On a lonely hill He was. Crucified and killed. In between two thieves He hung, no place suitable for a king. Soldiers mocked and spit. People scoffed, “If He is the king, why does He not save himself?” His friends cried in agony, all the while wondering if that was still their Christ. He was barely recognizable. Why one may ponder, did He trudge up that hill, the lonely hill? To save my sins-the sins of the world. It was His true purpose, His destiny. He came to die-He was born so He could die. There on the cross He hung, every sin bearing on His shoulders. The spiritual torment far worse then the physical. His own father turned His back. This was not the end though. For in order for the ultimate sacrifice, He had to conquer death-and that He did. Three days later He arose! My sins to forgive, my soul to save. How I love my Lord! I pray I will never take for granted the amazing gift He has given me.

Especially for being August. One week left. Seven more days of freedom until I was doomed to 180 days of sitting in a desk. Summer had come and gone way too quickly. It just wasn’t right-who’s idea was it to go back in the middle of August anyways. And now it was cold. Not just cool, no it was cold. For my last few days of SUMMER it was cold. So much for shorts, t-shirts, and swimming. Nope, sweatshirts and pants were on the menu. If only it could have waited one week, I wouldn’t have minded. Who cares whether it’s cold or not when you are in a building eight hours a day and then doing homework for the rest of the day. But no, it was cold when I wanted to be outside. When I could lay outside and soak up the last few rays of summer, there were none to soak up. And what do you know, as soon as school started it warmed right back up and has been in the 80’s since! I’m not bitter at all though.:)

A satellite phone, Eve, and food.

Yep-that’s what I would take. I would have food, company, and a way of escape. Can’t think of much else. A bible would be nice, but between Eve and I we could probably come up with enough scripture to keep our spirits up. I have always wondered why this seems like a popular question. How many people actually get deserted on an island and live to tell about it. And I doubt people plan to be deserted so they probably don’t have any of the things they want to have. But oh well..it’s still a fun question and one that will forever remain popular. I certaintly hope I am never on a deserted island..unless I make survivor..then being on an island would be cool. well, that’s about all I want to write about that-I have real homework to work on!

I’m out..

Amanda

Sometimes I want to scream..are you listening?! My mouth is moving, but somehow the words must get lost before reaching your ears. I feel like this a lot with my family..don’t get me wrong, I love my family. They are some of the coolest people in the world..but lately they seem to be having issues listening. I will tell them something a million times and they will call an hour later to find out what I’m doing and why I’m not home. It is rather frustrating. But God has a reason for everything and I think He is using this to humble me. All of a sudden, I am not the most important thing around my house..(not that I ever was, but I liked to think that) Then I started praying to God-asking Him to humble me. The thing is, God likes those kind of prayers and is answering mine over and over. He’s listening, and He’s teaching me that I need to listen..and that I need to be humble. So what my parents aren’t listening, it becomes my problem when I am rude and curt with them. Not that it always feels the greatest..my ego has been cut down a lot lately..but as Wilbo said is one of his previous posts..it’s not about me! So I am thankful God is humbling me..It’s the cry of my heart and while the answer isn’t easy, I know it is best.

I’m out..

Amanda

I found this guy from a link on Mr. Harmless’ blog. His name is Dan Meyers. Check out his blog here. But the coolest thing is he also writes the best music..at least I really like him. I was listening to some of his stuff..you gotta check him out. My favorite song is Audience of One. You can listen to it here-just click on the name of the song to download it.

I’m out..

Amanda

Well, I just got home from my final retreat-it was a bittersweet time. I am going to miss it a lot, but I think it was by far one of the best retreats I’ve been on. Mr. Grass challenged us on what was gonna make this year different. I thought about that a lot-this is my senior year..my last chance to make a good impact, my last chance to be a high-schooler, and my last time being a student at FCS. Which is a sad thought..I have learned so much in my years here. But I know there are a lot of areas in my life I need to change-a lot of ways I want to grow this year. And I think the thing I am going to do to make it different is spend everyday in His word..and weed out the worldly things that fill me up. I want this year to be different-but more then that I want this year to be awesome! I want to end with no regrets.

On to another aspect-Pastor Helmer spoke on Noah-a story we all know so well. It has always fascinated me, but He brought new light to it. I really enjoyed his energy and emotion-you could tell he truely cared and wanted us to get his message. I go to Faith-but honestly, more often I live in doubt then in faith. More often I question God-wonder why He allowed things to happen. Noah built an ark for 120 days-He’d never seen rain, but He had faith. As I go throughout my year, I want to develop faith like that-I want to have a faith that is strong and unwavering. I want my excitement and energy I have now to last all year.

Finally, I want to say thanks to my class-you guys are great. As much as I love being a senior and am looking forward to graduation, I am going to miss you all. Each of you has made some sort of impact on my life. I can’t wait to get to know you all a little better-we’re only going to be seniors once-at least highschool seniors. This year is going to be great! I can’t wait! I am praying for you all and I hope you continue to grow in your walk with God.

I’m out..

Amanda

“God is God and I am not

I can only see a part of the picture He’s painting

God is God and I am man

So I’ll never understand it all

For only God is God”

I was listening to that song by Stephen Curtis Chapman and it struck me. Lately a lot has happened in my life and in the life of some of my dear friends. I remember telling one of them, “I don’t know what I think..I’m so confused..” Then as I was listening to this song it hit me. I’m not God. I can’t see the whole picture so of course I might be a little confused..but I just need to learn to trust. I probably won’t understand everything until heaven-but God wants us to learn to trust Him. Even in the little things or in the things we think we have screwed up beyond repair. I just need to learn to trust God today-that has been a constant struggle in my life. I think God keeps placing circumstances in my life to teach me that. And I encourage you-don’t forget you aren’t God. I know so many times I try to play God in my own life. It doesn’t work..it just leaves me confused. But when I trust God..things work out much better. Even when I screw them up..

I’m out..

Amanda

Lonely..

I have always wondered why so often it seems the times I am the most lonely are the times I am surrounded by the most people. The times when I need my friends the most are the times they seem to pull away. The times I know I should be relying on God are the times I’m tempted to rely the least. It’s so easy to take things into my hands, to make my own decisions…but sometimes God brings along someone unexpected. A friend who happens to be willing to listen at exactly the right time. I am thankful for times like that..it’s neat to see all the ways God works through my friends..And even though I am tempted to think I’m all alone..I know God is right there. And I am working so I’m gonna go..

I’m out..

Amanda