Community
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Things I like
Things I like…
Christmas
Babysitting
My Family
Shopping
Late night “illegal” conversations
Old Friends
Catch Phrase
New Friends
Eve
No School
Shoes
Josh Groban
My bible
Emily Rausch
Mail
Youth Group
Sun
Being silly
Laughing
Crying
Laughing again
Action movies
Dates with Dad
more to come..
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Love Others
Love Others
Ever since I can remember, my mother has instilled in me a love for people. She has shown me to love everyone..not just those I would naturally want to love. Until I hit highschool, I just kinda accepted everyone, and thought I loved everyone. I sadly realized I loved the people who loved me, or who were lovely people. But God has placed me in several unique situations where my mom’s lessons of loving others have come shining through. I have worked in day camp the past two summers, and let me tell you..that is the best place to learn how to love others. Some of those kids are so bad, all you want to do is put them in time-out the whole day. But sometimes, you get a glimpse into their lives..either they tell you or you see it. I have listened to so many kids talk about their home lives, and it is so sad..I have grown to love those kids, even when I had to tell them for the 80th time to line up. All they wanted was someone to notice them. I help out with the kindergarteners at school..and several of them can be quite the little stinkers. But then someone tells you a little about their home life, or they tell you that their dad lives in an apartment and their mom has a boyfriend..and you realize, all these kids want is someone who will love them. And I just read mr.harmless’ blog..chosen..you should read it.. It struck me..I may not still be in pe, and I am usually not in a place where I have to pick teams..but what about on a daily basis. Are their people in my life who I’m not loving like I should..well, of course there are. I think of how easy it is for me to love those indergarteners and my day camp kids..but then I go back to highschool and all of a sudden, I forget to look for that person who may be having a bad day. I forget to reach out to that person who may be lonely..I get caught up in my friends.. God has called us to love our neighbor as ourself..and so often, I forget the love your neighbor part, and focus on the loving me part. I think back over the years and I can see face after face of people that I should have reached out to, and should have loved..but thankfully God gives us 2nd chances, and I can start new today.
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This is my current favorite song…it’s by Point of Grace and I love the chorus..
God loves people more than anything
God loves people more than anything
more than anything He wants them to know
He’d rather die than let them go
God loves people more than anything
It’s so true..and so often, we don’t mirror this aspect of God.
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David Ring
David Ring
At our church this morning, David Ring spoke. He was born with Cerebral Palsy, and I think he was the best person I have ever heard speak. He walks with a limp, and talks funny..but that hasn’t stopped him from preaching. He has pneumonia at the moment, but that still didn’t stop him from coming to our church. He challenged us to serve and kept asking us, what is your excuse? I sat there thinking about all the excuses I have given lately for why my spiritual life is slacking and why I’m not serving..and as I went through the list, I just kept looking at Brother Ring (as he called himself). My excuses paled in comparison to the situation he is in and has been in. I realized how my excuses were so dumb..and couldn’t hold an ounce of water. He kept talking to us about being available and being willing to serve God. I haven’t made myself available to God lately..I’ve just questioned when He was going to stop filling my plate. Instead, I need to be asking Him how can I serve Him, how can I take all I’m doing and turn each into a ministry. As soon so the service was over, I remembered the other day as I was sitting at my hall monitor table in my cheerleading uniform..just minding my own business. When a 6th grader, who probably isn’t the most popular girl in her class, came up and started talking to me. I kinda of shrugged her off because I was overwhelmed and too focused on me. But David Ring kept reminding me over and over that God’s grace is sufficient and that I can do all things through Christ who strenthens me. As I listened to him, I realized how selfish I had been. How much I had been talking about me lately and how often I complained about all that was on my to do list. I can hear myself saying, I never have time for me any more. How ashamed I am of my attitude, and how thankful I am for God’s forgiveness. As I sit here forcing down some lunch, I realize that since I’ve given up letting God run my life, it has gone helter-skelter. I’ve lost weight-which is not a good thing, I’ve almost quit doing my devotions, I’ve stopped letting God run the show. I have forgotten to take the time to smell the roses and to enjoy the little things in life. I have thought I couldn’t serve because I don’t have time, but have failed to realize that serving doesn’t have to take time. I need to give the steering wheel back to God and not keep giving Him my excuses. So, I am going to let God be in control..I’m going to trust that His grace is sufficient even when I’m low on sleep and have a million things to do. I’m going to trust that no matter what is going on in my life right now..He knows. And as Hebrews reminds us, We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was tempted in all things and triumphed. God seemed to know exactly what I needed to hear, and I am so glad I got up this morning and went to church. I will never be perfect, but through God’s grace and power, I am going to work on it. So, thanks to be God for the great things He has done!
Amanda
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Daisy
Daisy..
I read this blog called Day with Daisy..who it is shall remain a mystery to all. But I happen to enjoy reading it, and it never fails to convict me or make me laugh and cry. I long to read what Daisy has written today, to see what thoughts have gone through her head. Although she is older then me, I respect her and look up to her. I think about my own life, and wish I had more time to build relationships with the older women in my life. But they have familes, and I’m so busy with school and cheerleading and work and church and I try to get some sleep in every once in awhile. So I just sit back and observe..you would be surprised if you knew how many people in my life I call my role models simply because of their lives or because they took the time to reach out to a high-schooler. I love to watch and observe people..I always have. You’d be amazed at what you can learn about someone by simply watching them. And so as I read about Daisy’s life, I am in a sense watching her. She is one of my heroes..and I will never forget her!
I’m out..
Amanda
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TO BRITTANY
TO BRITTANY
My dear friend, and my ever-listening ear,
All the times you’ve been there, and all the times you’ve cared
Never have I thought twice about having you for a friend
and never have I wished for someone better
Laughs and tears shared over the years
7th 8th 9th 10th and now 11th
Year after year and month after month,
for you I will always be thankful
Don’t let life get you down, there’s always someone hurting worse
and always I will stand by your side
My homework I should be doing,
but cheering you up is far more rewarding
“You’ve got a friend in me..”
No matter what, through guys and school
through thick and thin
Now I must go, my poem writing must come to an end
Much more I could write, but I might be going
I love you Brittany
Amanda
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To My Ever-Dear Junior High Girls
Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week because Wednesday is the day I get to go to church and hang out with a bunch of totally awesome junior-high girls. They are the sweetest girls, and are constantly a source of laughs and encouragement. God has blessed me in so many ways, and I have been able to see how the experiences I have had so far in my life have enabled me to help them and minister to them. Although, I have had my share of pain and hurt God has used each experience to shape and mold me. And even though I’m still young, I can see how those experiences help me to relate to them. I can share in their joy and pain. I can share in their struggles because I have been there. So to those of you girls who read my blog, I love you! You have been a constant source of encouragement and I can’t wait for Wednesdays! Don’t ever lose your love for the Lord and your sweet spirits!
I’m out..
Amanda
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The Fun of Reaching Out
So many times I have been tempted to look at my circumstances and think about how lonely or bad they were. I often wish that I was invited to do stuff on Friday nights..but last night I realized it’s not about me and what I want to do. I am helping with the junior high girls club this year, and it has been a blast. One of their moms asked me to go trick-or-treating with her daughter and some friends. I said yes, but at first I thought, I’d rather go hang out with friend’s my age..but I had so much fun with them!! We laughed as we went from house to house..and I think they enjoyed laughing at my screams..one guy scared me so bad! It was so much fun, they all had ideas on who I should like, and what we should do. I can’t remember very many other times when I have enjoyed myself so much. We finished up and deaded back to her house..and they all wanted me to spend the night. While I didn’t stay, I realized how much these girls looked up to me. A bunch of junior highers wanted a junior to spend the night. I realized that I had not only had a blast, but had poured into those girls lives..and that’s something that can’t be replaced. As I drove home, I thanked God for giving me this opportunity, and realized that life can be so much fun if you reach out.
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Friends..
Sometimes, or in my case, most of the time, I take my friends for granted. I don’t often take the time to thank them for who they are..but I have a few minutes and I thought I would seize the opportunity. If I fail to mention you specifically, please accept my utmost apologies, I am thankful for you, I probably just ran out of time.
I have so many friends, and I am thankful for each one of you in different ways.
Brittany-I don’t know where to begin or what to say! Thanks for being there throughout the years. I am so glad we have stayed friends, and for all the times we’ve spent together. Thank you for confronting me and for encouraging me. Thanks for listening, and for laughing!
Emily R.- Girl, I am so thankful for you! I do wish you were still in BQT, but I am glad for last year and that I took the time to get to know you! You rock! Thanks for listening and for always being there.
Emily W.- BQT rocks. Thanks for being my friend, and for confronting me. Thanks for the laughs and the memories. Keep following God with all your heart.
Eve- My oh My..how much I could say! But since I already devoted a whole blog to our cedarville experience, I will just say thanks. Thank you for being a cheerleader and for cheering with all your heart! I admire your faithfulness and willingness to stick to it! Thanks for all the many many laughs!
Kelly- You have grown and matured so much. I admire you in so many ways, and am so glad that you are at Faith. I am so thankful for you, and pray that you continue to grow in the Lord.
To all my senior friends..you have surprised me. You have all stepped up to lead our school with excellence. Rachel, Laura, Abri, Amanda, Danielle, and Deborah-I will miss you so much when your gone. I admire and respect each of you in so many ways. Keep leading our school!
Micah-ah..the many things I could say, but THANK YOU pretty much sums it all up. Thanks for listening and for pushing me to grow closer to God. Thanks for letting me hang out with your family..and dote on your little bros..:) thanks for being such an amazing friend, and for not letting the rest of the world get to you. Keep following God and trusting Him to direct your paths.
Jordan- Girl, I enjoyed going to the soccer games with you. It was nice to be able to talk..and I respect you and Will so much. Thank you for always being there and for sticking up for me. Keep following God.
Angela-Texas, grasshoppers, lip-gloss; and the jokes go on. Thank you for everything! You have been there for the past 5 years..and I am so thankful for you!!
To all my other Junior friends..I am so thankful for you all! Our class has so much character and fun, and it wouldn’t be possible without each and every one of you. I hope you all keep growing in the Lord, and stay true to who you really are. Don’t ever let anyone change you..you are all unique and amazing people.
To Mr.Harmless, Miss Weibe, Miss Syroteuk-thanks for being awesome teachers and for challenging me to grow spiritually.
To Mrs. Hume, Mrs.Harmless, Mrs. Kessler, and Mrs.Woodall-you have all helped chisel off my rough edges, and challenged me on why I believe what I believe. You have listened to my stories, and shared in my tears. You have always been willing to chat, and just be there. I am so thankful for you all. Your examples have continued to impact me, and help me grow into a more godly person.
Ok-I know I used the word thank like a million times above..but I am truly thankful for all my friends and teachers!!
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My Dad
I love my dad so much..He has always been there for me. I can’t ever remember a time when he turned his back, or walked out, even if I had failed him. He’s been my biggest fan and supporter since day one. And also been there to dry my tears. When I was little, we had our little rituals that are etched in my mind. I can remember countless Christmas’ sitting around the tree reading stories, watching the lights flicker around the room. I can remember every spring the flowers he would bring me before my ballet recitals. He never failed. And although he was gone a lot, he always made sure he was home that night. I remember the excitement of him coming home after a three week business trip..I love yous’ said over the phone just aren’t the same. I remember all the times he told my mom how much he loved her, and all the times I caught them in each others’ arms. He promised me he would never leave her, and I have trusted him with my whole heart. I can remember so many times crawling into his arms after a bad day, a break-up, or just to say I love you. He’s always been there. He cheered me on in basketball, even though I never played that great. He supported me in cross country, and always wanted to see me to my best. I remember falling into his arms after a horrible meet and just crying. He told me, “Amanda, your a fighter, and you’ll do better next time” He was never disappointed in me, no matter how good or bad I did. He was there when I got my driver’s license. I remember all the movies we went to see, the ones mom thought were too bloody. We have always had the same movie tastes, which has brought many memories. He has always pushed me to succeed in everything, and to do my best. He has always had faith in me and knows I will fulfill all my dreams if I put my mind to it. I have a ring on my finger as a constant reminder of his love, and 6 journals that all begin with letters from him.
He’s always been there..and I will always love him no matter what.
I love you daddy!