Hello, I'm Amanda!
Welcome to my blog! Please feel free to comment. I love hearing what you have to say!
Look not through the eyes of a human, but through the eyes of God.
Impossible is not a word. It's just an excuse not to try.


Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Verse of the Day

Romans 13:12-14
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the LORD Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Our God

Lately I've been getting irritated. My daughter has a few things going on health wise right now, and have for awhile. Every time I hear the doctor say "She will need surgery" or "It'll never go away on it's own" I get frustrated.

I don't like how some doctors are so wound up in medicine they forget about the one true healer...... God!

Every time I find myself wanting to break down because of what my daughter goes through, I keep hearing this song. I know God talks to us in many different ways. This particular song strikes an interest to me. I hear it on the radio and in church. Seems like every single time I start thinking about my daughter and how I want God to heal her so much, this song pops up.


Chris Tomlin - Our God
From the album Passion: Awakening

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There�s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shining
Out of the ashes we rise
There�s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There�s no One like You
None like You.

Chorus (X2)

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?
What could stand against?

Chorus (X2)

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?
Then what could stand against?
Then what could stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God...



God was trying to tell me when He is for us no one can stop us and when He is with us NO ONE can stand against us.

He was trying to tell me, he is greater than any problem on this earth. He is stronger than we could ever imagine. He was trying to tell me that HE is our healer. I keep looking in the wrong places.


I took it like this. God is our shoulder to lean on throughout our lives. He is right there to hold our hands. Again, it's all about trusting God completely. He was telling me if I lean on him and trust in him then he will take care of things.

I feel once again God wanted me to share my personal story with you to help you see that you are not alone in this struggle of life. That God is our rock, our foundation. If we try to take the wheel ourselves then things fall apart. God already knows our story of life. Look to him and he will direct you in the right path.

" But what if I get sick, or something horrible happens? Is that in God's will too?"

That is a question I hear often. This is the answer.

John10:10
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Acts 2:21
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

God is our savior. He loves you. He never plans for you to get sick or hurt in any way. That is the work of the thief (Satan). The Devil only comes "to steal and kill and destroy."

God sent Christ so that we "may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)."

Call upon the LORD and you will be saved!

Trust in him. Never have doubt in your heart that he saves and heals. By doing so you will have many blessings ahead of you.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Just an update.....

Lately God has been telling me something I have failed to see. There has been some conflict lately with different parts of my family and I have been feeling some side effects.

Being myself I tried to deal with things my way. I was trying to make everyone happy. I felt the load of stress upon me almost to the point where I wanted to break down. I kept seeing two verses popping up at me. I knew in my heart they were coming straight from God Himself.

These are the verses I saw:

Matthew 11:28-30
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Still I tried to do things my way. Let me assure you my friend this is not the way to go!

It wasn't until I was talking to someone close to me that I got the message. I then grabbed my bible and re-read those messages.

God wanted me to not only give him all of my stress, burdens, worries to him, but he also wanted me to "wait upon" him. To "wait upon the LORD" means to patiently expect his promises in His Word. To strengthen us to rise above our difficulties in our lives. He wanted me to completely trust in him!

That was something I was not doing. I had let the stress of my family come upon me instead of the peace of the LORD coming upon me.

I couldn't take it anymore. I knew then what I needed to do. I literally fell to my knees and prayed for God to take away all my stress. I asked him to help me not worry about what I have no control over. That his will be done and to give me peace with whatever he decides.

My friend I tell you I felt no worries, no stress, no burdens any longer! God completely took them all way. I know now I should have done this in the first place. Would have saved me lots of stressful days!

Why am I telling you all this?

It's simple....

The LORD wants me to tell you the peace he can bring you. He wanted me to share my personal story with you so you can see for yourself how truly amazing he can be, no matter what your situation.

There is a song that matches exactly what I want to say:

The Sidewalk Prophets
'The words I would say'

"Be strong in the lord and
never give up hope.
Your gonna do great things.
I already know. God's got his hand on you
so, don't live life in fear.
Forgive and forget, but don't forget why your hear.
Take your time and pray.
Thank God for each day.
These are the words I would say.

From one simple life to another.
I will say.
Come find peace in the father."

So from one friend to another I say come find your peace in the LORD.

It's the greatest feeling you will ever endure. That is a promise!

Monday, June 14, 2010

No excuse for Christ

Do you have knowledge about God?

Do you know what you should do but other things in your life keep you busy?

I know many of you can think of every excuse in the book. You say "I'm too tired" or "I don't know, it just seems impossible."

My friend, the only thing I can say to you is if you think something is impossible for God, you are only looking through the eyes of a human. For nothing is impossible for God.

Jesus specifically spoke about following him in the bible.

Matthew 8:18-22
When Jesus noticed how large the crowd was growing, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.
Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you no matter where you go!"
But Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head."
Another of his disciples said, "Lord, first let me return home and bury my father."
But Jesus told him, "Follow me now! Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead."*

Following Jesus is not always easy. Nor is it always comfortable. Often you give things up when you follow Jesus. Like popularity, some friendships, your treasured habits, even your leisure time.
The things your giving up here on earth to follow Christ is high. But the true value of being a follower of Christ, like being one of his disciples, is even higher. Think of it as an investment that last for all eternity and comes with great rewards.

The disciple in the scripture used his father as an excuse to put off following Jesus. Jesus did not take his excuse nor will he take ours. We shall not put off following Christ!

Jesus will direct those who want to follow him. He will not hesitate to demand for complete loyalty.

The bottom line?

Even though our loyalties compete for our attention everyday, nothing should be placed above a total commitment to living for him!

Ask yourself about your priorities in following Christ.

Remember, there are no excuses.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

God is knocking

Have you ever told God you'd help fulfill his will and when you hear his answer you step back and say "Wait whaaa??? Do you really know what you are doing?"

Maybe he told you to forgive someone.

Maybe he is telling you to move or switch careers.

Whatever He is telling you don't be afraid! God loves you and would never steer you wrong.

God knows you personally. He knows your name, rather you know him or not. He is knocking at your door waiting for you to answer. We all have many pressures in life, but it's how you react under that pressure that really counts. It can show how you are on the inside, even determine your future. It effects those around you. We must remember to be patient and pray.

No matter what your going through it is great to know one thing. God is already working behind the scenes on you prayers before we even pray! How great is that?!

God is in control and knows what will happen.

So what do you do in the meantime?

1) Pray to God

2) Listen to what God has to say

3) Obey God's commands!

The bible tells us:

Colossians 3:2
Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

We must keep heaven in our minds. What lies ahead for all eternity not just here temporarily on earth. Every time you listen to one of God's commands you are fulfilling his will. God's will is far better than any life we could plan for ourselves.

In other words: He knows what he is doing. No matter how fishy it sounds, do it anyways! You must meet him half way. You can't just go part of the way and turn back because it got too hard.

Would you go to the grocery store, fill your cart half way then put everything back because you decided it's too hard to figure out the meals for the week? NO you wouldn't. So why would you tell God you will do as he commands and then back out cause you decide you don't want to do it?

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And be thankful.

You must live in peace. Let God take the wheel of your life. Let him direct you and you must follow. Don't worry about the unknown, for it's never the unknown. God knows all! Be thankful for what the LORD has given you!

Dust your self off. Calm down when the pressure hits.
Trust in the lord! For he is great!

When God knocks at your door, will you answer?




Friday, June 4, 2010

The truth about worrying

Are you a worry wart?

Do you keep yourself awake at night because your brain won't shut off?

Do you try to find ways to solve your problems but find yourself going in circle?

Well, worry no longer!

The bible gives us seven reasons not to worry!

1) The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

Matthew 6:25

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-- whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?


2) Worrying about the future puts a damper on the efforts for today.


Matthew 6:26

Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are.


3) Worrying harms you more than it helps you.


Matthew 6:27
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of coarse not.


4) God doesn't ignore those who depend on Him.


Matthew 6:28-30
"And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith!

5) Worrying shows God you lack faith and understanding in Him.

Matthew 6:31-32
"So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs,

6) Worrying keeps us from the real challenges God wants us to pursue.

Matthew 6:33
and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

7) If you live one day at a time it will keep you from being consumed with worry.

Matthew 6:34
"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.


Think about it. How much do you worry in a day?
What is worry exactly?
It's a strong feeling of anxiety. It's the fear of the unknown.

Statistics show about worrying that:

40%- never happens

30%- has already happened at some point

12%- are needless worries

10%- are petty and unimportant

8%- actually happens

4%- actually happen are beyond our control

4%- happens and we have some control over the results


So showing the statistics, do we really need to worry?
The answer is easy: NO!
When you are in a situation and you find yourself starting to worry, take some time out and pray. Remember you are only hurting yourself!
Do what you can and let God do the rest. No need to fret.
Take one day at a time.

We are not meant to know our future. Just face it, life would be dull if we did know right?
Worrying can lead to stress which can lead to health problems.

Take time for yourself and do something relaxing! Just enjoy the "right now" and let God take care of the "what's yet to come."

Isn't it great knowing God has our whole lives planned out for us and all we have to do is listen and follow?

Sounds great to me! Are you in?




Wednesday, June 2, 2010

How can God help us?

Are you aware of all the ways God can help you?

Are you scared?

God says: "Don't be afraid"

Do you feel like your alone?

God says: "for I am with you"

Don't think God wants a relationship with you?

God says: "for I am your God."

Think you are weak?

God says: "I will strengthen you"

Need help during a hard time?

God says: "I will help you."

Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

We all need to know all the ways God can help us. He is our creator, our almighty God. He never leaves or forsakes us. God sent his son Jesus Christ to understand the needs of us humans. He sent him knowing the pain and agony he would endure for us sinners.

Close your eyes for a second. Think about your past.
What were you like?
Were you into drugs?
Alcohol?
Stealing?
Maybe you had some sort of sex addiction?
Maybe some of you think "oh if I wouldn't have changed my ways I would be dead or in jail right now!"
Some of you might be in need of a change rather you know it and want to admit it or not.
Now think for a second on those hard times. How did you change?
What made you want to change?
Ever had something happen and you were like "Man how did I get out of that one?"
It wasn't by accident, that was God!
If you haven't changed then you need to wake up and smell the coffee beans.
God is there with you and he's been throwing signs at you.
Be quiet and listen to what he has to say!

God is with us every day of our lives. He is our strength, our rock, our sanity. He makes sense when the world doesn't.

I have a challenge for you. Write down your hard times and how you made it through them.
Count those times and look for yourself what God has done for you.
Then you can say "you know what, I'm not perfect but thank God I'm not how I used to be."
Continue to write down times as your life goes on. Write down your prayers and the answers God gives you.
That my friends is YOUR living proof what God has done for you and your life.

Never have doubt in your heart about what God and his power can do for you. He wants to help you. The question is: Do you know how he can help you?