so hard for me to wait. I would pray that God would give me more freedom and bring me closer to my parents. It took years and years, but he answered my prayers. It took awhile for me to come to this conclusion, but what got me through all my tough times,
was having that thankful heart. I would thank God that I had a warm bed at night, and think to myself how worse off I could of have been. But God's mercy and grace saves me. I know during tough times and horrible circumstances, we can tend to give up and be mad at God
for putting us through trials, but everything happens for a reason..and prayer is a powerful thing!!! If we truly believe and hope in him, our hearts will mend,
we are forgiven, and we will feel his love surround us. I know that as a human being, I will never be worthy of his beautiful love, but he loves me anyways. This concept is so amazing to me because no matter how many times I fail of fall short, I know that
he will never leave my side. Knowing that my father loves me so much, makes me what to do all that I can for him. I know it is hard to wait, but keep those prayers going! THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR MERCY AND GRACE!
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