This morning I got up in need of exercise. My energy level was really low and I decided to fight it off with some good ol' fashion exercise.
My normal run did not appeal to me, but the bike/running path I take was calling to me. In this neighborhood there is a running path about a half mile away. The majority of this path is shaded by tall pines which makes for a nice cool haven while exercising. There are birds and squirrels and other such wooded creatures seen while running and it makes for a nice little nature walk/run.
But today I wanted something more. I wanted some more aerobic exercise. I decided to pull out the roller blades!! *hear the adventure music start.
I have not put these roller blades on in probably 5 years, if not more. So I pulled out my long socks (I only have 1 pair of crew socks and they are kept strictly for the purpose of roller blading), and strapped on my blades and wrist guards and after a shaky start off I went.
I did pretty well on the way there, I only had to run into a tree once to re-catch my balance and there was no one around to see it so maybe it didn't happen! ha!
I get to the path opening and really start moving. The coolness of the shade, the breeze I am creating for myself and the worship song I am singing to God are keeping me moving. About this time, I see it.....the branch looking thing lying across half of the path that can only be A SNAKE!!!
Now, let me 'splain. I HATE snakes. Sorry to those of you who think they are great, or would make good pets, or perhaps are just indifferent to them. I HATE them. I have been told all of their "redeeming" qualities and don't believe a word of it. A snake is bad snake and that is the end of my thought process. I realize I am closed minded about this, but I will accept that characterization and move on with my life, thank you very much!
So at the point I meet this 2 foot long snake in my path I am going down a slight incline. There is no way that I can stop, there is no way I can go off the path; I have to keep going. I pushed off and skirted around this fear of mine which for all I know was a deadly copperhead (I did not turn around to look or stay around to ask). I just pushed past my paralyzing fear and kept going!
For the rest of my time, with my eyes pealed for more snakes in my path (I did not encounter anymore Praise God!)...I began to think about my life. It is very similar to this blading ride.
I am on a pathway...headed in a direction that I want to go...with great things ahead of me. The exercise of life is rewarding though not always easy, but is good for me. Along this path I am going to encounter snakes. Metaphorically, as well as realistically; and in meeting with these snakes/deadly fears in my life I have some choices. I can turn back, go back to where I came from and stay fat and unhealthy, I could stop and become paralyzed and stagnant immobilized and useless, or I could face my fears and cruise on past the snakes in my pathway and reach my goals.
Today I choose to face my fears, to leave that snake in my rearview and not look back. He did not conquer me today, and he won't tomorrow either. I have the ultimate of Snake Killers on my side, and I have no reason to fear.
Philippians 3:12-21 (from the Message)
12-14 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running and I'm not turning back.
15-16 So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
17-19 Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.
20-21 But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
How Great is Our God!!
I spent the entire day at KSBJ our local Christian radio station yesterday. From 5 am to midnight. My shift was not that long to begin with, but I ended up staying the whole day anyway.
It was for their once a year faith promise share-a-thon. This year was amazing. For the 1st time in the 24 year history of the station….they met their monthly Monthly Operations Need: $248,000 by 6 pm on the second day. And their Special Projects Goal Phase One: $1,145,000 before noon on the 3rd day.
The rest of the 12 hours were God’s time…above and beyond. Apparently we had been praying too small for months….because by 11 pm last night we had raised over $5 million dollars.
This is more than any other Christian radio station has raised ever by about $300,000. Isn’t that amazing!! They will now be able to set their sites on “phase two and three” of the special projects goal….which was actually set for the next two years.
What was amazing was the staff….no one knew what to do. God kept bringing in the money and the staff (who are all so humble and amazing) kept looking at each other dumbfounded. Things like this had never happened before. They were humbled by the fact that they had asked God for what they thought was a "stretching dream" hoping to make it, and He said “oh yeah watch this!”
The theme this year was “How Great Is Our God”. Over the past year the radio station has been able to touch over a million lives (which was our theme and goal last year), including mine. I could not have made it through the past few months without the songs of Jesus and the encouragement of the DJ's broadcasting at all hours of the day and night through this station.
This will take the station even farther over the airwaves into HD technology so there can be 3 different genres all under the same name and dial. They will be able to expand the Nigeria project which is currently broadcasting over all of Nigeria and into parts of other neighboring countries. (That is a station they were able to put online last year). They will continue with domestic and international mentoring of other Christian radio stations. To bring them out of the dark ages of being a station that just plays Christian music, to a station that is out there in the community touching lives and spreading the Word through being the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is the third time I have volunteered….and it was amazing. So much fun to have God show up and be right there in phone central!! Our last hour was pure praise. Over a hundred people (staff and volunteers) in singing and praying and praising God. The president and CEO who is such an incredible man of God spoke from the Word….plus I suppose if you consider the pledging an offering….we had church!!
Two or three or a city of believers were gathered in His name for HIS purpose. It was amazing!! HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!
AW
p.s. for those of you keeping up...God is also working in my business!! I need 3 more active team members by the end of the month and I will be on target for directorship!! God is moving!!
It was for their once a year faith promise share-a-thon. This year was amazing. For the 1st time in the 24 year history of the station….they met their monthly Monthly Operations Need: $248,000 by 6 pm on the second day. And their Special Projects Goal Phase One: $1,145,000 before noon on the 3rd day.
The rest of the 12 hours were God’s time…above and beyond. Apparently we had been praying too small for months….because by 11 pm last night we had raised over $5 million dollars.
This is more than any other Christian radio station has raised ever by about $300,000. Isn’t that amazing!! They will now be able to set their sites on “phase two and three” of the special projects goal….which was actually set for the next two years.
What was amazing was the staff….no one knew what to do. God kept bringing in the money and the staff (who are all so humble and amazing) kept looking at each other dumbfounded. Things like this had never happened before. They were humbled by the fact that they had asked God for what they thought was a "stretching dream" hoping to make it, and He said “oh yeah watch this!”
The theme this year was “How Great Is Our God”. Over the past year the radio station has been able to touch over a million lives (which was our theme and goal last year), including mine. I could not have made it through the past few months without the songs of Jesus and the encouragement of the DJ's broadcasting at all hours of the day and night through this station.
This will take the station even farther over the airwaves into HD technology so there can be 3 different genres all under the same name and dial. They will be able to expand the Nigeria project which is currently broadcasting over all of Nigeria and into parts of other neighboring countries. (That is a station they were able to put online last year). They will continue with domestic and international mentoring of other Christian radio stations. To bring them out of the dark ages of being a station that just plays Christian music, to a station that is out there in the community touching lives and spreading the Word through being the hands and feet of Jesus.
This is the third time I have volunteered….and it was amazing. So much fun to have God show up and be right there in phone central!! Our last hour was pure praise. Over a hundred people (staff and volunteers) in singing and praying and praising God. The president and CEO who is such an incredible man of God spoke from the Word….plus I suppose if you consider the pledging an offering….we had church!!
Two or three or a city of believers were gathered in His name for HIS purpose. It was amazing!! HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!
AW
p.s. for those of you keeping up...God is also working in my business!! I need 3 more active team members by the end of the month and I will be on target for directorship!! God is moving!!
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Sitting
Why exactly do they say we are "sitting" when we watch things?
Baby-sitting....I am pretty sure that should we choose to do the literal we would be arrested.
Dog-sitting...a sure way to get bitten.
Cat-sitting...one squashed meow coming up.
House-sitting...one ponders where in the house we must sit. On top of the house, in the house, beside the house.
And why do we have to sit? Can't we stand? What is wrong with Baby-standing? What about crouching? I mean couldn't we dog-crouch?
Anyway, the past few weeks I have had the honor of house/dog/cat/guinea pig sitting. Three different houses all at the same time. Which can get kind of uncomfortable if taken literally.
The first house was for dear friends of mine who were on their way to explore "the Continent". Jealousy ensued as they jumped on a plane to go explore castles and lands. But they left me with Calvin and Hobbes, who are two of the coolest cats ever.
Calvin - he is the epitome of cat. He is big and fluffy, and sleeps all day long. When he is not sleeping he is walking to the food dish, where he eats and then finds a new place to rest his fat self. Kind of timid and shy, any attention received from him is in some small way an honor. So when at night he chooses to hop up and curl next to you, you feel the world is at peace.
Hobbes - a cat of a different nature. He is the adventurous warrior. Though raised an inside cat. He is out to hunt down, attack and destroy his foes. These foes are usually in the shape of a plastic bag. Which he has chosen as his sworn enemy. When he finds one lying on the floor, blissfully innocent to its fate....he slowly stalks it, creeping up on paws of stealth, sniffing around the territory to make sure that other danger is not present, and then without warning he pounces!! Rolling and entangling himself in the bag that, though seemingly defenseless, is fighting back by attaching itself to his neck and making horrendous rustling bag noises that will send this attacker running for dear life. However, the bag now has the advantage and hangs on to the neck, getting louder the more that Hobbes tries to break free.
Human girl (that's me) steps into the scene here and is forced to catch the cat and remove the bag from his neck. However, with the sick humor that is within all humans, she strategically places the bag so that the unsuspecting cat will repeat this scene for her amusement later. *insert wicked laugh
When not sleeping, eating and attacking innocent bags, these two amuse themselves...and the humans around them...by attacking each other. Some very clever wrestling moves have been designed from watching cats I do believe. A pounce on the unaware victim, a grasping of the head with one set of legs and feet, while the other set is mercilessly jackrabbiting the opponent in the face. Don't worry about the "innocent victim" however, he will get his own. One swift roll and the tides have turned and "poor" Hobbes who is outweighed by Calvin is getting back his due.
I think we have a lot to learn from this. I.E. Always watch out for the "quiet" ones.
More to come on the adventures of sitting. For now need to get dressed and ready for the adventures of the day.
Baby-sitting....I am pretty sure that should we choose to do the literal we would be arrested.
Dog-sitting...a sure way to get bitten.
Cat-sitting...one squashed meow coming up.
House-sitting...one ponders where in the house we must sit. On top of the house, in the house, beside the house.
And why do we have to sit? Can't we stand? What is wrong with Baby-standing? What about crouching? I mean couldn't we dog-crouch?
Anyway, the past few weeks I have had the honor of house/dog/cat/guinea pig sitting. Three different houses all at the same time. Which can get kind of uncomfortable if taken literally.
The first house was for dear friends of mine who were on their way to explore "the Continent". Jealousy ensued as they jumped on a plane to go explore castles and lands. But they left me with Calvin and Hobbes, who are two of the coolest cats ever.
Calvin - he is the epitome of cat. He is big and fluffy, and sleeps all day long. When he is not sleeping he is walking to the food dish, where he eats and then finds a new place to rest his fat self. Kind of timid and shy, any attention received from him is in some small way an honor. So when at night he chooses to hop up and curl next to you, you feel the world is at peace.
Hobbes - a cat of a different nature. He is the adventurous warrior. Though raised an inside cat. He is out to hunt down, attack and destroy his foes. These foes are usually in the shape of a plastic bag. Which he has chosen as his sworn enemy. When he finds one lying on the floor, blissfully innocent to its fate....he slowly stalks it, creeping up on paws of stealth, sniffing around the territory to make sure that other danger is not present, and then without warning he pounces!! Rolling and entangling himself in the bag that, though seemingly defenseless, is fighting back by attaching itself to his neck and making horrendous rustling bag noises that will send this attacker running for dear life. However, the bag now has the advantage and hangs on to the neck, getting louder the more that Hobbes tries to break free.Human girl (that's me) steps into the scene here and is forced to catch the cat and remove the bag from his neck. However, with the sick humor that is within all humans, she strategically places the bag so that the unsuspecting cat will repeat this scene for her amusement later. *insert wicked laugh
When not sleeping, eating and attacking innocent bags, these two amuse themselves...and the humans around them...by attacking each other. Some very clever wrestling moves have been designed from watching cats I do believe. A pounce on the unaware victim, a grasping of the head with one set of legs and feet, while the other set is mercilessly jackrabbiting the opponent in the face. Don't worry about the "innocent victim" however, he will get his own. One swift roll and the tides have turned and "poor" Hobbes who is outweighed by Calvin is getting back his due.
I think we have a lot to learn from this. I.E. Always watch out for the "quiet" ones.More to come on the adventures of sitting. For now need to get dressed and ready for the adventures of the day.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
You did it!!
Dearest friends and customers,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! God is so good, through you HE made it possible!! I have just placed the final order for the MK quarter, making me a star consultant for the first time!
Not only did almost all of you place an order with me, but many of you also called to check on me every day in the home stretch, sent me emails of encouragement, and best of all you prayed with me!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
A quick FYI for those of you who needed to wait to place an order. Until the end of June I will have the Satin Hands set at a buy one get one half off. And I have extended the 10% off all web orders offer as well.
By the way...did I mention...
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I am exausted!! Best part about a Mary Kay business....I can take time of when ever I want. So tomorrow will be spent by the pool!
Next week of course starts a new quarter and a new goal.
THANK YOU!!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! God is so good, through you HE made it possible!! I have just placed the final order for the MK quarter, making me a star consultant for the first time!
Not only did almost all of you place an order with me, but many of you also called to check on me every day in the home stretch, sent me emails of encouragement, and best of all you prayed with me!!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
A quick FYI for those of you who needed to wait to place an order. Until the end of June I will have the Satin Hands set at a buy one get one half off. And I have extended the 10% off all web orders offer as well.
By the way...did I mention...
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!
I am exausted!! Best part about a Mary Kay business....I can take time of when ever I want. So tomorrow will be spent by the pool!
Next week of course starts a new quarter and a new goal.
THANK YOU!!!
Monday, June 05, 2006
An Update
Well, it is 10:17 pm. And I have just finished watching Sean win the Apprenticeship under Donald Trump. Yea for Sean!
I however, would just like to find the job of my dreams somewhere. :)
Today, I woke up with a spliting headache, so rather than get out and do some Mary Kay warm chattering as I was planning to do, I instead took some pills and came upstairs to do some email answering and to send out some more resume's. As of 10 minutes ago I believe that today alone I have applied to about 10 jobs.
I have, of course, marked in my calender to follow up with each of these at the end of the week.
I also followed up with the Korea position. What an amazing opportunity that would be if I could get it.
My spirits are definately higher this week. I know this comes as a result of my friends who spent time last week fasting and praying on my behalf. I still do not have any definative answers, but the peace that things are moving is there.
In the meantime....I have a HUGE Mary Kay goal that I need to reach by June 15th. It is a sale's goal and so I am putting it out here for all to help me with. Please log onto my website http://www.marykay.com/amandaworkman and find something to buy. :-) There will be a 10% discount off of all web orders. Perhaps you do not currenly use their top selling skin care system or their makeup. That is ok, there are sun care products, spa products, and a whole section of gift ideas for any upcoming birthday's, weddings, etc that you might need gifts for.
(p.s. let me know it is a gift and I'll wrap it for you)
For those of you who live far away...that is ok too...free shipping! Who could ask for more!
I am working so hard to meet this goal and I know that you can help!
Thank you so much for all your prayers.... don't stop God is working!
Thank you for your encouragement.....don't stop phone calls and emails get me through my day!
Most of all thank you for loving me....don't stop I can't live without you! :)
I however, would just like to find the job of my dreams somewhere. :)
Today, I woke up with a spliting headache, so rather than get out and do some Mary Kay warm chattering as I was planning to do, I instead took some pills and came upstairs to do some email answering and to send out some more resume's. As of 10 minutes ago I believe that today alone I have applied to about 10 jobs.
I have, of course, marked in my calender to follow up with each of these at the end of the week.
I also followed up with the Korea position. What an amazing opportunity that would be if I could get it.
My spirits are definately higher this week. I know this comes as a result of my friends who spent time last week fasting and praying on my behalf. I still do not have any definative answers, but the peace that things are moving is there.
In the meantime....I have a HUGE Mary Kay goal that I need to reach by June 15th. It is a sale's goal and so I am putting it out here for all to help me with. Please log onto my website http://www.marykay.com/amandaworkman and find something to buy. :-) There will be a 10% discount off of all web orders. Perhaps you do not currenly use their top selling skin care system or their makeup. That is ok, there are sun care products, spa products, and a whole section of gift ideas for any upcoming birthday's, weddings, etc that you might need gifts for.
(p.s. let me know it is a gift and I'll wrap it for you)
For those of you who live far away...that is ok too...free shipping! Who could ask for more!
I am working so hard to meet this goal and I know that you can help!
Thank you so much for all your prayers.... don't stop God is working!
Thank you for your encouragement.....don't stop phone calls and emails get me through my day!
Most of all thank you for loving me....don't stop I can't live without you! :)
Monday, May 29, 2006
Asking
For my faithful readers who pray,
I am asking of you a favor.
My heart, as you know, is ready to move from this
stagnant place that I am.
I feel that God has stripped all the securities of my life;
Job, Boyfriend, Social Life, and Place to live, from me...
For a purpose.
I am ready to move, ready to follow,
ready to heed whatever HE may have in store.
So this is what I am asking.
Fast with me....pray with me.
Ask of HIM who knows all things,
That HE will reveal to me the open door
That HE wants me to walk through.
His Word promises so many things, but in James HE says...
"If you want to know what to do...then ask of God....HE will not resent your asking...He will tell you. But when you ask be expectant of an answer."
So I am asking of you to pray, expecting an answer.
What city, town, state, or country.
Where He leads I WILL follow.
Thank you.
I am asking of you a favor.
My heart, as you know, is ready to move from this
stagnant place that I am.
I feel that God has stripped all the securities of my life;
Job, Boyfriend, Social Life, and Place to live, from me...
For a purpose.
I am ready to move, ready to follow,
ready to heed whatever HE may have in store.
So this is what I am asking.
Fast with me....pray with me.
Ask of HIM who knows all things,
That HE will reveal to me the open door
That HE wants me to walk through.
His Word promises so many things, but in James HE says...
"If you want to know what to do...then ask of God....HE will not resent your asking...He will tell you. But when you ask be expectant of an answer."
So I am asking of you to pray, expecting an answer.
What city, town, state, or country.
Where He leads I WILL follow.
Thank you.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
The Battle
Thot's are tumbling 'round in my head,
My brain will not be still.
Thoughts of who I was,
Who I am,
And Who God has for me to be.
Around the bend,
Over the hill,
Across the ocean's depths
My journey is long and wearying.
What is the Master's plan?
What did HE create in me to be?
What is HIS purpose?
Cleaning is therapy.
Straightening the order of the physical;
A reflection of the work of the Spiritual.
Pain finds its way in;
Forgiveness heals.
Worry pushes and hammers at the door;
Faithfulness quiets the noise.
Anger rages;
Gentleness soothes.
Weariness overwhelms;
Strength comes in the shelter of the Rock.
Confusion torments;
Trust fights back.
Sadness comes in waves, threatening to drown,
Peace that passes understanding reaches out and pulls the swimmer into the boat.
Voices scream out for attention, trying to distract the one on the journey;
ONE quiet whisper, "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
The battle is won.
My brain will not be still.
Thoughts of who I was,
Who I am,
And Who God has for me to be.
Around the bend,
Over the hill,
Across the ocean's depths
My journey is long and wearying.
What is the Master's plan?
What did HE create in me to be?
What is HIS purpose?
Cleaning is therapy.
Straightening the order of the physical;
A reflection of the work of the Spiritual.
Pain finds its way in;
Forgiveness heals.
Worry pushes and hammers at the door;
Faithfulness quiets the noise.
Anger rages;
Gentleness soothes.
Weariness overwhelms;
Strength comes in the shelter of the Rock.
Confusion torments;
Trust fights back.
Sadness comes in waves, threatening to drown,
Peace that passes understanding reaches out and pulls the swimmer into the boat.
Voices scream out for attention, trying to distract the one on the journey;
ONE quiet whisper, "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
The battle is won.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
The Mother's in my life
(author's note: I realize this is a day late, but I did not have computer access over the weekend)
(2nd author's note: this may be a funny picture to post for a mother's day tribute, but this is one of my favorite pictures of my mother. This photo was taken the day that she got to fulfill a life long dream of going to Victoria Falls in Africa. The look on her face is radiant!
My ducky mom! I love you!)
This is just a small tribute to the mother's that God has placed in my life. I am so incredibly blessed. Not everyone even gets to know their mother. I not only know mine, but she is my friend. On top of that I not only have her, but God has placed several other women in my life that serve in motherly roles. This post is just a small way to show them the love that I feel for them in my heart.
MY MOM:
MOM, I am so glad that GOD chose you to be my mom. More than that I am so glad that you chose to have me. I recognize that you did have a choice and you chose me and I am thankful for that.
Thank you for teaching me about the GOD that you serve. From the beginning you taught me that HE loves me, that HE cares for me, that HE wanted to be my GOD. You showed me through example how to serve HIM, how to love HIM back and how to live for HIM daily.
Because of you I have a Joy unspeakable, and a Hope everlasting, and I am deeply in love with the GOD that never fails!
Thank you for that.
You taught me how to have a good time. Whatever my circumstance in life, you taught me to see the lighter side of it and have the ability to laugh at myself. You strove to make my life fun and taught me to look at the world around me with appreciation and wonder. You taught me to see beauty, even if I was the only beholder. Because of you, I know how to laugh till I cry and to bring joy into other's lifes.
Thank you for that.
You taught me how to dream. You let me know that it was ok to have a dream and to pursue it, even if you thought it was not the best place for me to be. When I fell you were there to pick me up and drive me home, and love me till I healed. Then you helped me find a new dream and have encouraged and loved every step of the way down my new path.
You have laid prostrate before the Lord praying for my life. A debt I can never repay.
Thank you for that.
I sometimes tease that 15,000 miles away is the perfect distance to have a healthy relationship with your mother. But my heart does not believe that. My heart misses you every day, and I long to see you. I am so proud of you, of the sacrifices that you have made in life to serve the GOD that you love and the family HE has given you. Thank you for teaching me all of my life. Thank you for raising me to the best of your ability, making me do what you thought was best with GOD's guidance, even when I didn't like it. Because of you, I know how to seek GOD's face and wisdom and make the hard decisions.
Thank you for that.
There is so much more to say, to take the time to post it all would be too long to read!
I rise up and call you Blessed!
My life is perfect with you in it.
I love you, mom!
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
There is one other woman that I would like to pay tribute to on this day after Mother's Day. GOD put her in my life in the most unassuming of ways, as her employee....but HE, as always , had bigger plans.
Mama J,
I was put into the Workman family, by GOD's providence. He gave me a mom that is far beyond anything I could ever hope to deserve. But when HE then chose to separate us and allow her to carry out the things that HE called her too far away, He put you in my life. HE is so faithful.
My life in Abilene, and beyond is filled with memories of you. You continued to build upon the foundation that my mother had already laid and had begun to build. You encouraged when I needed encouraging, you loved when I needed loving, you lovingly chastised when that was needed. You rejoiced with me in my joys and successes!! You believed in me without a shadow of a doubt!
You have spent hours on your knees for me and I can never pay that back.
You taught me how to be free, and how to see what my dreams meant and how reach for them. You sat with me when I was in dispair and you waited patiently till I was ready to get up again, then you held out a hand and lifted me out.
Best of all, you brought me into your family and made me one of your own. Thank you for enriching my already wonderful life. I cannot imagine my life without you in it.
I am so blessed! I love you, Mama J!
_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
For the other mother's in my life, and you know who you are. Thank you for being living examples of what Mother's should be. Thank you for enveloping me and sharing your families with me. I look at each of you and see a beautiful woman. Better yet...GOD does!
Thank you!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Praise You through the storm
These are lyrics to how I am feeling! Matches my blog from yesterday. I love when there is a song to match my life!
Praise You in the Storm
Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again,
I say "Amen"and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus:I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy fallsI
raise my hands and praise the God
Who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Monday, May 08, 2006
Waiting
I read an article the other day on the “Enormous Leisure of GOD.” The particular illustration was of the person Moses. He knew that he was the person who was supposed to free GOD’s people from their slavery, however while he was ready to go right then and free his brothers and sister’s from bondage. GOD had other plans. He sent him into the desert for 40 years to herd sheep!!
Now, think with me here. This man has been raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. Couldn’t GOD have chosen to use him then? I mean he had pretty good access as the adopted son of the princess. But though humanly this would have been ideal, GOD had a greater plan. A plan that took 40 years to bring about.
Why 40 years? To we as humans this seems like…well, almost half a lifetime. But in GOD’s mind 40 years was really nothing. The Bible says that to GOD a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day. For him 40 years is like a blink.
So what is my point here…..
Why am I so impatient? I am SO tired of waiting on the Lord. Yet at every turn and step I try to take that is what GOD is telling me to do. Over and over I hear…
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD”
“Wait here”
“Wait for HIS reply”
“Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?”
“for I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my GOD.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
“They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, though I have done them no wrong, O LORD”
“You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O GOD, are my place of safety.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my hope is in him.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my salvation comes from him.”
“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my GOD to help me.”
“The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.”
“As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for GOD to save me, and my GOD will certainly hear me”
“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the LORD will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.”
“But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
I could go on and on. The Lord is asking me to TRUST… to WAIT.
Just to bring this to reality. This is not easy. In fact, frankly, it sucks! (for those of you who do not care for this word please pardon it…but it is how I feel!) It does! I realize that GOD has purpose and a plan for me and I would love for that purpose to be revealed right now.
Yet apparently I am still in the training process. Don’t you know that Moses was so glad for all those years of experience herding flocks of dumb sheep and the years in the desert with GOD, when he then had to herd a flock of GOD’s people!! I am sure there were many times that he wished he could go back to the desert and away from the purpose that GOD finally did reveal.
I am ready for things to happen NOW! But GOD is saying wait. As HE has never failed me yet, I am willing to obey. My prayer is that I learn what I need to learn, and am granted the grace and the patience to not step in front of GOD’s plan for my life. My desire is to serve and to glorify. Nothing more, nothing less.
God is not in a hurry. We are. We get down before God and pray, then we get up and say, “it is all done now,” and in the light of the glory of the “vision” we go and do the thing. But it is not real, and GOD has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us (read..our stubborn selves) into shape, until we get into the condition in which HE can trust us with the reality of HIS vision for us.
Waiting......
The End
Now, think with me here. This man has been raised in the palace of the Pharaoh. Couldn’t GOD have chosen to use him then? I mean he had pretty good access as the adopted son of the princess. But though humanly this would have been ideal, GOD had a greater plan. A plan that took 40 years to bring about.
Why 40 years? To we as humans this seems like…well, almost half a lifetime. But in GOD’s mind 40 years was really nothing. The Bible says that to GOD a day is as a thousand years and a thousand years is as a day. For him 40 years is like a blink.
So what is my point here…..
Why am I so impatient? I am SO tired of waiting on the Lord. Yet at every turn and step I try to take that is what GOD is telling me to do. Over and over I hear…
“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD”
“Wait here”
“Wait for HIS reply”
“Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?”
“for I am waiting for you, O LORD. You must answer for me, O Lord my GOD.”
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
“They have set an ambush for me. Fierce enemies are out there waiting, though I have done them no wrong, O LORD”
“You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O GOD, are my place of safety.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my hope is in him.”
“I wait quietly before GOD, for my salvation comes from him.”
“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched and dry. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my GOD to help me.”
“The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him.”
“As for me, I look to the LORD for his help. I wait confidently for GOD to save me, and my GOD will certainly hear me”
“I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the LORD will say to me and how he will answer my complaint.”
“But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
I could go on and on. The Lord is asking me to TRUST… to WAIT.
Just to bring this to reality. This is not easy. In fact, frankly, it sucks! (for those of you who do not care for this word please pardon it…but it is how I feel!) It does! I realize that GOD has purpose and a plan for me and I would love for that purpose to be revealed right now.
Yet apparently I am still in the training process. Don’t you know that Moses was so glad for all those years of experience herding flocks of dumb sheep and the years in the desert with GOD, when he then had to herd a flock of GOD’s people!! I am sure there were many times that he wished he could go back to the desert and away from the purpose that GOD finally did reveal.
I am ready for things to happen NOW! But GOD is saying wait. As HE has never failed me yet, I am willing to obey. My prayer is that I learn what I need to learn, and am granted the grace and the patience to not step in front of GOD’s plan for my life. My desire is to serve and to glorify. Nothing more, nothing less.
God is not in a hurry. We are. We get down before God and pray, then we get up and say, “it is all done now,” and in the light of the glory of the “vision” we go and do the thing. But it is not real, and GOD has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us (read..our stubborn selves) into shape, until we get into the condition in which HE can trust us with the reality of HIS vision for us.
Waiting......
The End
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Encouragement
God is so good, such an amazing provider!!
I was reading in Psalm 40 yesterday when I was out and about and in line waiting for something.
It starts in verse 1 with something that has encouraged me for a long time now
“I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and HE turned to me and heard my cry...(skip down to vs 3b)…many will see what the LORD has done and be astounded…..(then skipping to vs 17a) As for me, I am poor and needy, but as for me the LORD is thinking about me right now.”
How cool is that!! The God of the UNIVERSE!! Not a saint or a priest or a pastor or any other man or woman that is made of the same sinful skin and bones that I am made of, but GOD is thinking of ME!
Jump back up to verse 16 of the same chapter. “But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “THE LORD IS GREAT!!”
Love you guys so much!!
AW
P.s. you know as a girl who is home alone...with a baseball game on one TV and the draft on another...cleaning and cooking....I am a fabulous pick for any man! Too bad for them I am not looking! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Oh to be 5 again
Do you remember the sweet innocence of 5?
For the next 6 weeks I have the honor of watching a friend's son, while the school district where she works winds down to a close.
How exciting it is to be 5!!
For most of us....one does not have to worry over the loss of friendships, or the drama of the day, or how our bills are going to be paid, or if the tire on the car will last until the tax refund comes in. We don't worry about getting married, or if the right one will come along. Or if the price of gas will go so high we will be forced to ride our bike (that we don't have) everywhere.
No the life of a 5 year old consists of....
Excitement about going to wash a car and getting to sit there while the "monster hands" wipe all the dirt away.
Planning for days to go to the library to find books on mummies.
Being estatic about finding a roly-poly-oly on the sidewalk, and making an adventure out of finding more. ( 6!!! We found 6!!)
With a little imagination, spiderman can save the world, and one can fly like superman on top of someone's uplifted feet.
A cookie can make your whole day better.....
and All of life's problems can be solved with a hug, an ear rub, and a nap.
Oh to be 5 again!
For the next 6 weeks I have the honor of watching a friend's son, while the school district where she works winds down to a close.
How exciting it is to be 5!!
For most of us....one does not have to worry over the loss of friendships, or the drama of the day, or how our bills are going to be paid, or if the tire on the car will last until the tax refund comes in. We don't worry about getting married, or if the right one will come along. Or if the price of gas will go so high we will be forced to ride our bike (that we don't have) everywhere.
No the life of a 5 year old consists of....
Excitement about going to wash a car and getting to sit there while the "monster hands" wipe all the dirt away.
Planning for days to go to the library to find books on mummies.
Being estatic about finding a roly-poly-oly on the sidewalk, and making an adventure out of finding more. ( 6!!! We found 6!!)
With a little imagination, spiderman can save the world, and one can fly like superman on top of someone's uplifted feet.
A cookie can make your whole day better.....
and All of life's problems can be solved with a hug, an ear rub, and a nap.
Oh to be 5 again!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
HOPE REIGNS
My friend Lauren Chandler co-wrote the following song, and this song follows me everywhere!!
When I am down and sad, which I have been a lot lately, the TRUTH of this song comes to me. Sometimes it is the 1st verse, that just reminds me that HE is the Healer of my broken heart. Most of the time it is the last verse which I belt out as I cling to the TRUTH that to Righteousness I am enslaved, and in so being, FREEDOM is now my song!! To my Lover I now belong!!
Today, is the second verse that speaks to me. "BLAMELESS ONE who took MY place." I am overwhelmed with that fact today. I am unworthy, yet my price has been paid for!
HOPE REIGNS!!
GLORY TO OUR KING
Hallelujah Glory to Our King
Hallelujah You are everything
Hallelujah Now the Blind can see
Hallelujah Glory to our King.
Glory to our King, Glory to our King
Healer of our broken hearts,
Forgiver of our path so dark,
You opened eyes that once were blind
On my darkness you shed light
Blameless ONE who took my place
Redeeming LOVE sweeps me away
Spotless bride I have become
Because of your redeeming blood
Hallelujah Glory to Our King
Hallelujah You are everything
Hallelujah I have been Redeemed
Hallelujah Glory to our King.
Worthy You are Worthy
Master taking off my chains
Now to Righteousness enslaved
Freedom has become my song
To my LOVER I belong
Hallelujah Glory to Our King
Hallelujah You are everything
Hallelujah now this Slaves set free!
Hallelujah Glory to our King.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
THE PROMISE
Today sadness overwhelms.Because I stood up for myself....
I have been punished.
Because I did what was right...
I have been wronged.
My heart aches for what I loved.....still love.
Wounded, I am broken.
For what I do not know.
I will not go back for another slap.
I will not give in to the pain.
I will learn to let go of what is hurting me.
All I want is to go back in time.
To change what cannot be changed.
Yet what could I have done.
How could I have done more than tell the Truth?
How more could I have sacrificed of my time and emotion.
Forgiveness reigns.
It is only in forgiving that I can be healed.
I want to be whole again.
Want to know that I have worth.
I am set free by THE PROMISE.
I am promised that I will be declared a liar;
When all I stood for was truth.
I am promised that my road will be sorrowful;
Though all that I hoped for was joy.
I am promised that I will be mocked and ridiculed;
When all I gave was hope and encouragement.
HIS Grace will be sufficient;
when I am in need.
HIS mercy will be renewed;
when I wake up.
HIS arms will hold me;
when I am tired.
HIS presence will be there;
when I am alone.
HIS joy will be unspeakable;
when I am sad.
HIS peace will be indescribable;
when I am overwrought.
HIS love will be my anchor;
when I am tossed and thrown in the waves.
That is THE PROMISE.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
There's always time for coffee with a friend
I found this story in another person's blog, and thought it fitting for where I am right now. I have taken the time this week to make some phone calls and have a cuppa with a friend or two. It did not take away from who I was, or any of my priorities. Instead it set my priorities straight. I got to catch up with friends, encourage them in their journey, be encouraged in mine. Yes there is always a bunch of "sand" that can fill up my life, but only if I let it. If I let God be in control and where my focus lies, everything lines up from "golf balls to coffee"
Thanks for being a part of my life. Get in touch with me this week, leave a comment, send an email. I would love to hear from you.
*********************************************************************************
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the coffee...professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.
The golf balls are the important things --- your God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions --- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else- the small stuff.
"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal."
Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.
“One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
The Real Me
words and music by Natalie Grant
Photo by me
foolish heart looks like we're here again
same old game of plastic smile
don't let anybody in
hiding my heartache,
will this glass house break
how much will they take before i'm EMPTY
do i even let it show, does anybody know?
but YOU see the real me
hiding in my skin,
broken from within
unveil me completely
i'm loosening my grasp
there's no need to mask my frailty
cause you see the real me
painted on,
life is behind the mask
self-inflicted circus clown
i'm tired of the song and dance
living a charade,
always on parade
what a mess i've made of my existence
but you love me even now
and still i see somehow
that YOU see the real me
hiding in my skin,
broken from within
unveil me completely
i'm loosening my grasp
there's no need to mask my frailty
cause you see the real me
wonderful,
beautiful
is what YOU see
when YOU look at me
YOU're turning the tattered fabric of my life
into a perfect tapestry
i just wanna be me
and you love me just as i am
Photo by me
foolish heart looks like we're here again
same old game of plastic smile
don't let anybody in
hiding my heartache,
will this glass house break
how much will they take before i'm EMPTY
do i even let it show, does anybody know?
but YOU see the real me
hiding in my skin,
broken from within
unveil me completely
i'm loosening my grasp
there's no need to mask my frailty
cause you see the real me
painted on,
life is behind the mask
self-inflicted circus clown
i'm tired of the song and dance
living a charade,
always on parade
what a mess i've made of my existence
but you love me even now
and still i see somehow
that YOU see the real me
hiding in my skin,
broken from within
unveil me completely
i'm loosening my grasp
there's no need to mask my frailty
cause you see the real me
wonderful,
beautiful
is what YOU see
when YOU look at me
YOU're turning the tattered fabric of my life
into a perfect tapestry
i just wanna be me
and you love me just as i am
Friday, March 31, 2006
What God showed me this morning.....
I am reading through I Kings. I love the old testiment once you get past all the laws and begats. :) With all that has been going on in my life, I have been crying out to God, waiting for a big booming voice to answer....
Elijah has just totally owned the prophets of Baal by pouring water all over his sacrifice and having it consumed by fire. He has had one victory after the other....mountain tops if you will....then he gets word that Jezebel wants to kill him and he cowers, runs, and hides.
God finds him hiding in a cave (not that God had to look HE knew right where he was) and said "What are you doing hiding in this cave?" (amanda's paraphrase) to which Elijah answered, "No body likes me, every body hates me, guess I'll go eat worms....all I did was do what YOU told me too God." (again amanda's paraphrase) Then God says go stand out there on the mountain I've got something to say.....
I Kings 19:11, 12 " A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before GOD, but GOD wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but GOD wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but GOD wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.
My storms have come and gone, now I quietly wait for a whisper.
Elijah has just totally owned the prophets of Baal by pouring water all over his sacrifice and having it consumed by fire. He has had one victory after the other....mountain tops if you will....then he gets word that Jezebel wants to kill him and he cowers, runs, and hides.
God finds him hiding in a cave (not that God had to look HE knew right where he was) and said "What are you doing hiding in this cave?" (amanda's paraphrase) to which Elijah answered, "No body likes me, every body hates me, guess I'll go eat worms....all I did was do what YOU told me too God." (again amanda's paraphrase) Then God says go stand out there on the mountain I've got something to say.....
I Kings 19:11, 12 " A hurricane wind ripped through the mountains and shattered the rocks before GOD, but GOD wasn't to be found in the wind; after the wind an earthquake, but GOD wasn't in the earthquake; and after the earthquake fire, but GOD wasn't in the fire; and after the fire a gentle and quiet whisper.
My storms have come and gone, now I quietly wait for a whisper.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Top 10 Reasons to Love me
I had to do this exercise for a book I am reading and was amazed at how difficult it can be to come up with 10. As we are told to be humble all of our lives, sometimes we miss out on the one person that is truely special in our lives....ourselves! God made us! He LOVES us! and here are 10 reasons why we should love us too! I challenge you to make 10 for yourself. You will be laughing at the end.
(BTW, YES I realize there are more than 10....ha ha ha Humility is one of them!)
10. I am a generally happy person and will do anything within reason to make you the same.
9. I am loyal to a fault, will love you back fiercely and never let you down on purpose
8. All great things begin with the letter "A"
7. I see beauty all around me...even when it is hard
6. I cook a mean pan of brownies!
5. I love to cuddle
4. I will be honest with you even if it is going to hurt me
3. I seek to know all the words to your life song and sing them back to you when you lose direction.
2. I believe in helping you find and accomplish your dreams
1. and the number one reason to love me.....well...I am Amanda!
(BTW, YES I realize there are more than 10....ha ha ha Humility is one of them!)
10. I am a generally happy person and will do anything within reason to make you the same.
9. I am loyal to a fault, will love you back fiercely and never let you down on purpose
8. All great things begin with the letter "A"
7. I see beauty all around me...even when it is hard
6. I cook a mean pan of brownies!
5. I love to cuddle
4. I will be honest with you even if it is going to hurt me
3. I seek to know all the words to your life song and sing them back to you when you lose direction.
2. I believe in helping you find and accomplish your dreams
1. and the number one reason to love me.....well...I am Amanda!
Brooke outdid me
Of course....So I came up with a few more....
I once had all my friends convinced I was addicted to Asprin
I have an entire dance to the song "Have Mercy" by the Judds
I charged my parents to see me in concert.in their OWN living room.
I had a "Hundred Acre Woods" on a 3 acre property
After my 1st kiss I said "Yuck don't ever do that again"
Every time I spend time with my friend Brooke I get a full ab workout from laughing so hard!!
*****************************************************************************
BTW...these were her 6 things...how could I possibly even try to beat these?!
Once my arm was swallowed by a mad pelican.
My best friend threw up because I was so ugly.
Scott put dog food between the cheese and cracker and then fed it to me.
George W. Bush waved at me Monday morning.
In college, I tried to return laundry detergent for cash.
I went on a blind date for Sarah Underwood once and told him I was her--she didn't know.
I once had all my friends convinced I was addicted to Asprin
I have an entire dance to the song "Have Mercy" by the Judds
I charged my parents to see me in concert.in their OWN living room.
I had a "Hundred Acre Woods" on a 3 acre property
After my 1st kiss I said "Yuck don't ever do that again"
Every time I spend time with my friend Brooke I get a full ab workout from laughing so hard!!
*****************************************************************************
BTW...these were her 6 things...how could I possibly even try to beat these?!
Once my arm was swallowed by a mad pelican.
My best friend threw up because I was so ugly.
Scott put dog food between the cheese and cracker and then fed it to me.
George W. Bush waved at me Monday morning.
In college, I tried to return laundry detergent for cash.
I went on a blind date for Sarah Underwood once and told him I was her--she didn't know.
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