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How is it that I always forget GOD's wonderful promises when things are going so wrong? HE tells us NOT to worry but in EVERYTHING through prayer and supplications let our requests be known unto HIM.

JESUS is where my help comes from. HE is so good and ever to be praised.

The Bible - Psalms 34 1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (through the good and bad) 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.************** 5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.******** 7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.****** 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.*********** 9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.***************** 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.************** 11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? 1 Pet 3:10 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 1 Pet 3:10 14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 1 Pet 3:11 15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.********** 16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 1 Pet 3:12 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.******* 18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.************************** 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.******** 20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. 22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.******************

Posted in My Faith

Please keep on top of this issue. It needs to be followed by every Christian. Please keep your Pastors "under the blood" in this ever changing insanity.

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=96595 

Posted in My Faith

 Family!

Wow! Where did the weekend go? Where does any time go really? It has to be my age. I blink and it seems another week has come and gone. What's that verse? One day is as a thousand and a thousand as one day to THE LORD? (paraphrased) I can really relate to that one.

Yesterday was a quite restful day at home. We didn't get the seeds we ordered, so there was no planting done (a good thing too.) We just went to church and then came home, ate, rested and went back to the evening service. A blessing to be sure.

We had a missionary from Romania come and speak to us last night. It was so educational to hear all that THE LORD is doing over there. The missionaries spoke of the poor state of their churches. They are all pretty much orothodox christian. They said that it is very much iconic in nature and not anything like the Christianity here in the states. It was sad to hear of all the corruption within
"their" version of the Bible.

The Bible that most of the orthodox Christians use can be very confusing in nature. Their language will take an adjective and it can mean all kinds of things. All of that leads to the confusion. So while you may read one verse here, the adjective (word)  will mean something totally different elsewhere. Confusion for sure.

They also talked about the Gypsie children from around Romania and Hungary. They are bought up in such a sad enviroment. As soon as they are old enough to talk/walk, they are sent out to beg. If they don't come home with any money they are then beaten. The missionaries have seen this time and time again in these children's lives. It is so bad that when they have Vacation Bible Schools for the kids of Romania/Hungary, the children can hardly "understand" the love that they see from the missionaries. The love of Sweet JESUS!

After hearing all of that last night, it makes me realize that no problem I have is compared to theirs. It just shows what living a life without CHRIST is like. I've been there and done that and I know it's not pretty.It also reminds me that I need to pray for the missionaries of this world as they go about spreading the gospel of CHRIST. Spread it here, spread it there, let all of the world know who is KING and what HE did for the world. We are all ambassadors for CHRIST and must let our "light" shine to all those who know HIM not. NOT for our glory, but for THE ONE that died for your sins and mine.

Well, I need to go and get some school work checked and check on dinner too. I pray you all have a wonderful evening in THE LORD!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

Happy Wednesday afternoon Family & Friends!  I am absolutely blessed on this beautiful spring day. We have had revival at our church this week. The speaker has bought God's Word this week with clarity and truth AND HAS UPLIFTED MY SPIRIT! praise his name forever more!

I started out not really wanting to go. My heart has been torn on a lot of issues lately and there has been some sin in there too. But GOD is always faithful and never leaves HIS children, even when they are confused and dealing with sin. Again I say, GOD is ALWAYS faithful and true to HIS Word.

I am so glad that we went last night. The sermon was about having a burden for lost souls. Souls in our families or souls in our daily circles. He read from the book of revelations chapter 20 vs.10-15 about the coming judgement. I know as a Christian that I sometimes forget that I am still on this earth to show others the way to Christ. I can't save them, only Christ and HIS shed blood can do that. I can however read THE WORD and LIVE THE WORD and remember that I am to be a witness for JESUS in all that I say and do. HIS WORD is sharper than a two edged sword and more powerful than anything on this earth. It was such an eye opening sermon and a great reminder that HE will judge those who reject HIM and is ever in control of EVERY situation.

I also enjoyed last night's sermon for another reason. During the invitation my son (9) surprised me by going to the altar and asking GOD to save HIS soul. He asked THE LORD to forgive him of his sins and save his soul. I had NOTHING to do with his going to the altar. He did it on his own and I had NO idea that he was even going. PRAISE GOD! Now I can offically say that ALL of my children are now my brothers and sisters in CHRIST as well as my earthly children. There is no better feeling than to know that your family will be with you in heaven. I LOVE YOU SWEET JESUS!

I just wanted you all to know that I love you all and pray that you all have a wonderful day in Christ! To GOD be the glory, now and forever! Amen!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

We need to know this stuff. I am just wondering how it will affect Homeschoolers who are not in the public school systems.

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=93528-

Christ is our ONLY hope!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

Blessing Others

Luke 6:27-28
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. (KJV)

Rom 12:14
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (KJV)

1 Cor 4:12
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: (KJV)

1 Pet 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (KJV)

Sometimes you have to have enemies to learn to love them.
Sometimes you have to go through persecution so you can learn to bless others.
Sometimes we have to suffer when we do no wrong to learn to bless others.
Sometimes we have to BLESS others to receive a blessing.

As a Christian we must ALL walk the path that will teach us to love others more than ourselves. We must always choose to do what God's word says over what our flesh tells us to do.

Thinking as Christ thought, to be as Christ, my example, (my sweet LORD and Saviour!)

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

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Posted in My Faith

http://worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88232-

FYI~

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

Okay, just for starters today I would like everyone to know that I would LOVE to have that stove in my house. I am very fond of old wood burning stoves and envy those who have them (just kidding.) You who have one are very blessed indeed.

Anyway, today has been full already with some sad news and I would covet your prayers greatly for the family that I am going to tell you about. A friend of mine has a sister who has bone cancer. It started out as breast cancer, went into remission and is now back in the bones. She is having to have chemo. (through an I.V.) Today she is having to get blood due to the cancer.  She needs prayer because she is not under the grace of God and doesn't seem to have any need to be (according to her.)

The worst part of this is the call she got yesterday from her nephew. Her son was called to Ohio to work on some of the downed power lines. While trying to place a new pole in place, it fell on him and crushed him. He is still alive with both lungs punctured. I haven't heard much more on his condition. The really *sad* thing here is that the young man (20) is also not saved. He could have immediately died and been sent straight to hell. That is such a terrifying thought for someone so young. It is my deepest prayer that this man and his Mom (with the cancer) with accept Christ as their Savior.

I do believe that The LORD is still in control of this family and is calling them to Him. I just believe that it sometimes takes such circumstances for some people to realize that this life is only temporary, a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow.

 The friend I spoke of is so worried that the young man will die and she will never see him this side of heaven again. The same goes for her sister. So, I ask all of you *prayer warriors* to please lift up this family in prayer.

God is a God of miracles and is still saving souls for HIS glory for eternity to come. I truly believe this. So PLEASE pray for this family if they come to your mind.

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
 
  The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
 
  Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
 
  She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus
  loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
 
  Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.
 
  Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.
 
  Was that important? Absolutely! 
  Is it really significant? Yes!
 
  In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition..
 
  When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.
 
  The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was
 finished.
 
  Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.
 
  The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done'.
 
  But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because......
 
  The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
 
  He is Coming Back!!

Be encouraged with HIS Word daily. This was an encouragement to me today. I pray it blesses you as well.

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

Jesus is your Fellowship (1 John 1:3 KJV) (3) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship {is} with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV) (9) God {is} faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (Revelation 3:20 KJV) (20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (John 14:23 KJV) (23) Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (Zechariah 2:10 KJV) (10) Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. (Matthew 18:20 KJV) (20) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (John 14:21 KJV) (21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 15:4-5 KJV) (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye {are} the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:7 KJV) (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (Philippians 2:1-2 KJV) (1) If {there be} therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, {being} of one accord, of one mind. (Psalms 119:63 KJV) (63) I {am} a companion of all {them} that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. (Ephesians 5:2 KJV) (2) And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. (Ephesians 5:19 KJV) (19) Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:30 KJV) (30) For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (1 John 1:5-7 KJV) (5) This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Posted in My Faith

Good Afternoon Family & Friends! Okay, here goes the tired Mama picture again! It is 5:30 in the afternoon and I look like that picture, plumb wore out and waiting to go to bed. For the moment though, I decided that I needed to blog and get some plans on paper (or should I say the screen.)

I have been really taking a closer look at my life recently. There has been a lot going on in it that I don't understand. The LORD does though, so I will trust that HE has it under control and knows what HE is doing. If it weren't for that, I feel as though I would go crazy. (the family already thinks so.)

It seems that HE is leading me in a new direction and I just can't seem to find the road to get on it. Does that make sense? Hubby understands what I am going through and feels the same way. (at least we are on the same page.) I just keep getting the same message from the LORD. WAIT! Wait upon me and trust me. So, I wait and pray that I am going in the right direction with HIM leading the way. HE has never failed me before and I know HE won't now. He is ever to be praised!

With that being said, I have so many plans that I would love to see accompolished this year. So, I am taking it one step at a time, one day at a time. Having that little piece of land cleared is the start of it. Hubby is as thrilled with his work as I am. I am just so thankful that he is seeing what I see now. This time last year, we were NOT on the same page. It is only The LORD who could have bought about his change of heart. Thank you Sweet Jesus!

Here is a short list of what I would like to accomplish this year on the homestead: (LORD willing!)

~ Land sowed and actually growing something
~ Strawberry plants producing this year
~ Plant one more strawberry bed (tier)
~ Plant 5 more blueberry bushes
~ Plant 2 more Apple trees
~ Plant 2 more blackberry bushes
~ A shelter built for our future cow (again LORD willing)
~ A fenced in area for the cow
~ An actual cow!
~ A garden that produces this year with no drought conditions
~ A solar panel attached to the well house (and really working)

Inside the house-

~ use more oil lamps and candles ( I LOVE using them in the evening)
~ cut down on the power bill via less lights and heat and air
~ A HUGE bookshelf for all of my homeschool books (they are overtaking my house!)
~ Better organization in closets and rooms in general
~ A better more prepared pantry

I know that there is a lot more but this is all that I can think of right now. It's a start though. You know what? God is so good!  He will see my family through if we just keep HIM at the forefront of our lives. Again HE is so good and ever to be praised!

Well, I need to go and get some reading done. I have actually got everything done for the evening. It's time to sit back and plan (dream some more too)!

Have a blessed evening in THE LORD!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33
 

Posted in My Faith

(Isaiah 40:31 KJV)
(31) But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew {their} strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; {and} they shall walk, and not faint.

http://hayovel.net/2008/06/27/new-song.aspx-

(35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? {shall} tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36) As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank you LORD for your promises!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

A beautiful song to listen to.

http://hayovel.net/2008/06/27/new-song.aspx-

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
Matthew 6:33

Posted in My Faith

What to do when you feel Confused

(1 Corinthians 14:33 KJV)
(33) For God is not {the author} of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

(2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)
(7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

(James 3:16-18 KJV)
(16) For where envying and strife {is}, there {is} confusion and every evil work. (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, {and} easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

(Isaiah 50:7 KJV)
(7) For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

(1 Peter 4:12-13 KJV)
(12) Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

(James 1:5 KJV)
(5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all {men} liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

(Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
(5) Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

(Psalms 32:8 KJV)
(8) I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

(Psalms 119:165 KJV)
(165) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

(Psalms 55:22 KJV)
(22) Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

(Isaiah 43:2 KJV)
(2) When thou passest through the waters, I {will be} with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

(Isaiah 40:29 KJV)
(29) He giveth power to the faint; and to {them that have} no might he increaseth strength.

(Isaiah 30:21 KJV)
(21) And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This {is} the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

(Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)
(6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Posted in My Faith

This is creepy and just ticks me off. Here is part an article from CNN about how publishers are"modernizing the Bible." They are even putting into these Bibles quotes and pictures of Hollywood stars. No wonder people are confused about who Christ really is.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/12/24/repackaging.bible/-

Another Bible out in time for the holiday season is The Illuminated Bible. The glossy oversized magazine format could easily mingle on coffee tables with Italian Vogue and GQ. It takes the text of the New Testament from the Good News translation and mixes it with editorial photos.

Pages following a verse from Mark's gospel referring to John the Baptist -- "God said I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you" -- are adorned with pictures of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Angelina Jolie, Mother Teresa and Che Guevara to hammer home the point to a modern day audience.

God's word is universal. It DOES NOT need to be made over to look like the world to bring people to Christ! That is heresy. His WORD changes peoples hearts, not others (especially "stars").

 It is HE who comes into your life and let's you see who you really are, and does the changing.

*I once was blind, now I see.* I don't want what the world has to offer. I want/need Christ.

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

Posted in My Faith

Luke 6:

(Convicted again )

(My fruit confuses people at times.)

Posted in My Faith

Tis the season! Then there's today and tomorrow and the rest of the year! 

Jesus-FIRST
Others-SECOND
Yourself-LAST

TRUE JOY!

Jesus Christ! The same today, tomorrow and forever!

Blessings,

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

Posted in My Faith

 -Jesus is your Sufficiency- In All!

(2 Corinthians 9:8 KJV)
(8) And God {is} able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all {things}, may abound to every good work:

(Philippians 4:19 KJV)
(19) But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

(Mark 11:24 KJV)
(24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive {them}, and ye shall have {them}.

(2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV)
(5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency {is} of God;

(Philippians 4:13 KJV)
(13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Ephesians 1:18-23 KJV)
(18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what {is} the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (20) Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set {him} at his own right hand in the heavenly {places}, (21) Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: (22) And hath put all {things} under his feet, and gave him {to be} the head over all {things} to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

(2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
(9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

(Romans 8:37 KJV)
(37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

(Ephesians 1:3 KJV)
(3) Blessed {be} the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly {places} in Christ:

(John 15:7 KJV)
(7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

(John 14:1-3 KJV)
(1) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if {it were} not {so}, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, {there} ye may be also.

(John 16:23-24 KJV)
(23) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give {it} you. (24) Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

(Matthew 21:22 KJV)
(22) And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

(Romans 8:32 KJV)
(32) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

(2 Peter 1:3-4 KJV)
(3) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that {pertain} unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

(Psalms 103:2-4 KJV)
(2) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: (3) Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; (4) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

It is He who owns it all!

Psalm 50:10 (King James Version)

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7

Posted in My Faith

 Family & Friends!

It is such a beautiful early Saturday morning here in NC. I walked outside earlier so I could look at the moon. It is so full and so beautiful! It was casting some really pretty shadows arcross the homestead. It was really pretty shining on all of the frost that is covering the porch. All sparkly and shiny! Only God could create something so lovely!

Life has been very busy this week. There's the ususal school work to see to. Then there is all of the housework that has to be taken care of as well as tending to the toddler. It went by so fast. All of this activity has a way of making you think about what's most important. So, I got to thinking and remembering about the past 20 years and where The Lord has led me.

December the 10th was my 20th wedding anniversary. (Where has the time gone?) Hubby and I have been together since I was 16 though. So our time together has actually been about 24 years. (He was 22 and I was 19 when we were married.) It only seems like yesterday that we met!

Anyway, so many things have changed in the past 20 years. The BIGGEST one being that I am now a child of Sweet Jesus as well as my hubby. We were saved 15 years ago and nothing has been the same since.

We got married. Then decided to move to the beach and did. Hubby got tired of the "city-beach life" as he called it and moved us into the country (an hour or so from the beach) instead. This is how we got to our "Homestead." Let me tell you something, I HATED this place for about the first 8 years! Again, how things change and how wonderful are God's plans.

Now here is where my thoughts are: Had you told me 20 years ago that:

I would be a child of God
I would have 3 children
I would be living in the country
I would be homeschooling
I would  have chickens
I would be going to church
I would have so many good Christian friends
I would be wanting  getting a cow
I would have just graduated my 18 DD from our Homeschool

I would have told you NO WAY! I am nothing like the person I was 20 years ago. It is all by the grace of God though and He gets all the credit!

Have the past 20 years been great? Not always. I lost my Mom 3 years ago. I had a major health scare 6 years ago. God has really "pruned" my life and that's not a "fun" thing to go through. I've had so many disappointments, as others have had I am sure. But all in all, I can truly say that The Lord had a plan for me and my family all of those years ago. I can actually see His hand in our life, leading us to where He wanted us to be.

I would have never chosen this path was it not for The Lord. It went against the way I grew up.  God is SO good ALL of the time. Sometimes He has to "prune" us to gt us to where He wants us. It does hurt, but it leads us closer to His sweet Son.

I LOVE my Sweet Jesus and thank Him for all that He has bought into my life these past 20 years!

What will the next 20 years bring? I only pray that I will be able to serve Him where He puts me to show others just how good He ALWAYS is.

To God be the glory now and for the next 20 years (I pray)!

Bless all who pass this way!

Amanda <><
II Corinthians 5:7