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CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
Someone e-mailed this to me, and I figured since the holidays are here it was a good reminder!! Don’t forget the reason for all the excitement at this time of year! Happy Holidays!!
Who started Christmas?
This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out
Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking
at
row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours
of
hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many
shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.
She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time
of
the year—overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every
housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect
gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don’t
forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we
respond to everyone who sent us a card.
Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the
car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with
her
and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn’t take it
anymore and stated, “Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should
be
found, strung up and shot.”
From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond,
“Don’t worry. We already crucified Him.”
For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could
have
heard a pin drop. Don’t forget this year to keep the One who started
this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and
word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world
would be.
Jesus is the Reason For The Season!
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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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I Love Being Alone
I Love Being Alone..
I realized that tonight as I headed off to the mall for some shopping. I got paid on Friday and for once had some money, which I should be saving for Christmas but oh well. I went alone, and didn’t really have any desire to call someone to go with me. Plus I couldn’t think of anyone to call. I just walked around the mall, going where I wanted and looking at what I wanted. My mom eventually showed up, but I really enjoyed just shopping alone. I normally like to do stuff alone..I think it’s one of those things I have acquired after many Friday and Saturdays nights spent waiting for someone to call and invite me to do something. I finally decided since sitting at home was no fun..I might as well go do something. Even if it is with me myself and I. Don’t think I’m throwing a pity party for myself either, I truly enjoy doing stuff alone. Although, I would never turn down an offer to hang out with my friends. I drove there and home with my cd blaring, singing at the top of my lungs..something I could never do with another human being in car. And I had a blast! I had worked all day and don’t have much homework this weekend. Oh stink..I just remembered we have a Trig test on Monday..darn it. Ah well, I had fun tonight regardless. So don’t ever be afraid to hang out with yourself..and you could always call me up:)
I’m out..
Amanda
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If I Could Go Anywhere in the World(English Extra Credit)
If I Could Go Anywhere in the World(English Extra Credit)
Well, right now I’d just be happy to go anywhere, but my dream has always been to go to the Congo. It’s in Africa, and our church supports missionaries there. The Curtis’ have a special place in my heart because they first invited my parents to attend Faith. And part of the reason I am where I am is because of them! But I’ve always been fascinated with the Congo. Maybe it’s because it’s one of those places that Americans are not usually well-liked, or because I see how bad those people need the gospel. Or maybe it’s just because of the Curtis’. So while political unrest has temporarily put my dream on hold, someday I intend to visit.
I think it’s also be cool to visit Europe. I’ve always wanted to go to a castle. And I want to see those guards with the tall black hats that supposedly don’t move. For some odd reason I’ve always loved those things.
I also want to go to Peru to visit the Stillwells. The ones currently staying here visited my clubs last week, and I fell in love with Peru and them. I want to go visit them so bad. But anyways, I think those are my top three, but Congo still holds number one.
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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Laugh at Yourself
Throughout my highschool years, I have learned one very important lesson-you must have the ability to laugh at yourself. This is not something everyone will master, but something everyone should. I think over my past 3 years..let me tell you, if I had not cultivated this ability, I would have almost always been embarrassed. I can’t tell you how many times I have said the dumbest things at the dumbest times. Or how many times I have tripped over that stinkin’ carpet.. And last night was the kicker..I’m with a bunch of people I don’t know, dressed up all fancy in my formal dress and high-heeled shoes. We’re traveling around to houses eating-a progressive dinner. I fell out of the van one time, and dropped my red sauce covered knife on someones’ brand new white carpet. Luckily I have learned to laugh at myself..and just sat there apologizing and laughing. I had so much fun, that those little things didn’t seem to bother me. I could have been so embarrassed and let them ruin my night, but instead I laughed it off and moved on. Not to mention that I got to know some totally awesome people. So remember to laugh at yourself..it makes life so much more enjoyable! And makes all those dumb things we say and do seem to be but a small speck in the scheme of our lives:)
I’m out..
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 Greatest Lesson I’ve Learned So Far This Year
Wow..The greatest lesson is a tough one because I’ve learned so many lessons! Spiritual ones and other ones..like the law of gravity..learned that one a bunch of times:)! I think I would have to say the greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is a spiritual one. God has shown me over and over how many people are watching me and how my actions can affect more people then I think. Several people that I respected and looked up to made some big mistakes, and although they probably don’t even realize it, they impacted me in big ways. It’s made me realized that I need to be careful about what I do and say because I never know who it’ll impact. And especially now with Cheerleading, a lot of people are watching me, and how I act is going to influence more people then I will probably ever know. I have been learning that although I’m not in any stated leadership position, I need to be leading with my actions and attitude. A positive attitude gets a whole lot farther then a negative one.
God has also taught me so much about His love and grace..so many times I wonder how I am going to make it. Maybe I’m going on very little sleep, or I have a huge test I’m not as ready for, or I have some friend issues, or someone makes a negative comment to me..God’s grace is always there. I am amazed sometimes at all the ways God provides. I have fallen in love with my God this year..and it’s a feeling I never want to lose. As I watch my friends with their boyfriends/girlfriends, God reminds of His love for me..they may have the affection of a sinful human, but I have the love of my heavenly father..I am confident He will never break my heart. So, as the year continues on and my schedule gets increasingly busier, I am glad that God’s grace is sufficient. And His love is never-ending!
I’m out..
Amanda
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Authority
ok..I know it says in God’s word we are to submit and obey our authority. But sometimes that is so hard..God has brought cheerleading into my life to show me an area I need to do some major growth in. I always thought I did fine with submitting and obeying my authority..but I have never struggled with it more. There are so many times I disagree with what my authority tells me I must do. I’ve found that while I don’t usually just disobey them..I struggle a lot with my attitude. And I will be the first to tell you, I know hardly anything about cheerleading or the like..but some of the stuff is just beyond my realm of thinking. Like making us wear our uniforms to school every game day..I can’t see their reasoning. I will do it to obey them, but I don’t think they realize the teasing it is going to get us..it’s like wearing a neon sign in blinking lights that says..we’re the cheerleaders, make fun of us!! but God is teaching me through his word..and showing me ways I can grow and change in. I’ll keep you updating on how I’m doing..
I’m out,
Amanda
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