My brain's tired so you're just getting pics tonight. Of our new baby chicks! :)
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Thursday, July 14, 2011
so cute :)
Had to get a post in quick. I know this is late but couldn't miss a day!! (ok, I know, its already tomorrow, but oh well. I tried.)
My brain's tired so you're just getting pics tonight. Of our new baby chicks! :)
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
My brain's tired so you're just getting pics tonight. Of our new baby chicks! :)
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Just agree....
A recent situation involving people I love dearly has prompted me to spill the thoughts of my heart. And that's what this blog is for. So please, understand that as I write, I'm just opening my heart up to you.
Its so hard to grow up. Especially when I don't understand why I'm expected to such and such or why something is wrong when I think its fine. Its the hardest thing for me to try to just conform when I don't understand. I feel like I need to believe it for myself and understand why it is right or wrong before I can live it.
And you know, that is true. My beliefs have to be mine before I will really stand up for them and they become the ideas and convictions that shape my life and who I am.
But in another sense, sometimes its not important that I understand. Sometimes, you just have to agree, and not understand. And boy oh boy, is that hard to do. I know I'm as guilty as anyone at trying to stick everything inside my own naive little brain and thinking that I know best in everything. That is sooooooo not the case. I know so very little and any wisdom or knowledge I do have is a generous gift from my God and often a result of struggles in my life.
Agreeing without understanding... So very hard to do, but so important! Think about it this way. God asks us to do some things that are hard to understand. He asks us to trust in Him for things that are completely foreign to the way we would normally think, or to how we are used to doing things. He asks us to give all and trust that He will provide our needs.
The most amazing thing that I do not understand, but know with all of my heart to be true is this. God asks us to fully surrender to whatever He plans for us, and then makes it the best thing we could want or desire!!! How incredible! I cannot for the life of me understand why that is true. But I am so thankful that it is.
So as a challenge to you, here's a thought. What has God asked you to do? Or an authority in your life? Is there something you just don't understand, and cannot see to be true? Sometimes, you just have to trust, and agree without understanding.
There is a song I've heard that says a lot of the same things I've been saying. However, I have to put a disclaimer in because I don't think the song/songwriter is the best kind of music. But the words are really powerful, so I'm going to post them. Please do not take this as endorsement of the person who wrote it.
Its so hard to grow up. Especially when I don't understand why I'm expected to such and such or why something is wrong when I think its fine. Its the hardest thing for me to try to just conform when I don't understand. I feel like I need to believe it for myself and understand why it is right or wrong before I can live it.
And you know, that is true. My beliefs have to be mine before I will really stand up for them and they become the ideas and convictions that shape my life and who I am.
But in another sense, sometimes its not important that I understand. Sometimes, you just have to agree, and not understand. And boy oh boy, is that hard to do. I know I'm as guilty as anyone at trying to stick everything inside my own naive little brain and thinking that I know best in everything. That is sooooooo not the case. I know so very little and any wisdom or knowledge I do have is a generous gift from my God and often a result of struggles in my life.
Agreeing without understanding... So very hard to do, but so important! Think about it this way. God asks us to do some things that are hard to understand. He asks us to trust in Him for things that are completely foreign to the way we would normally think, or to how we are used to doing things. He asks us to give all and trust that He will provide our needs.
The most amazing thing that I do not understand, but know with all of my heart to be true is this. God asks us to fully surrender to whatever He plans for us, and then makes it the best thing we could want or desire!!! How incredible! I cannot for the life of me understand why that is true. But I am so thankful that it is.
So as a challenge to you, here's a thought. What has God asked you to do? Or an authority in your life? Is there something you just don't understand, and cannot see to be true? Sometimes, you just have to trust, and agree without understanding.
There is a song I've heard that says a lot of the same things I've been saying. However, I have to put a disclaimer in because I don't think the song/songwriter is the best kind of music. But the words are really powerful, so I'm going to post them. Please do not take this as endorsement of the person who wrote it.
Trust His Heart
All things work for our good
Though sometimes we don't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone
He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you
When you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart
Though sometimes we don't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone
He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him
God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart
He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you
When you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart
© Babbie Mason
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Monday, July 11, 2011
Best friends :)
I wasn't originally going to write about this. But I had an interesting conversation with a friend that kind of made me rethink how I see the people around me and friends in particular. What's my focus?
And you know what I came up with? Being someone's best friend, or thinking about if I am, or worrying about it, or being jealous of someone who is..... All mean I'm not content! If I'm not happy with the friends I have, or I am worrying about it all the time, that basically means I'm not content with the life my God has given me. I want something different. But, by wanting more, I'm wanting less than all He has given me. He has given me everything I could ever need, and if I want more than that....... I'm an ungrateful wretch!
Besides that, He's the Best Friend I could ever want, need, or have. He's the only One Who's always there for me, and the only One I can constantly depend on. People are going to fail me all the time, and no one is going to be perfect. That's just life. There is no perfect friend. And as close as any person here on earth can be, I have to always be closest to my Saviour to be contented and truly happy.
Anyways, if I'm always worrying about it, I'm just being selfish. Only the Lord knows how much I struggle with that.....
I'll end with a poem I wrote today on this very subject. I hope that its a blessing to you, because all this has really touched my heart and changed my viewpoint.
And you know what I came up with? Being someone's best friend, or thinking about if I am, or worrying about it, or being jealous of someone who is..... All mean I'm not content! If I'm not happy with the friends I have, or I am worrying about it all the time, that basically means I'm not content with the life my God has given me. I want something different. But, by wanting more, I'm wanting less than all He has given me. He has given me everything I could ever need, and if I want more than that....... I'm an ungrateful wretch!
Besides that, He's the Best Friend I could ever want, need, or have. He's the only One Who's always there for me, and the only One I can constantly depend on. People are going to fail me all the time, and no one is going to be perfect. That's just life. There is no perfect friend. And as close as any person here on earth can be, I have to always be closest to my Saviour to be contented and truly happy.
Anyways, if I'm always worrying about it, I'm just being selfish. Only the Lord knows how much I struggle with that.....
I'll end with a poem I wrote today on this very subject. I hope that its a blessing to you, because all this has really touched my heart and changed my viewpoint.
Best Friend
I often long to be first choice
Of someone that I know.
And have a friend who's always close to me
Along this way I go.
I wonder if someday perhaps
I'll have a friend so dear.
Who'll always be there for me
And when my heart cries out, will hear.
But when I tend to dwell
On these confusing kinds of thoughts.
I realize that my God above
Is the very best Friend I've got!
He loves me when no one else could
And He's forever there for me.
He's always desirous of my time
And showed His love on Calvary.
When I'm in trouble and need some help
He's always there to control my way.
And when I'm sad and need a shoulder
I can lean on Him as long as I wish to stay.
He's my All and fills my every need
His power can keep and rule my path
And whatever I need to cope with life
There is no doubt, but I know He has.
He's my Best Friend and I need no other
So I'll love Him best and trust Him most.
And to no one else in this whole world
Will I ever be quite as close.
Who's your best friend?
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Awesome power!!!
So far, I've done a blog post every day. And I'd really like to continue that tradition. But I sat down at the computer today, and couldn't think of what to post. No poems came to mind, and nothing amazing or terribly clever to write about either.....
And then it started to storm. I don't mean that it started to lightly rain, and the clouds made pretty forms in the sky as they gently let their moisture fall. Oh no. It started to storm.... and that means it was hard! Big time winds and rain pelting the windows. It'll be one massive mud puddle outside tomorrow, I'm sure.
But I love storms. For one thing, I always sleep well when it storms ;). However, the real reason I love them so much is that are such an awesome picture of God's power! The fury of a storm lashing out at the world it's hitting, and the rain beating into the ground......
But especially the lightning that slashes across the sky, or completely lights it up. It is so incredible! What a powerful God to put on such a beautiful display for us! And then there's the rolling thunder that sends a thrill though your body. Ever stopped to really feel the thunder? I'm telling you, its better than any rollercoaster!
So as I enjoy the storm tonight, even with all the damage it causes, I will be thinking of my powerful and amazing God, and this mighty creation He has given me.
I hope that you can see the Lord's power in your life, through the storms in nature, and through whatever storm He's brought to your soul now. Rest in peace with Him knowing that He controls even the storms.
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
And then it started to storm. I don't mean that it started to lightly rain, and the clouds made pretty forms in the sky as they gently let their moisture fall. Oh no. It started to storm.... and that means it was hard! Big time winds and rain pelting the windows. It'll be one massive mud puddle outside tomorrow, I'm sure.
But I love storms. For one thing, I always sleep well when it storms ;). However, the real reason I love them so much is that are such an awesome picture of God's power! The fury of a storm lashing out at the world it's hitting, and the rain beating into the ground......
But especially the lightning that slashes across the sky, or completely lights it up. It is so incredible! What a powerful God to put on such a beautiful display for us! And then there's the rolling thunder that sends a thrill though your body. Ever stopped to really feel the thunder? I'm telling you, its better than any rollercoaster!
So as I enjoy the storm tonight, even with all the damage it causes, I will be thinking of my powerful and amazing God, and this mighty creation He has given me.
I hope that you can see the Lord's power in your life, through the storms in nature, and through whatever storm He's brought to your soul now. Rest in peace with Him knowing that He controls even the storms.
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Cleaning the windows....
Most of us at one time or another have cleaned a window or a mirror. I've cleaned several rather dirty ones.... Streaked and gobs of mud on them, you can't hardly even tell they're there. Or maybe the screen is full of grime and dead bugs, and its just ugly to look at. Its a pain to clean, but how rewarding when it is clear and beautiful again!
Our lives are like windows. The world is on one side, and Jesus Christ, the Sun, is on the other. God looks down on us and Jesus covers our sin. Like looking from the outside at a window on a sunny day, you can't really see the window itself, you can only see the sun reflecting it.
But it works both ways. The world is on the other side of the window. If it is clean, the sun comes through, and shines on whatever is inside.
However, if our lives are dirty, and sin is left unconfessed, it streaks and dirties the window like someone throwing mud on it. Now, you can see the window from the outside even when the sun is shining, because the mud brings it out. It draws attention to the glass instead of the sun. And its not so clear or bright, shining through to the inside because of the dirt that is blocking out the sun.
What kind of a window are you? Are you clean and pure and beautiful, reflecting the Sun and letting it shine through to a lost and dark world that needs it desperately? Or is there mud and dirt and dead bugs that are making it hard to see the Sun through you?
God is the Master at window cleaning, and only He can take away the sin in someone's life. Even better, when our lives are scarred like cracks in a window, only He can fix them so that we don't shatter.
Shine on and let your life be a reflection of the Son!
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Our lives are like windows. The world is on one side, and Jesus Christ, the Sun, is on the other. God looks down on us and Jesus covers our sin. Like looking from the outside at a window on a sunny day, you can't really see the window itself, you can only see the sun reflecting it.
But it works both ways. The world is on the other side of the window. If it is clean, the sun comes through, and shines on whatever is inside.
However, if our lives are dirty, and sin is left unconfessed, it streaks and dirties the window like someone throwing mud on it. Now, you can see the window from the outside even when the sun is shining, because the mud brings it out. It draws attention to the glass instead of the sun. And its not so clear or bright, shining through to the inside because of the dirt that is blocking out the sun.
What kind of a window are you? Are you clean and pure and beautiful, reflecting the Sun and letting it shine through to a lost and dark world that needs it desperately? Or is there mud and dirt and dead bugs that are making it hard to see the Sun through you?
God is the Master at window cleaning, and only He can take away the sin in someone's life. Even better, when our lives are scarred like cracks in a window, only He can fix them so that we don't shatter.
Shine on and let your life be a reflection of the Son!
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Friday, July 8, 2011
First pictures....
I said that photography would be a part of this blog, so I suppose its time I posted some pictures :) These are not necessarily all new pictures, but they are all original work :) No editing whatsoever has been done to any picture, and they are in no particular order.
Enjoy!
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Enjoy!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Someone to be there....
I love my friends. Every day, someone, somewhere, somehow manages to be a blessing to me.
God did not make us islands unto ourselves, and it is so true. We're here on this earth to be a blessing to others whose paths we cross. We are to be a light for the Light here in this dark world. If we don't reach out to others and be someone that they can trust and look up to, who will?
Am a friend to the world or a friend to God? Sound confusing? I believe with all my heart we have to be a friend to God to reach the world. If we aren't close to God, we won't be different from the world. And if we're no different, how will the world see Jesus through us?
Here's the words to a song that really has challenged me with the way I look at the world around me, and how I relate to it.
God did not make us islands unto ourselves, and it is so true. We're here on this earth to be a blessing to others whose paths we cross. We are to be a light for the Light here in this dark world. If we don't reach out to others and be someone that they can trust and look up to, who will?
Am a friend to the world or a friend to God? Sound confusing? I believe with all my heart we have to be a friend to God to reach the world. If we aren't close to God, we won't be different from the world. And if we're no different, how will the world see Jesus through us?
Here's the words to a song that really has challenged me with the way I look at the world around me, and how I relate to it.
A World We Never Touch
He walked along the shores of Galilee
From clay He formed the healing balm that caused the blind to see.
When stones of wrath weighed heavy in their hands
He knelt to write his mercy in the sands.
Jesus came to set the captives free
Showed us by the way He lived the way we need to be.
Our love is more than words could ever say.
We must touch them with compassion to help them find their way.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
How can we show them Christ if we never show them love?
Just to say we care will never be enough.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
Could we be so busy being saved,
Trying to impress a world that’s long since lost its way?
We pride ourselves in being set apart
Yet we don’t take time to touch a broken heart.
Even if we found the time to care
Would we take the risk involved in always being there?
Oh, we hold the very thing they need so much!
Sometimes the word of God can pass through a simple touch.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
How can we show them Christ if we never show them love?
Just to say we care will never be enough.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
We hide behind these walls and the security of friends
While beyond the stained glass windows the world is lost in sin.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
How can we show them Christ if we never show them love?
Just to say we care will never be enough.
How can we reach a world we never touch?
How can we reach a world we never touch?
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Do you really know your God?
My God is so amazing!!! He understands so perfectly what I need, and when. The message tonight at church spoke to my heart in an incredible way. It has challenged me to totally rethink the way I view my walk with God, and how I approach Him. He has been using many different people and messages to help me see where I've gone wrong in my walk with Him, and how I need to take it to a whole new level. This is what I've been looking for!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :)
You are always in submission to someone. Either you are submitting to your own sinful flesh and the devil, or you are submitting to your God. Liberty can never come without submission; in order to really be free, you first have to be in bondage to Christ. What an amazing thought! True freedom begins with humbled bondage to God and His will for your life.
I won't re-preach the message, but I wish I could. I took pages and pages of notes, and I still feel like I missed so much! The Lord is doing a work in my life, and I am so thankful for it!
If anyone would like a copy of it, please contact me. I would so love to give it out to whoever I could. It was such a help to me, and it has completely revitalized how I view my God.
I have to get in the Word and learn more. I'm hungry and it feels so great!!!!
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
You are always in submission to someone. Either you are submitting to your own sinful flesh and the devil, or you are submitting to your God. Liberty can never come without submission; in order to really be free, you first have to be in bondage to Christ. What an amazing thought! True freedom begins with humbled bondage to God and His will for your life.
I won't re-preach the message, but I wish I could. I took pages and pages of notes, and I still feel like I missed so much! The Lord is doing a work in my life, and I am so thankful for it!
If anyone would like a copy of it, please contact me. I would so love to give it out to whoever I could. It was such a help to me, and it has completely revitalized how I view my God.
I have to get in the Word and learn more. I'm hungry and it feels so great!!!!
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
What to do?
Ok, so I started writing another blog post, and it ended up in a poem!! Enjoy :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ever found yourself wondering what to do with your life?
I have..............
A Purpose
Struggling along in some dreary day,
Finding it hard to see God's way.
A purpose in life and direction for me
I pray to my Father to help me see.
What to do with what He has given?
What will make things sweeter in Heaven?
Give some purpose in this life that I live
To make me Your servant and always to give...
The glory and praise for what I've known
To You, my God, and to You alone.
So all that I have and all that I do
I give it all back, God, only to You.
All my talents, my treasure and time
May they always be Yours and never more mine.
The gifts You've given for me to use
I won't waste away, cuz I can never reuse.
For all the time that I've tasted
And the hours of youth I've wasted
I humbly beg for Your pardon
For all that I've left undone.
Now, please take me, Lord, and all that I am
I can do whatever You will, when I'm safe in Your hands.
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ever found yourself wondering what to do with your life?
I have..............
A Purpose
Struggling along in some dreary day,
Finding it hard to see God's way.
A purpose in life and direction for me
I pray to my Father to help me see.
What to do with what He has given?
What will make things sweeter in Heaven?
Give some purpose in this life that I live
To make me Your servant and always to give...
The glory and praise for what I've known
To You, my God, and to You alone.
So all that I have and all that I do
I give it all back, God, only to You.
All my talents, my treasure and time
May they always be Yours and never more mine.
The gifts You've given for me to use
I won't waste away, cuz I can never reuse.
For all the time that I've tasted
And the hours of youth I've wasted
I humbly beg for Your pardon
For all that I've left undone.
Now, please take me, Lord, and all that I am
I can do whatever You will, when I'm safe in Your hands.
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Not what you think.....
Since I really don't have anything worthwhile to say today, I'll just post my latest poem :)
Do You Really?
So often we say
Without thinking it through
And it flows right out -
The words "I love you."
But do you really mean it
When you say it to all?
Is the love in your heart
Really true or just small?
Do you even think
Of what it entails
To really love someone
Through life's stormy gales?
Love sticks through it all
And it never wears thin.
Your like for a friend may fade
But love is anchored within.
True love inherently means
That you must sacrifice.
Like Jesus, Lover of all,
When He died to pay sin's price.
Not like the world's gushy love
That lasts but for a time -
True godly love will last
Till Heaven's final chime.
Faith is a must
For life in this world
And hope gets us through
When nothing else could.
But love will last forever
Until eternity's end.
So, I ask you now,
Do you really love that friend?
Do You Really?
So often we say
Without thinking it through
And it flows right out -
The words "I love you."
But do you really mean it
When you say it to all?
Is the love in your heart
Really true or just small?
Do you even think
Of what it entails
To really love someone
Through life's stormy gales?
Love sticks through it all
And it never wears thin.
Your like for a friend may fade
But love is anchored within.
True love inherently means
That you must sacrifice.
Like Jesus, Lover of all,
When He died to pay sin's price.
Not like the world's gushy love
That lasts but for a time -
True godly love will last
Till Heaven's final chime.
Faith is a must
For life in this world
And hope gets us through
When nothing else could.
But love will last forever
Until eternity's end.
So, I ask you now,
Do you really love that friend?
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
Monday, July 4, 2011
Stepping out...........
*peeks around the corner*
*looks both ways*
*waves*
Yo! Welcome to my new blog....
I'm not exactly sure how much I will post here, but I'm pretty sure it will be a lot. I seem to have a lot to say, and having a blog will be great for all of my poetry and all those things that I just have to tell someone.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So for a first post, I guess it would be fitting to mention our wonderful country, considering today is her birthday. I am proud and honored to live in the greatest country in the world. But that same country is going to be in for some big troubles if she doesn't get things straightened out soon.
My pastor preached yesterday on the fact that it is God's people that need to humble themselves and pray to turn our country around. So often we think its the politicians or the government that is ruining our country. While in a way that is true, the fact of the matter is, God's people have gotten so used to the sin surrounding them, and so calloused towards it, they no longer know how to humble themselves or pray. Oh that we would understand how fragile the freedom of this country is, and turn to the God Who still longs to bless this country. Thinking about that was such a challenge to me, and perhaps it can be a blessing to you too.
So maybe today, it would be a good idea for you to set aside some time to get alone before God and pray for this country. After all, if we don't, who will?
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
*looks both ways*
*waves*
Yo! Welcome to my new blog....
I'm not exactly sure how much I will post here, but I'm pretty sure it will be a lot. I seem to have a lot to say, and having a blog will be great for all of my poetry and all those things that I just have to tell someone.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So for a first post, I guess it would be fitting to mention our wonderful country, considering today is her birthday. I am proud and honored to live in the greatest country in the world. But that same country is going to be in for some big troubles if she doesn't get things straightened out soon.
My pastor preached yesterday on the fact that it is God's people that need to humble themselves and pray to turn our country around. So often we think its the politicians or the government that is ruining our country. While in a way that is true, the fact of the matter is, God's people have gotten so used to the sin surrounding them, and so calloused towards it, they no longer know how to humble themselves or pray. Oh that we would understand how fragile the freedom of this country is, and turn to the God Who still longs to bless this country. Thinking about that was such a challenge to me, and perhaps it can be a blessing to you too.
So maybe today, it would be a good idea for you to set aside some time to get alone before God and pray for this country. After all, if we don't, who will?
Make today count!
Always,
~ Amanda ♥
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