No doubt

Ok, so sometimes I struggle with worry and doubt. It is easy for me to get worried about all sorts of different things - from the next president right down to what I am going to fix for dinner tonight. If I let it go on it can consume my thoughts and then I look back and wonder what I did all day.
I have often told people to focus on the positive, the fixable, and to "just do the next right thing" I am learning that it may be easier said than done, especially when charting a new course.

So today I was reading in Matthew Chapters 6&7 and I was a little inspired.

So tied down with worry,
So filled up with fear,
Is life more important
than what's happening here?

I know you promised more to me
than life that's bound by what I see

"Oh you of little faith"
Can't you see God's hand?
Just trust for tomorrow
and the day he has planned.

I know when it is You I seek
the rest will be added to me

Knock, and the door will be opened
Ask, and the blessings poured out
Seek, and you'll find the promise He's given
As a child of the King, there's no doubt

Knock - you're word is a lamp for my feet
Ask - I hear you call
Seek - you are leading me
Lord, don't let me fall

Knock, and the door will be opened
Ask, and the blessings poured out
Seek, and you'll find the promise He's given
As a child of the King, there's no doubt

Enough for today
Amanda

Drason for President 2008

Well after the video about the clothes, I'm about half afraid to post this.
This weekend we were talking to some friends of ours and they told us they supported John McCain for President - they cited that he is pro - life.
I am certain that Mike Huckabee is pro- life, but it looks like it is a “mathematical impossibility” that Huckabee will ever be the President – shucks huck – I actually liked you
Maybe Huckabee is still in it because he sees that McCain at age 71, might keel over and then Huck would be the only candidate that has not dropped out. One can only hope…..(okay kidding)

The only reason I could ever see voting for McCain would be if he was pro life- but IF he is, he is the most abortion friendly “pro-lifer” ever:

“McCain was asked how he could be anti-abortion and still vote to support fetal tissue research. He supports fetal-tissue research, McCain said, because it has helped make progress against Parkinson’s disease. McCain concluded that abortion rights and anti-abortion activists should cooperate on issues of foster care and adoption. He had made his decision on abortion, he said, “after a lot of study, consultation, and a lot of prayer.” He added, “I’d like to have less intensity on this issue.”
Source: Boston Globe, p. A11 Jan 22, 2000

“McCain said, “I’d love to see a point where Roe vs. Wade is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary. But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.” A spokesman said that McCain “has a 17-year voting record of supporting efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade. He does that currently, and will continue to do that as president.”
Source: Ron Fournier, Associated Press Aug 24, 1999

” McCain said… that he opposed abortion except in cases of rape and incest. He was then asked how he would determine whether someone had in fact been raped. McCain responded, “I think that I would give the benefit of the doubt to the person who alleges that.”
Source: New York Times, p. A17 Jan 25, 2000

In my book – pro life means you do not support the killing of babies for ANY reason, that’s just me

Finally

When McCain was asked “What you would say if your daughter was ever in a position where she might need an abortion? You answered [earlier today] that the choice would be up to her and then that you’d have a family conference. That displayed a profound lack of understanding of the basic issue of principle involved in abortion. After all, if your daughter said she was contemplating killing her grandmother for the inheritance, you wouldn't say, “Let’s have a family conference.” You’d look at her and say “Just Say No,“ because that is morally wrong. It is God’s choice that that child is in the womb. And for us to usurp that choice in contradiction of our declaration of principles is just as wrong.”
Source: (X-ref from Keyes) GOP Debate in Manchester NH Jan 26, 2000

Now before you start citing all his recent quotes - If you notice these sources are from 1999 and 2000 when he was trying to win the republican party nomination - when you site sources from 2008 he says he is pro life, that he would overturn Roe V Wade. I think this is convenient- seeing as how he never would have beat out Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee if he had made these same comments in 2008.
On another front McCain says on his website that he does not believe in stem cell research – WHEN EMBRYOS ARE CREATED SOLELY FOR THAT PURPOSE - but lets say a couple goes in for in-vetro fertilization – they harvest and fertilize 10 eggs (create 10 babies in a lab) implant three and freeze seven. The couple has a child, and then they sell their fertilized eggs (the other 7 children) to research. – This McCain is okay with. - This doesn't sound very "pro-life" to me.

In all fairness every other candidate is also for killing babies –
Drason says we should all write his name in on the ballot –
Hmmmmmm……
Amanda

"My life is a message"

So I bought this journal and it is supposed to be "more than a journal" It gives you inspiring quotes, questions for the day, and then you write about that. So I open it up, the first day, and the very first thing is this:

"My life is a message" Mahatma Ghandi

Ok well we all know who Ghandi was - not really thinking he was a Christ follower, but - we do all know who he was - which sort of proves the point.

So if my life is a message, what message am I sending? Who is receiving that message? What is the effect of that message?

I also bought a devotional book called "sister freaks" - by Rebecca St. James - so far it is really good- it's about women whose lives were their message - hmmmm sensing a theme here.

I guess for me when I think about my life as a message, think the main recipients are my boys.
I hope I am sending the "I love you" message, and the "be responsible" message, or how about the "help other's" message or really important the "you can do anything with God" message - but I'm not so sure.

I think I send the I love you message pretty well, but like every mom I'm sure I also send the "Arrhhhggg" message. How about the " it's pleasant to be able to go out to dinner and have a lot of toys" message - or maybe the "help others when it is convenient" message or the best one " stick to a routine that is busy and safe" message.

While I know I send those first messages, I also know I send those last ones.

The point?

1 Peter 4
"1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Well, He said it way better than I ever could.

If your life is a message.....
Enough for tonight,
Amanda

Another news letter

Dear Friends by Carole Lewis
Memories
Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you are brought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
I recently attended a conference at a church in Virginia where the Pastor Steve Reynolds, lost 108 pounds and is leading his congregation to also lose weight. During the fall of 2007, his congregation lost 2100 pounds. The meeting I attended in January was the kick off for their second session where 270 men and women attended and signed up again to lose weight. Steve's alumni group is going through First Place together, which is the reason I was there.
Some of the below facts shared at that conference were sobering to say the least. This is a sad commentary for all of us as Christians.
Of 100 pound losers, only one (1) out of 1,000 keeps off the weight.
Christians are the most overweight people group.
The word "body" is mentioned 179 times in the Bible.
66 million Americans are obese (BMI>30%).
One million Americans are super obese (BMI>50%)
continued…
Leadership Training by Vicki Heath
What a Looser!Steve Reynolds is just that! And now he is leading his whole church to be a bunch of losers too! Over a year ago, Pastor Steve realized that because of his lust of the flesh (For him it was over indulging in ice cream!) and sedentary lifestyle, he was digging his own grave with a knife and fork! He decided to do something about it and has lost 108 pounds. And that was just the beginning!
continued…
Balanced Living-Emotional by Bill Heston
Cut the Bitter RootMake every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:14-15 4:4a
It is impossible to live very long before hurtful things happen. Some we just stumble into and others seem to be well-conceived plots. Even good people end up hurting other good people. Apologies are welcomed, but they do not take away the harm that often has been done.
continued…
Balanced Living-Physical by Jeannie Blocher
One Step at a TimeIs exercise one of the hardest things for you when it comes to healthy lifestyle changes? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. Many people feel the same way. There are so many things that seem to happen in life that sabotage our efforts to exercise. We have to find time to do it, and our lives are busy.
continued…
Nutrition Notes by Erin DuBroc
The (not so) Secret to Sticking With ItI read a great article in Newsweek by Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D. a few months ago. Entitled "Forget about Willpower", I was quite curious to read what Dr. Ornish believes one shouldn't forget about in the quest for successful weight loss since willpower is, after all, believed by many to be a large piece of the weight-loss puzzle. You can find the article here: http://www.newsweek.com/id/81153Once you read it, I hope you'll see some major similarities between what Dr. Ornish touts as the secrets to losing weight and what First Place teaches.
continued…
Devotional
Clueless and Busy in Illinois
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. COLOSSIANS 3:1-2
I became aware of the hectic nature of my life when I found myself dyeing my hair at midnight! The 20 minutes I had forced myself to stay awake so that I could cover the gray, I had just enough reflection time to day, "My life has been w-a-y too busy for the last week."
continued…
Recipes: Soups On!
Tortellini SoupServes: 6
2 1/2 cups water
2 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 cups loose-pack frozen broccoli, cauliflower and carrots
2 1/2 cups refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 1/2 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, undrained tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano and pepper. Bring to boiling. Stir in frozen vegetables and tortellini. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 6 minutes or until tortellini are tender. Add parsley and serve.
Exchanges: 2 Breads, 1 1/2 Meats, 1 1/2 Vegetables
Creamed Turkey with Bow Ties Serves: 6
1 (12 ounce) package bow tie pasta
1 bunch green onions, chopped
6 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine
2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10.75 ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/4 cup fat-free sour cream
pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile saute onions, celery and mushrooms in butter until tender. Reduce heat. Add the turkey, broth, soup and sour cream; heat through (do not boil). Season with pepper. Drain pasta; top with turkey mixture. Note: Can use a bag of veggies in place of the mushrooms.
Exchanges: 2 1/2 meats, 2 Breads
Apricot Glazed Asparagus Serves: 4
1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons apricot preserves
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 400°. Place asparagus spears on a jelly roll pan lined with foil and coated with cooking spray. Combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, and salt and pour over asparagus. Toss well to coat. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Serve immediately.
Exchanges:1/2 vegetable
Green Beans with ChivesServes: 4
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 teaspoon stone-ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Steam green beans, covered, 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from steamer; toss with remaining ingredients.
Exchanges: 1 1/2 vegetables, 1/2 fat

Happy Valentines Day

As many of you know, Drason has been working two jobs, what an awesome husband. He told me the other night that he reads this blog everyday, so today this blog is especially for him.
People think we are crazy, and I have to say they are right. We are still crazy about each other after almost 9 years, 3 kids, and so many ups and downs I couldn't list them all if I had forever to do so.
I don't know what I would do without Drason. I am so awesomely blessed to have a man who listens, who really deeply cares for others, and who has led me through this, sometimes difficult and uncertain, time in our lives as we look once again to see what God would have us do.
Many of you commented on the content of my blogs, you must know that without Drason most of that inspiration would have come out as frustration, not the other way around.

More than just the one who inspires me to keep going when I am tired, someone who cheers me up when I am down, someone who thinks how I think and sees what I see and understands. Without Drason I probably would never have come to know - really know - the Lord.

I love you Drason

Thank you for just being you!

Amanda

Days are just so long
And always filled up to the brim
Sometimes I just forget about
All the time I spend
On other things

Calling out my name
And I come runnin’ back again
To me you’re everything
You’re my lover and best friend
And my heart sings

You are my rock
one who always understands
And never questions who I am
And I look forward to
Everyday with you

I Love You

Out and about

Despite the snow - or as the tv stations call it "White Death 2008"
We are managing to survive :-)

No School for the boys today so we went to Geller Park and Bob Evans .

After 2 hours of sledding, multiple wipe outs , multiple discussions about who gets what sled, and everyone taking a turn with the "good sled" - still no broken bones (this is a praise) and the boys still have lots of energy (this is a prayer request).

After ordering up a round of Hot Chocolate and Pancakes at the Bob Evans, Mason looks up at me and says "You're the best mom ever."

Awww!

That kid could have asked for anything and I would've said yes. So while you stay home snuggled up with your family, or venture out into the blizzard (insert laughter here) Be thankful for all the ways you have been blessed!

And keep praying for our folks in Kenya - they are doing a great work there.

peace out
Amanda

Quiet time

Yes it is hard to find at my house, but occationally I find some.

I try to read the Bible to apply it to my life, I think there are some historical accounts in the Bible, that are just that, however I also think we can learn from these. There is a lesson in all of it, and not just a history lesson.

So I was reading in Acts 15 :1-21

"1Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.

Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses."

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
" 'After this I will return
and rebuild David's fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things'
that have been known for ages.

"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."

What on earth can you get out of this passage, other than just a history lesson?

Well a few things
God knows the heart - we don't need to know the heart of every other person on the planet - if the evidence of Christ is in their lives we can simply say "Ok" and strive to uplift them, pray for them, and seek to know them better.

Don't sweat the small stuff - not everyone is always going to agree with you. It doesn't mean they are less, or you are more, it just means that you don't agree. Is there a right and a wrong? YES, but on some things we might not know the answer until heaven.

How to handle a dispute - having a committee seems like a good idea - When it is subject to the leader- James in this case, (who by the way, was appointed by God as all those in authority over us are)

Be careful how you instruct a new beleiver - do so without placing a "yoke" on them.

There are some things in the "law" that were discarded after Jesus - this passage is an example of how that happened. But some things were kept because they were "known for ages" - good to know if you were wondering why we don't keep all of the old laws.

Finally don't make it difficult for people to come to Christ. Christianity isn't a club. We are saved by grace - just like everyone else can be.

Be at peace
or be a cat :-)
Amanda

Quick update

We were able to talk to Macguines' school, presented our concerns, and amazingly enough, they switched his class.
In the public school this is unheard of.
Macguines' new teacher is very kind, organized and she made a great first impression. Praise Jesus! It's nice to be cared for.

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."

Goodnight
Amanda

Pause the music player first.


How easy it is to get caught up in the things that don't really matter. I showed this video to a friend and they had some questions.
Here they are:
"Why are they making fun of the guy in the suit?"
"What does it mean, 'Christian no more'?"

Since I am sure someone will see this and have these same responses.....
It really has nothing to do with the suit, it is an attractive suit. The problem is the attitude, the "Don't you think Jesus would want you to wear your Sunday best?" No, not really, sometimes I think that is just a convenient excuse for vanity and pride. I don't think Jesus really cares what you wear, just as long as you are covered and in his house.

I'm not sure I want to be associated with all of the people I've seen claiming to be "Christians" lately. Every person(almost) who is running for office, every talk show host, every TV personality, every nut case with a cause is claiming to be "Christian". I think I would rather be known as a "Christ-follower." And I don't think that label will ever come from a catchy bumper sticker- but maybe from the way I live life.

Enough for tonight,
Amanda

bless and do not curse

We have been having a horrific time with Macguines' school. It seems like if it isn't one thing it is ten others. Wednesday he came home from school so upset that he didn't want to talk about it, talk about feeling like a failure as a parent. How is it a counselor can't get their own kid to talk?

Anyways, Thursday he is ready to talk and tells me what is going on.

During library time the day before, a young man at his school called him a name, no big deal. Then the childs mother, who is the substitute librarian that day, calls Macguines this same name, in front of the entire class. Everyone laughs, and now call him this name constantly to see him upset.

Like a normal parent, I think to myself "I am going down to that school tomorrow, and I am going to rip someone's head off." Lucky for me (and them), there was no school on Friday as it was a teacher in-service day.

Macguines asks what he should do and every fiber of my being wants to tell him to lay that bully out........ then......
I remember that there was a time when someone really hurt me, and I wanted to yell at them, and chew them out, and tell them how horrible they were. But lucky for me, I had some wise council who told me to "pray for them."

"Pray for them?" I'm sure I sounded just as astonished as Macguines' did when my friend instructed me, "yes, pray for them."
So I did pray for the one who hurt me, grudgingly at first, but as time went on I felt more and more at peace with the whole situation.
And the result? well I don't feel angry anymore everytime I see the person, in fact the have even sort of apologized for their actions.

The point? As hard as it is for me to forgive, and pray for the people at the school, how much harder is it to tell your 2nd grader to do that?

Some things that came to mind:
Romans 12:14-21
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
and Luke 27-36 and *46-49
"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
* "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
And finally 1Peter 5:7-11
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen"
And as much as I thought that Macguines would roll his eyes, or at least grumble, he said "ok, mom" hugged me, and went off to pray."

Cool
Amanda