Ok, so I haven't been blogging - I guess I have been a little busy. This past week was Spring Break for our boys and I have to say that I am a little lonely now that they are back in school.
Grandpa's surgery went well today - he will go in for a check up tomorrow and he doesn't understand why we won't let him drive and take darvacet at the same time - but other than that, very good.
Drason and I will be married 9 years this Thursday - it really doesn't seem like that long, but I guess that time flies when you're having fun - or have kids - whatever.
So we are hoping to be able to go out of town this weekend - not sure where we are going yet as we had planned to go to Salt Fork but it is going to be rainy- we might go to the Smoky Mountains, I have heard they are pretty.
We had visitation tonight, it seems like the number of visits we can make is innumerable- what a fantastic problem to have.
I'm rambling - see you soon
Amanda
Monday, March 31, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Newsletter
Dear Friends by Carole Lewis
We are approaching the end of a long, difficult labor of love and are expectantly awaiting the delivery of our new baby First Place 4 Health on June 10, 2008. The original First Place program began in March, 1981. The first revision occurred in 1991, when LifeWay became our publisher. The second revision was in 2001, when Gospel Light became our publisher. This third revision is the first total re-write of the program and has taken two years to complete.
The changes are many, beginning with our new name, First Place 4 Health. As with each change made, we have endeavored to enhance what we have had all along by changing the way we present the materials. We have not changed the basic tenets of the program, which have always been based on Matthew 6:33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well. We have not changed the foundational truths of seeking a lifestyle change by learning how to live a life of balance in all four areas; emotional, spiritual, mental and physical.
During the month of April, we will have three Kick-Off events to preview and teach the basic tenets of the new program. Our First Place 4 Health staff will be present at all of these events. For more information and to register for an event, please go here.
This month I will give you some of the highlights of the new First Place 4 Health.
continued…
Leadership Training by Vicki Heath
What's New in Fitness for First Place 4 Health
One of the changes coming in First Place 4 Health in the area of exercise is our new philosophy: Something is better than nothing and more is better than less. What could be simpler than that! Gone are the days when we thought our exercise didn't "count" if it wasn't performed in thirty minute increments. Studies now show that all activity is cumulative. That means that even something as simple as increasing your daily activity will have health benefits, and the more significant the increase the greater the benefits.
continued…
Balanced Living-Emotional by Bill Heston
Seeds Sown for Good…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8b-10
"For good" could mean for a positive purpose or it could mean that it will last forever. In this title both things are intended. We can plant seeds that are for eternal benefit. What a great opportunity.
continued…
Balanced Living-Physical by Jeannie Blocher
Exercise: burn fat, don't store it!Many people ask, "Do I really have to exercise in order to lose weight?" Certainly, people have lost a few pounds and not changed their exercise habits, right? The simple answer is that you don't "have to" exercise, but if you understand the process that happens in your body when you exercise, you will want to! When you add modest exercise to your lifestyle your body responds in powerful ways that God has designed to improve your health, and the result is that your body actually "releases" fat.
continued…
Nutrition Notes by Erin DuBroc
A Taste of something NEWThe staff of First Place is just bursting with excitement these days! We are so excited to soon share with you the First Place 4 Health program – a new and improved version of First Place! A lot has changed since the last revision back in 2001, and in order to provide you with the best program ever for achieving a healthy weight, as well as establishing godly balance in your life, we have been busily researching and writing new materials for this wonderful program that continues to radically change lives after 27 years this month!
continued…
Devotional
Letting Go of Fear
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.Isaiah 41:13
To leave something that is known and enter a place that is unknown might seem adventurous to some, but most folks who encounter change experience some level of fear. I began pursuing a different life for myself when I turned 22. After spending years walking a path paved by self-destruction, I made a decision to flee from the only life I had known to pursue the unknown. I knew very little about God, but I was certain that I wanted a different life.
continued…
Recipes: Soups On!
Spring RollsServes: 6
Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon chile paste with garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Spring Rolls:
12 (8-inch) round sheets rice paper
3 green leaf lettuce leaves, quartered
3 cups fresh broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut cucumber strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut yellow bell pepper strips
24 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, and halved lengthwise
36 fresh mint leaves
To prepare spring rolls, add hot water to a large, shallow dish to a depth of 1 inch. Place 1 rice paper sheet in dish; let stand 30 seconds or just until soft. Place rice paper sheet on a flat surface. Arrange 1 lettuce piece in center of sheet. Top with 1/4 cup sprouts, 3 carrot strips, 3 cucumber strips, 3 bell pepper strips, 4 shrimp halves, and 3 mint leaves. Fold sides of sheet over filling; roll up jelly-roll fashion. Gently press seam to seal. Place spring roll, seam side down, on a serving platter (cover to prevent drying). Repeat procedure with remaining rice paper, lettuce, sprouts, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, shrimp, and mint. Serve with dipping sauce.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 meat, 1 vegetable
Pasta with PestoServes: 4
2/3 cup basil
1 9-oz. pkg. fresh fettuccini
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced roasted red bell peppers
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the pesto in a large bowl. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until soft, about 30 seconds. Add the peppers and olives and cook, stirring until hot, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/3 cup of the water. Whisk the pasta water into the pesto. Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to combine. Add the peppers and olives and combine.
Exchanges:2 breads, 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat
Fruit Freeze Serves: 8
1/2 Cantaloupe (about 4 cups cut up) OR 4cups Fresh Strawberries (Not both)
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1 tbsp. Splenda/Sugar or Honey (optional)
Put all in blender and process until smooth. Should make about 2 1/4 cups. Chill until ready to serve. Roast 1/4 cup sliced almonds; cool. Chop very fine. Place 1/2 cup frozen sugar free/fat free vanilla ice cream (or yogurt) in bowl. Pour 1/4 cup fruit blend over top of ice cream. Sprinkle with almonds.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 milk, 1/2 fruit
We are approaching the end of a long, difficult labor of love and are expectantly awaiting the delivery of our new baby First Place 4 Health on June 10, 2008. The original First Place program began in March, 1981. The first revision occurred in 1991, when LifeWay became our publisher. The second revision was in 2001, when Gospel Light became our publisher. This third revision is the first total re-write of the program and has taken two years to complete.
The changes are many, beginning with our new name, First Place 4 Health. As with each change made, we have endeavored to enhance what we have had all along by changing the way we present the materials. We have not changed the basic tenets of the program, which have always been based on Matthew 6:33, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given you as well. We have not changed the foundational truths of seeking a lifestyle change by learning how to live a life of balance in all four areas; emotional, spiritual, mental and physical.
During the month of April, we will have three Kick-Off events to preview and teach the basic tenets of the new program. Our First Place 4 Health staff will be present at all of these events. For more information and to register for an event, please go here.
This month I will give you some of the highlights of the new First Place 4 Health.
continued…
Leadership Training by Vicki Heath
What's New in Fitness for First Place 4 Health
One of the changes coming in First Place 4 Health in the area of exercise is our new philosophy: Something is better than nothing and more is better than less. What could be simpler than that! Gone are the days when we thought our exercise didn't "count" if it wasn't performed in thirty minute increments. Studies now show that all activity is cumulative. That means that even something as simple as increasing your daily activity will have health benefits, and the more significant the increase the greater the benefits.
continued…
Balanced Living-Emotional by Bill Heston
Seeds Sown for Good…the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:8b-10
"For good" could mean for a positive purpose or it could mean that it will last forever. In this title both things are intended. We can plant seeds that are for eternal benefit. What a great opportunity.
continued…
Balanced Living-Physical by Jeannie Blocher
Exercise: burn fat, don't store it!Many people ask, "Do I really have to exercise in order to lose weight?" Certainly, people have lost a few pounds and not changed their exercise habits, right? The simple answer is that you don't "have to" exercise, but if you understand the process that happens in your body when you exercise, you will want to! When you add modest exercise to your lifestyle your body responds in powerful ways that God has designed to improve your health, and the result is that your body actually "releases" fat.
continued…
Nutrition Notes by Erin DuBroc
A Taste of something NEWThe staff of First Place is just bursting with excitement these days! We are so excited to soon share with you the First Place 4 Health program – a new and improved version of First Place! A lot has changed since the last revision back in 2001, and in order to provide you with the best program ever for achieving a healthy weight, as well as establishing godly balance in your life, we have been busily researching and writing new materials for this wonderful program that continues to radically change lives after 27 years this month!
continued…
Devotional
Letting Go of Fear
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.Isaiah 41:13
To leave something that is known and enter a place that is unknown might seem adventurous to some, but most folks who encounter change experience some level of fear. I began pursuing a different life for myself when I turned 22. After spending years walking a path paved by self-destruction, I made a decision to flee from the only life I had known to pursue the unknown. I knew very little about God, but I was certain that I wanted a different life.
continued…
Recipes: Soups On!
Spring RollsServes: 6
Dipping Sauce:
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon chile paste with garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Spring Rolls:
12 (8-inch) round sheets rice paper
3 green leaf lettuce leaves, quartered
3 cups fresh broccoli sprouts or alfalfa sprouts
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut carrot strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut cucumber strips
36 (2-inch) julienne-cut yellow bell pepper strips
24 medium shrimp, cooked, peeled, and halved lengthwise
36 fresh mint leaves
To prepare spring rolls, add hot water to a large, shallow dish to a depth of 1 inch. Place 1 rice paper sheet in dish; let stand 30 seconds or just until soft. Place rice paper sheet on a flat surface. Arrange 1 lettuce piece in center of sheet. Top with 1/4 cup sprouts, 3 carrot strips, 3 cucumber strips, 3 bell pepper strips, 4 shrimp halves, and 3 mint leaves. Fold sides of sheet over filling; roll up jelly-roll fashion. Gently press seam to seal. Place spring roll, seam side down, on a serving platter (cover to prevent drying). Repeat procedure with remaining rice paper, lettuce, sprouts, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, shrimp, and mint. Serve with dipping sauce.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 meat, 1 vegetable
Pasta with PestoServes: 4
2/3 cup basil
1 9-oz. pkg. fresh fettuccini
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced roasted red bell peppers
1/2 cup pitted olives, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper, to taste
Place the pesto in a large bowl. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring until soft, about 30 seconds. Add the peppers and olives and cook, stirring until hot, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/3 cup of the water. Whisk the pasta water into the pesto. Add the pasta to the pesto and toss to combine. Add the peppers and olives and combine.
Exchanges:2 breads, 1/2 vegetable, 1 fat
Fruit Freeze Serves: 8
1/2 Cantaloupe (about 4 cups cut up) OR 4cups Fresh Strawberries (Not both)
1/4 cup Orange Juice
1 tbsp. Splenda/Sugar or Honey (optional)
Put all in blender and process until smooth. Should make about 2 1/4 cups. Chill until ready to serve. Roast 1/4 cup sliced almonds; cool. Chop very fine. Place 1/2 cup frozen sugar free/fat free vanilla ice cream (or yogurt) in bowl. Pour 1/4 cup fruit blend over top of ice cream. Sprinkle with almonds.
Exchanges: 1/2 bread, 1/2 milk, 1/2 fruit
Monday, March 24, 2008
Happy Easter
As you may know all of the boys were in suits today - very cute - Just my luck I thought my parents were coming to take pictures, they forgot their camera and my camera battery was dead - so no pictures today :-(
That's okay, maybe if I can get them to all dress up next week I can take a picture then. ( let me have my delusions)
This week was extra hectic, I took the 3 boys to Columbus along with a friend and her two little ones, to look for suits, 2 days of shopping with 5 kids- the whirlwind tour of the Columbus "Once upon a Child" stores was actually a lot of fun.
So last night I make sure that everyone has their clothes put out for Easter -
Shirt, clean and stain free - check
Suit, pants and a jacket- check
belt - check
tie, with working clip- check
two matching black socks, which are not Daddy's - check
two matching black shoes - check
baths - check
So the kids are getting dressed this morning and I hear Marshal in his room - he sounds like he is really struggling with something - it seems that his belt was too big- oops
So I tell him to finish getting dressed and I will look at it in a minute - 20 minutes later he comes back and is asking about it. So I fit the belt on him and low and behold it is two inches too long - not enough holes to fasten it.
I am thinking about how to fix this problem - needless to say I don't have the tools readily available to punch another hole in this belt.
I though about using a handheld drill to drill a hole - but I didn't know how that would work or where the drill was. And finding the drill would require hunting through the garage in my Sunday clothes, in the cold, with little chance that I would even find the drill.
So I get out the cutting board in the kitchen and I'm thinking about using a steak knife to try and punch a hole in the belt. Also not a bright idea - I decide against slicing my hand off, as every time I try to use a steak knife for anything other than steak - I manage to cut myself.
So I am looking in the junk drawer when I see the perfect solution, twine. Just kidding. I spot a phillips head screwdriver.
I figure I can put the belt on the cutting board and hammer that screwdriver tip through the belt, creating a nice hole. - one problem - no hammer.
Now I don't know about you, but I am pretty handy at hanging a picture with my shoe - but even a shoe wasn't going to work on this.
I scratched through the junk drawer - no more usable items there - and I am looking around the kitchen when I see my cast iron skillets
Iron skillets do make pretty good hammers when you are in a pinch.
Skillet in one hand, Screwdriver in the other, Drason walks in the kitchen to "CONG< CONG< CONG" of the iron skillet.
Marshal was amazed at my ingenuity - Drason a little less so - but the kid was dressed and his pants stayed up where they belonged, so all in all a good day.
The moral of this story? Make sure your kid wears a medium belt BEFORE you buy it - or - that your husband is not home when you remedy the problem :-)
Happy Easter
Amanda
That's okay, maybe if I can get them to all dress up next week I can take a picture then. ( let me have my delusions)
This week was extra hectic, I took the 3 boys to Columbus along with a friend and her two little ones, to look for suits, 2 days of shopping with 5 kids- the whirlwind tour of the Columbus "Once upon a Child" stores was actually a lot of fun.
So last night I make sure that everyone has their clothes put out for Easter -
Shirt, clean and stain free - check
Suit, pants and a jacket- check
belt - check
tie, with working clip- check
two matching black socks, which are not Daddy's - check
two matching black shoes - check
baths - check
So the kids are getting dressed this morning and I hear Marshal in his room - he sounds like he is really struggling with something - it seems that his belt was too big- oops
So I tell him to finish getting dressed and I will look at it in a minute - 20 minutes later he comes back and is asking about it. So I fit the belt on him and low and behold it is two inches too long - not enough holes to fasten it.
I am thinking about how to fix this problem - needless to say I don't have the tools readily available to punch another hole in this belt.
I though about using a handheld drill to drill a hole - but I didn't know how that would work or where the drill was. And finding the drill would require hunting through the garage in my Sunday clothes, in the cold, with little chance that I would even find the drill.
So I get out the cutting board in the kitchen and I'm thinking about using a steak knife to try and punch a hole in the belt. Also not a bright idea - I decide against slicing my hand off, as every time I try to use a steak knife for anything other than steak - I manage to cut myself.
So I am looking in the junk drawer when I see the perfect solution, twine. Just kidding. I spot a phillips head screwdriver.
I figure I can put the belt on the cutting board and hammer that screwdriver tip through the belt, creating a nice hole. - one problem - no hammer.
Now I don't know about you, but I am pretty handy at hanging a picture with my shoe - but even a shoe wasn't going to work on this.
I scratched through the junk drawer - no more usable items there - and I am looking around the kitchen when I see my cast iron skillets
Iron skillets do make pretty good hammers when you are in a pinch.
Skillet in one hand, Screwdriver in the other, Drason walks in the kitchen to "CONG< CONG< CONG" of the iron skillet.
Marshal was amazed at my ingenuity - Drason a little less so - but the kid was dressed and his pants stayed up where they belonged, so all in all a good day.
The moral of this story? Make sure your kid wears a medium belt BEFORE you buy it - or - that your husband is not home when you remedy the problem :-)
Happy Easter
Amanda
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Prayer Request
Do you ever wonder what the life of a full time missionary is like?
Read this
http://christinariddle.blogspot.com
This is my cousin Christy - pray for her, she seems down, and she is normally a very joyful person. I know that she is missing her family and she only spends 2-3 months in the states every year - ussually between assignments- we last saw her at Christmas time - which was a rare treat, so she will probably be in Ghana for another 5-6 months, at least.
Thanks
Happy Easter
Amanda
Read this
http://christinariddle.blogspot.com
This is my cousin Christy - pray for her, she seems down, and she is normally a very joyful person. I know that she is missing her family and she only spends 2-3 months in the states every year - ussually between assignments- we last saw her at Christmas time - which was a rare treat, so she will probably be in Ghana for another 5-6 months, at least.
Thanks
Happy Easter
Amanda
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
The Lunch Bunch
Well, the lunch bunch was fun, we had 5 ladies show up and we had a great time. We will be doing this again the 3rd Saturday in April so keep the day open and we'll see you there.
It's funny how God gives you what you need when you need it. End of January I started reading a devotional book called "sister freaks" and on the day that the mission team came back from Kenya I was reading a very interesting story about a college student who was a short term missionary.
Megan was on her way home and the images of what she had seen were fresh in her mind. Women in the country she visited were nothing more than property, to be bought and sold. Many women and girls as young as 10 years old were sold into prostitution, they quickly contracted AIDS and were left in the streets to die. When Megan got home she began emailing friends and family, her church gave a presentation and through this she was able to raise money to partner with a woman in that country who ran a rescue home. They were able to build a larger home and rescue countless women from a life of forced prostitution and AIDS. Despite this success she was cynical and questioning why God would allow this to have happened in the first place. Through her faithful actions God healed her heart, and showed her that while bad things do happen, as a Christian she can do something about it.
You can get the book :-)
When I read this it was what I needed to hear - and then a few days later it is announced that we will have the opportunity to partner with some of the people in Kenya to ease the suffering, and to show them the light of Christ. - Interesting how that happens.
Anyways, Pastor Dear (link on the side of the page) is doing a bible study blog all this week about Easter. So Check that out if you haven't already - it might be just the thing you need to hear this week.
Later
Amanda
It's funny how God gives you what you need when you need it. End of January I started reading a devotional book called "sister freaks" and on the day that the mission team came back from Kenya I was reading a very interesting story about a college student who was a short term missionary.
Megan was on her way home and the images of what she had seen were fresh in her mind. Women in the country she visited were nothing more than property, to be bought and sold. Many women and girls as young as 10 years old were sold into prostitution, they quickly contracted AIDS and were left in the streets to die. When Megan got home she began emailing friends and family, her church gave a presentation and through this she was able to raise money to partner with a woman in that country who ran a rescue home. They were able to build a larger home and rescue countless women from a life of forced prostitution and AIDS. Despite this success she was cynical and questioning why God would allow this to have happened in the first place. Through her faithful actions God healed her heart, and showed her that while bad things do happen, as a Christian she can do something about it.
You can get the book :-)
When I read this it was what I needed to hear - and then a few days later it is announced that we will have the opportunity to partner with some of the people in Kenya to ease the suffering, and to show them the light of Christ. - Interesting how that happens.
Anyways, Pastor Dear (link on the side of the page) is doing a bible study blog all this week about Easter. So Check that out if you haven't already - it might be just the thing you need to hear this week.
Later
Amanda
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The weather...
Some people think this weather is gross - well ok - it's not the best - but it is pretty
and it can be a lot of fun
stay warm!
Amanda
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Is this place bugged - pt 2
If you read "Is this place bugged" pt 1 you know that God is watching over us. Just in time He is always there, what a wonderful blessing. A lady in our church shared this verse with me
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
What a powerful promise! Moses spoke these words to Joshua, just before Joshua led the people into the promised land. The promised land - the place where God wants us to be. As we move toward that place so many things come up that get in the way. Joshua had to do battle with the people of that land - and we do battle everyday as well.
These past few weeks have been especially trying. Drason is working about 60+ hours a week, he has had bronchitis, and a horrible cough, Macguines now has it and has been home from school for two days, Marshal shut his thumb in the door and it got infected so he had to have that lanced and drained yesterday , and on top of that yesterday I got a splinter under my thumb nail which swelled up and was throbbing by this morning. I went to urgent care and they had to remove part of my thumbnail to get to the splinter - yuck- it is still hurting, and now it is gross, too.
Despite our troubles there are numerous people in our church that are really struggling right now, job loss ,financial troubles, sickness, even the loss of loved ones. As bad as all that is, one might be tempted to look to the sky and say "Why me?"
And some people do just that. Last night three teams went out for visitation, our team had the chance to witness to a woman who has visited one of the church programs. After sharing the gospel and asking if she would like to pray to receive Christ, she said no. We shared a testimony with her and asked again, she still said no and cited as a reason that she had lived a life filled with trials.
I know that I sometimes take for granted that the Lord himself goes before me.
As we move toward the "promised land" so many things come up that distract us, that take our eyes away from the final destination. Nothing is by chance, it was not by chance that trials filled my own life as a young person, nor are any of the trials we face now by chance.
Ephesians 6 says:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. "
As much as I know that this place IS bugged, in a sense, by our heavenly Father, it is also bugged by those "spiritual forces of evil". So when it comes time to step forward in faith we start to see some of those "flaming arrows" coming right for us. Be that an outward attack or an inner conflict, people following the Lord will be persecuted - the Bible says this - outright- all throughout the New Testament and illustrates it all throughout the Old Testament.
So how does a Christian cope? Jesus told the disciples the time was coming when He would return to Heaven and He ends John chapter 8 with this "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Yep, this place is definitely bugged.
Thank God!
Goodnight
Amanda
Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
What a powerful promise! Moses spoke these words to Joshua, just before Joshua led the people into the promised land. The promised land - the place where God wants us to be. As we move toward that place so many things come up that get in the way. Joshua had to do battle with the people of that land - and we do battle everyday as well.
These past few weeks have been especially trying. Drason is working about 60+ hours a week, he has had bronchitis, and a horrible cough, Macguines now has it and has been home from school for two days, Marshal shut his thumb in the door and it got infected so he had to have that lanced and drained yesterday , and on top of that yesterday I got a splinter under my thumb nail which swelled up and was throbbing by this morning. I went to urgent care and they had to remove part of my thumbnail to get to the splinter - yuck- it is still hurting, and now it is gross, too.
Despite our troubles there are numerous people in our church that are really struggling right now, job loss ,financial troubles, sickness, even the loss of loved ones. As bad as all that is, one might be tempted to look to the sky and say "Why me?"
And some people do just that. Last night three teams went out for visitation, our team had the chance to witness to a woman who has visited one of the church programs. After sharing the gospel and asking if she would like to pray to receive Christ, she said no. We shared a testimony with her and asked again, she still said no and cited as a reason that she had lived a life filled with trials.
I know that I sometimes take for granted that the Lord himself goes before me.
As we move toward the "promised land" so many things come up that distract us, that take our eyes away from the final destination. Nothing is by chance, it was not by chance that trials filled my own life as a young person, nor are any of the trials we face now by chance.
Ephesians 6 says:
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. "
As much as I know that this place IS bugged, in a sense, by our heavenly Father, it is also bugged by those "spiritual forces of evil". So when it comes time to step forward in faith we start to see some of those "flaming arrows" coming right for us. Be that an outward attack or an inner conflict, people following the Lord will be persecuted - the Bible says this - outright- all throughout the New Testament and illustrates it all throughout the Old Testament.
So how does a Christian cope? Jesus told the disciples the time was coming when He would return to Heaven and He ends John chapter 8 with this "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Yep, this place is definitely bugged.
Thank God!
Goodnight
Amanda
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Choose Joy
There are times when I fail miserably as a human being
There are times when I am so discouraged I don't want to get out of bed in the morning
There are times when I worry about what everyone else thinks, more that about what God thinks
There are times when the dishes pile up, the laundry piles up and everyone has some sort of sports practice on the same day - and nothing gets done
There are times when I over think the things I need to do
There are times when I over think everything
There are times when I question the will of God and wonder if I'm doing what He wants
There are times when the dog gets loose and I want to cry
There are times when the phone rings every twenty minutes and it is a burden
But at the same time
There are times when a walk at Dawes takes my breath away (in a good way, not because I'm outta shape)
There are times when my kids will say something so full of God's truth, I'm amazed
There are times when I am energized to complete the task at hand - even after only a few hours sleep
There are times when I read the Word and my eyes are opened like it was the first time
There are times when things fall into place without logical explanation
There are times when problems are solved before they arise
There are times I can trust like a child
There are times when I am a servant to others - and it may be more for me than for them
There are times when there is so much to be thankful for I can not express it
Choose Joy
You'll be happier
Amanda
There are times when I am so discouraged I don't want to get out of bed in the morning
There are times when I worry about what everyone else thinks, more that about what God thinks
There are times when the dishes pile up, the laundry piles up and everyone has some sort of sports practice on the same day - and nothing gets done
There are times when I over think the things I need to do
There are times when I over think everything
There are times when I question the will of God and wonder if I'm doing what He wants
There are times when the dog gets loose and I want to cry
There are times when the phone rings every twenty minutes and it is a burden
But at the same time
There are times when a walk at Dawes takes my breath away (in a good way, not because I'm outta shape)
There are times when my kids will say something so full of God's truth, I'm amazed
There are times when I am energized to complete the task at hand - even after only a few hours sleep
There are times when I read the Word and my eyes are opened like it was the first time
There are times when things fall into place without logical explanation
There are times when problems are solved before they arise
There are times I can trust like a child
There are times when I am a servant to others - and it may be more for me than for them
There are times when there is so much to be thankful for I can not express it
Choose Joy
You'll be happier
Amanda
Please note the bottom of the blog
About 2 weeks ago, I installed this wonderful little device on my blog. It is a hit counter/ip address collector. This counter does not install cookies, it pings your address and stores that information. If you do not speak computer, basically it will collect your location, system/browser data, what site reffered you to my site, what time you visited and so on. So - anonymous comments are no longer as anonymous as they once were- that being said please feel free to leave any comment on the blog - but I will not publish anonymous comments unless they are my husbands. While I appriciate other points of veiw, some comments aren't conducive to having a conversation, uplifting others, or solving a problem, so if your comments are of that nature - they will be discarded.
I have a friend who said she went to someones blog and read it daily and spent many hours being angry at a person that she doesn't even know, but totally disagrees with on everything. If you come to my blog and feel that way - first off - I'm really sorry, Secondly - STOP IT.
Blogs are supposed to be enjoyable, I know that sometimes my blog may be a little serious, but I hope that you enjoy reading it.
Fun facts about this blog's readers
Most of you live in Ohio, but some also live in Alabama, New York, Kansas, and Iowa
Most of you have Windows XP and have a 6.0 browser- (I'll try to remember this when uploading)
Most visit between noon and three
Enough for now, will blog more tomorrow
Amanda
I have a friend who said she went to someones blog and read it daily and spent many hours being angry at a person that she doesn't even know, but totally disagrees with on everything. If you come to my blog and feel that way - first off - I'm really sorry, Secondly - STOP IT.
Blogs are supposed to be enjoyable, I know that sometimes my blog may be a little serious, but I hope that you enjoy reading it.
Fun facts about this blog's readers
Most of you live in Ohio, but some also live in Alabama, New York, Kansas, and Iowa
Most of you have Windows XP and have a 6.0 browser- (I'll try to remember this when uploading)
Most visit between noon and three
Enough for now, will blog more tomorrow
Amanda
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