I am at work....trying desperately to stay awake. I have not been sleeping well for the past couple of weeks...this often happens when I am stressed and/or change is happening. (with that criteria it is amazing that I sleep at all!)
So here is what's happening in the life of Amanda:
September 20th, I will be moving to a new abode. After a year and a half of living 20 minutes from work and 30 minutes from church, I have decided to make a move to an apartment that is much closer to both.
Sadly, my roommate will not be moving with me. Her current employment is in the opposite direction from mine, so my moving closer is her moving farther. Also her brother is moving to town and will be her new roommmate.
So, P&P and I will be setting into a new place that is all our own. One of the best features...it is no where near Cowboys! traffic!!!!
I have been asking God for some very direct answers regarding my future. Specifically within my Mary Kay. I had made the decision that I was going to quit being a consultant as a hobby. This meant one of two things. I was quitting altogether or getting serious. Due to some very specific things that the Lord revealed to me in the last part of July, I have decided to get serious. I am now working my business as a business. I am on a very systematic and structured path toward directorship. You can help here by praying for this business, that it would be used for His glory. Refer friends, host a spa pampering session (if you are out of town that is ok you can host a web party! just ask how!), or if you know someone who is looking for an amazing opportunity in a company that puts God first, Family second and Career third (in word and in deed), then please send them my way.
Many of you have asked about my holiday plans. I am so excited to say that I am going to get to go to Botswana for Christmas. An adopted home of sorts as Kenya is HOME, but Botswana is where mom and dad live! I will be leaving December 17th and don't return until January 5th. I will also have a few short days to spend in England a whirlwind tour of friends that I have not seen in 13 years! I am so excited! Definitely not long enough, but will be a start.
God continues to move in my life daily. He is stretching my faith to new levels and building in me areas of trust I didn't even know I struggled with before. I am more in love with the Father than I have ever been. I am currently leading an incredible group of ladies in a home group style setting. This has been an adventure! For those who know me well, they know my lack of desire to even have girls as friends, much less lead a group of them. Yet these girls have rocked my world. I have never had friendships as sweet and as deep as these and I am so excited for it to keep going!
At church I have taken on leadership within the intercessory ministry. Something that I told God I wouldn't do...He just smiles when we say stuff like that. It is an old journey with a new vision and the Lord is teaching me so much about prayer and the power of it.
Many of you have asked about my sweet friend Karen and her son Alex. He is smack in the middle of chemo therapy and now has a website you can visit and keep track of praying for him. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexmodesitt Head over and leave a note of encouragement.
Lastly, as I have been packing, I have run across some fun memories...and one was a book that I just started writing sayings, lyrics, and poems I enjoyed. I now do that by blogging I suppose, but I came across this poem by Emily Dickinson and it just made me smile.
A thought went up my mind to-day
That I have had before,
But did not finish,--some way back,
I could not fix the year,
Nor where it went, nor why it came
The second time to me,
Nor definitely what it was,
Have I the art to say.
But somewhere in my soul, I know
I've met the thing before;
It just reminded me--'t was all--
And came my way no more.
Blessings!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Enough
Sometimes things are just too deep and painful, sometimes just to deep and joyful to write out or process all at once. The past few months have been that for me. I am still processing, but today as I was spending time in the Word, I began to write this prayer of sorts. What I have come to know is that in sadness, pain or blissful joy...He alone is enough.
Through loss of one, pain strikes
Through rejection a deepening wound
Confusion riddles the mind
Sleepless sadness turns to slumbering escape.
Desire for tomorrow
Robs the joy of today.
Pride shows its promises yet unfulfilled
While in the corner humility quietly waits
Redemption offered up in open hands
Turn to the left, turn to the right
Life spinning, seemingly out of control.
Searching for fantasies just out of reach
When He alone is enough.
"Child, do you trust me?"
"No, Lord" is my cry
Honesty, He desires,
Brokenness, He treasures.
Your name...brings restoration.
Your name...today's joy.
Your name...tomorrow's glory.
Your honor...my pleasure.
Your renown...my gain.
Your majesty...my treasure.
You...Hope Found!!
Through loss of one, pain strikes
Through rejection a deepening wound
Confusion riddles the mind
Sleepless sadness turns to slumbering escape.
Desire for tomorrow
Robs the joy of today.
Pride shows its promises yet unfulfilled
While in the corner humility quietly waits
Redemption offered up in open hands
Turn to the left, turn to the right
Life spinning, seemingly out of control.
Searching for fantasies just out of reach
When He alone is enough.
"Child, do you trust me?"
"No, Lord" is my cry
Honesty, He desires,
Brokenness, He treasures.
Your name...brings restoration.
Your name...today's joy.
Your name...tomorrow's glory.
Your honor...my pleasure.
Your renown...my gain.
Your majesty...my treasure.
You...Hope Found!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
TAGGED!
My friend Becky tagged me...Enjoy!
8 Things I am Passionate About:
Jesus
The Village Church
My family
Mary Kay
Ministering to women
Adult Third Culture Kids
Praying for others
Travel
8 Books I Have Read and Enjoyed:
To hold me to 8 here is almost cruel..
All of “In Death” Series by J.D. Robb (that in itself is more than 8)
Anne of Green Gables
Speechless
Fresh Faith
A Woman’s call to prayer
The Hour Game
A Year of Living Bibilically
Bobo’s in Paradise
8 Words/Phrases I Say Often:
Praise the Lord!
That’s HI-La-rI-ous!
Paddington, NO!
Do you have a quick minute?
Can I ask you a crazy question?
Thank you, Mary Kay!
I need coffee
Meighan Girgus’ office this is Amanda
8 Things I Want to do Before I Die… (In no particular order):
See my lifelong friends come to know Jesus
Become a MK director (ok this before Nov. 30)
Publish something
Sell a photography book
Take a photography class
Sky Dive
Return to Africa to live
See all 7 continents (4 down, 3 to go)
8 Things I Learned This Past Year:
Mentors attract survivors….rescuers attract victims
Sometimes losing a friend is the best thing for both of you.
Sometimes you have to say “no” to good things, to get the best.
RUN from negativity (people, news, etc)
The difference between a worthless uncut diamond and priceless beauty is “work”
You are known by your past, or your possibilities….it is your choice.
The great things about dreams is they have no time or language barriers.
Success is the sum of small efforts repeated.
You cannot stuff a great life into a small dream. In order to dream and have a great life, you must be motivated by the possibility of the not yet reality, and motivated by the future.
Eight People I want to Tag:
Shital
MC
K
Natalie
Amy
Pamelamb
DRC
Kate
8 Things I am Passionate About:
Jesus
The Village Church
My family
Mary Kay
Ministering to women
Adult Third Culture Kids
Praying for others
Travel
8 Books I Have Read and Enjoyed:
To hold me to 8 here is almost cruel..
All of “In Death” Series by J.D. Robb (that in itself is more than 8)
Anne of Green Gables
Speechless
Fresh Faith
A Woman’s call to prayer
The Hour Game
A Year of Living Bibilically
Bobo’s in Paradise
8 Words/Phrases I Say Often:
Praise the Lord!
That’s HI-La-rI-ous!
Paddington, NO!
Do you have a quick minute?
Can I ask you a crazy question?
Thank you, Mary Kay!
I need coffee
Meighan Girgus’ office this is Amanda
8 Things I Want to do Before I Die… (In no particular order):
See my lifelong friends come to know Jesus
Become a MK director (ok this before Nov. 30)
Publish something
Sell a photography book
Take a photography class
Sky Dive
Return to Africa to live
See all 7 continents (4 down, 3 to go)
8 Things I Learned This Past Year:
Mentors attract survivors….rescuers attract victims
Sometimes losing a friend is the best thing for both of you.
Sometimes you have to say “no” to good things, to get the best.
RUN from negativity (people, news, etc)
The difference between a worthless uncut diamond and priceless beauty is “work”
You are known by your past, or your possibilities….it is your choice.
The great things about dreams is they have no time or language barriers.
Success is the sum of small efforts repeated.
You cannot stuff a great life into a small dream. In order to dream and have a great life, you must be motivated by the possibility of the not yet reality, and motivated by the future.
Eight People I want to Tag:
Shital
MC
K
Natalie
Amy
Pamelamb
DRC
Kate
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Promises
Not one single promise has failed. How powerful those words. His word is filled to the brim with promises and not one has failed. How silly and shallow I am to even attempt to walk in doubt and fear. I have a promise of hope and a future, a promise of life and that more abundant. The ups and the downs they are part of the promise. He promises He will hold my hand, he will direct my path, he will give wisdom without resentment....not one single promise has failed.
Joshua 23:14 - "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the promises which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed."
Joshua 23:14 - "Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the promises which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed."
Monday, August 18, 2008
I am on the fast track
To directorship that is....
Be prepared to hear a lot about Mary Kay in the next couple of months.
The Lord has taken me on quite a journey the past few months, some I will share as I feel that I can, some will just stay with me, but you will see it as it beings to manifest itself in me.
More soon...for now...bedtime.
Be prepared to hear a lot about Mary Kay in the next couple of months.
The Lord has taken me on quite a journey the past few months, some I will share as I feel that I can, some will just stay with me, but you will see it as it beings to manifest itself in me.
More soon...for now...bedtime.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Ball-FOUR
I just got home from the most boring baseball game in my life! But it was fun! Thanks Nathan!
Sat right next to the rival bull pen....so question of the evening. If your last name is Balfour are you destined to be a major league pitcher?
Sat right next to the rival bull pen....so question of the evening. If your last name is Balfour are you destined to be a major league pitcher?
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Great Quotes
One of my very favorite people turned 50 this past month:
My memories of Mark Lowry go farther back than he would want to know! Some of my very favorite memories are road trips through the amazing scenery of Kenya with Mark in the the cassette (that's right cassette) player. It doesn't matter how many times I hear his stories they still make me laugh till I cry. One time I even went to his concert on back to back nights!
In the midst of his humor is a heart that is deeply in love with the Father and with that love comes words of wisdom that move me and bless me.
He recently posted a list of his favorite quotes over the past few years...some of them are funny some are just great...read and enjoy.
Mark Lowry Quotes:
“Happiness is a roller-coaster ride, contentment is falling backwards into Grandma’s feather bed."
“We don't help people by showing them our trophies, we help them by showing them our scars."
“When you see a stranger you must change the way you view him. Instead of seeing a school teacher, a mother, an ax murderer or a priest, see who they really are, the image of God on legs.”
"Love the sinner, hate the sin? How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin! I don't have time to hate your sin. There are too many of you!"
“I would hate to be an atheist. They have no one to thank.”
“Hoe your row. But not too deeply or it will become a rut.”
"God is crazy about you!"
"You work... so you can play."
"It's not a great song unless it makes your DNA remember Eden and your spirit long for Home."
“Before you plant your seed you better check out the soil.”
“God thinks you’re worth loving and you don’t get a vote.”
"I hate puns. And, I'm tired of pardoning them."
"The things you're crying about today, you might be laughing about in ten years ... and then again ... maybe not."
"When you wrap a flag around the Cross, you make both impotent."
"Politics trims the shrub, the Gospel cuts the root."
"If you have ADD, you shouldn't learn to ride a motorcycle until you learn to drive a wheelchair."
"Life is a series of recoveries."
"The self-righteous have their fig leaves so tightly bound that they have forgotten the seeping wounds beneath the foliage."
"Broken pots spill more water."
“Take the high road, there’s less traffic.”
“Time has shown me that what may feel like a brick wall is just a speed bump on the journey.”
My memories of Mark Lowry go farther back than he would want to know! Some of my very favorite memories are road trips through the amazing scenery of Kenya with Mark in the the cassette (that's right cassette) player. It doesn't matter how many times I hear his stories they still make me laugh till I cry. One time I even went to his concert on back to back nights!
In the midst of his humor is a heart that is deeply in love with the Father and with that love comes words of wisdom that move me and bless me.
He recently posted a list of his favorite quotes over the past few years...some of them are funny some are just great...read and enjoy.
Mark Lowry Quotes:
“Happiness is a roller-coaster ride, contentment is falling backwards into Grandma’s feather bed."
“We don't help people by showing them our trophies, we help them by showing them our scars."
“When you see a stranger you must change the way you view him. Instead of seeing a school teacher, a mother, an ax murderer or a priest, see who they really are, the image of God on legs.”
"Love the sinner, hate the sin? How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin! I don't have time to hate your sin. There are too many of you!"
“I would hate to be an atheist. They have no one to thank.”
“Hoe your row. But not too deeply or it will become a rut.”
"God is crazy about you!"
"You work... so you can play."
"It's not a great song unless it makes your DNA remember Eden and your spirit long for Home."
“Before you plant your seed you better check out the soil.”
“God thinks you’re worth loving and you don’t get a vote.”
"I hate puns. And, I'm tired of pardoning them."
"The things you're crying about today, you might be laughing about in ten years ... and then again ... maybe not."
"When you wrap a flag around the Cross, you make both impotent."
"Politics trims the shrub, the Gospel cuts the root."
"If you have ADD, you shouldn't learn to ride a motorcycle until you learn to drive a wheelchair."
"Life is a series of recoveries."
"The self-righteous have their fig leaves so tightly bound that they have forgotten the seeping wounds beneath the foliage."
"Broken pots spill more water."
“Take the high road, there’s less traffic.”
“Time has shown me that what may feel like a brick wall is just a speed bump on the journey.”
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
It has simply been a long week....
....and it is only Wednesday.
First off I would like to request prayer for this sweet boy...
The son of a friend of mine. Alex is undergoing chemo this week for a cancerous tumor found on his hip. At 18 he is pretty resilient as most of the young are, but he is still scared and still in need of the Father's arms around Him.
I lost a friend this week. Sometimes that is the consequence of doing what you know is right. Doesn't hurt any less.
Sometimes being sad is just ok.....
First off I would like to request prayer for this sweet boy...
The son of a friend of mine. Alex is undergoing chemo this week for a cancerous tumor found on his hip. At 18 he is pretty resilient as most of the young are, but he is still scared and still in need of the Father's arms around Him.
I lost a friend this week. Sometimes that is the consequence of doing what you know is right. Doesn't hurt any less.
Sometimes being sad is just ok.....
Saturday, August 02, 2008
In Love
with my new camera.... :)
My first shot was quite spectacular, however, you will have to wait on that one as my generic memory card corrupted and I am working on getting those pictures set free. However, I have had opportunity to get a new card and play some more..last night I played in monochrome mode....see below....
Paddington
Self Portrait
My toes
Picasso (wishing I would stop!)
My first shot was quite spectacular, however, you will have to wait on that one as my generic memory card corrupted and I am working on getting those pictures set free. However, I have had opportunity to get a new card and play some more..last night I played in monochrome mode....see below....
Paddington
Self Portrait
My toes
Picasso (wishing I would stop!)
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