Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 36
November 26, 2012
Kids Need Armor Too...
I always enjoy when I find a children's book that has a biblical message easily understood by children, and this proves true of my latest read Hey Warrior Kids Put On Your Armor by Virginia Finnie! Virginia is a fellow author friend I know from Face Book and we recently decided to swap books. I thought Hey Warrior Kids would make a nice addition for Emily's book collection and I was right.
Emily read Hey Warrior Kids to her father and I the other night and I was impressed with the way Virginia broke down the armor piece by piece and explained why each piece is important and how each piece is used to protect us from the evil one. The colorful illustrations added to the excitement of learning about each piece of armor. Virginia clearly explained that children are part of God's army just like everyone else that chooses to follow Christ the Savior. She also made it plain that each child has a job to do the same as each adult which is to stand against the devil.
The book ends aptly with a call to follow Jesus for all those children who might not yet have made that decision and has the scripture reference in Ephesians written out. I thought it was interesting that Emily became excited when she read the scripture portion and exclaimed that those scriptures in Ephesians were the first ones she had learned this year at school.
It is inevitable then, if you are looking for an easy to understand book that will help teach your children how to spiritually protect themselves, you need look no farther. So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 24, 2012
Christian Devotional - Mary
Believe it or not, the Christmas holiday is quickly approaching. As we start to get caught up in planning, gifts, and meals, I want to take the time to go through the first Christmas story so we can keep our focus on the most important reason for celebrating.
Today we’re going to start by looking at Mary and her life and journey. We find out her story in Luke 1:26-38.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and he said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old angel and she who was called barren is no in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Young Mary, some scholars think she was as young as 13 or 14 years old, probably thought she knew where her life was headed before she met that angel. She was betrothed to Joseph. We know that she was living in Nazareth and that the angel referred to her as “favored.” We can assume that she was obedient and faithful to the promise of God and that while she was not perfect and was not divine, she had been chosen for a specific and important purpose.
What was her response to this heavenly visitor with an incredible and overwhelming responsibility for her? Mary acknowledged her obedience and her willingness to do whatever God had planned for her.
This week, as just start the Christmas holiday season, focus on obedience in the face of the unknown. The Christmas story that we know now, started with a young girl’s obedience in the face of the unknown. We can try to plan and try to organize as much as possible, but we make decisions every day with some certainty of the unknown.
What are we being asked to do by God? What do we feel impressed to do? What is our calling and opportunity to be obedient to God? This week, focus on our obedience to God and to His plan, even when it goes against our original plan, even when we can’t completely see the outcome.
Mary wasn’t alone on her journey of obedience. God brought her together with a special man and next week, we’ll take a look at his introduction to God’s plan.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
Today we’re going to start by looking at Mary and her life and journey. We find out her story in Luke 1:26-38.
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and he said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old angel and she who was called barren is no in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Young Mary, some scholars think she was as young as 13 or 14 years old, probably thought she knew where her life was headed before she met that angel. She was betrothed to Joseph. We know that she was living in Nazareth and that the angel referred to her as “favored.” We can assume that she was obedient and faithful to the promise of God and that while she was not perfect and was not divine, she had been chosen for a specific and important purpose.
What was her response to this heavenly visitor with an incredible and overwhelming responsibility for her? Mary acknowledged her obedience and her willingness to do whatever God had planned for her.
This week, as just start the Christmas holiday season, focus on obedience in the face of the unknown. The Christmas story that we know now, started with a young girl’s obedience in the face of the unknown. We can try to plan and try to organize as much as possible, but we make decisions every day with some certainty of the unknown.
What are we being asked to do by God? What do we feel impressed to do? What is our calling and opportunity to be obedient to God? This week, focus on our obedience to God and to His plan, even when it goes against our original plan, even when we can’t completely see the outcome.
Mary wasn’t alone on her journey of obedience. God brought her together with a special man and next week, we’ll take a look at his introduction to God’s plan.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
November 23, 2012
It's a little late, but...
Happy Thanksgiving!
I know. It was yesterday, but I'm here to wish it to you today as well. Thanksgiving isn't, or shouldn't be, a once a year holiday. Thanksgiving is a heart attitude of gratitude. It's something that needs to be practiced and cultivated ~ and later, it will not only keep a smile on your face, but you'll have a wonderful side-effect. You'll become more optimistic as you travel this road of life. It's difficult to be grateful and a pessimist!
Of course, we all know that Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season, and I for one, am stoked! No, not because of presents, not because my birthday is right around the corner, ugh, but I simply love this time of year. I cook. I bake. I become a Christmas flake...(sorry. Needed something to rhyme.) and I just love it. With or without snow. It doesn't matter.
Below, you'll find a recipe for Winter Snow Fudge ~ and that awesome cover you see? Guess what it is? Yep. It's the cover of my new novella, The Haunting of Maddie Branson . If you're a newsletter subscriber, you can read an exclusive excerpt on the Member's Only page. Plus, you'll get other Member's Only stuff ~ recipes, crafts, DIY, etc. Oh yeah. There's even the first chapter of Lonely Hearts uploaded for your audiobook enjoyment. Woop woop! So, come by and see me, leave me a comment, download/print to your heart's content, and have an aWeSoMe DaY!Winter Snow Fudge Recipe
www.BooksByAmanda.com
I know. It was yesterday, but I'm here to wish it to you today as well. Thanksgiving isn't, or shouldn't be, a once a year holiday. Thanksgiving is a heart attitude of gratitude. It's something that needs to be practiced and cultivated ~ and later, it will not only keep a smile on your face, but you'll have a wonderful side-effect. You'll become more optimistic as you travel this road of life. It's difficult to be grateful and a pessimist!
Of course, we all know that Thanksgiving officially kicks off the holiday season, and I for one, am stoked! No, not because of presents, not because my birthday is right around the corner, ugh, but I simply love this time of year. I cook. I bake. I become a Christmas flake...(sorry. Needed something to rhyme.) and I just love it. With or without snow. It doesn't matter.
Below, you'll find a recipe for Winter Snow Fudge ~ and that awesome cover you see? Guess what it is? Yep. It's the cover of my new novella, The Haunting of Maddie Branson . If you're a newsletter subscriber, you can read an exclusive excerpt on the Member's Only page. Plus, you'll get other Member's Only stuff ~ recipes, crafts, DIY, etc. Oh yeah. There's even the first chapter of Lonely Hearts uploaded for your audiobook enjoyment. Woop woop! So, come by and see me, leave me a comment, download/print to your heart's content, and have an aWeSoMe DaY!Winter Snow Fudge Recipe
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 21, 2012
I'm Thankful...How About You?
Reasons to be thankful, no matter what you have or don’t have:
If you have a washer and dryer you should be thankful because:
You could be washing your clothes on an old ringer washer like your grandmother used to then hang them outside to dry. Or you could drag all the clothes out to boiling pots of water outside where you would stir in some of your hand made lye soap then hang them out to dry. Or you could drag them all to the creek where you would beat them against rocks to get them clean. Or you could wear them over and over until they fall off…wouldn’t our society smell nice?
If you have an stove you should be thankful because:
Your ancestors cooked in a giant hearth, or fireplace, that had to be kept up day and night. You could be cooking on a wood cook stove. Imagine those summer days. Whew! I guess that would give the word sweatshop a whole new meaning. Or you could be cooking outside over an open fire. That’s fun…once in a while. I couldn’t imagine it day in and day out. It would get old.
If you have a refrigerator you should be thankful because:
You could be heading down to a damp cellar every day or traipsing out to the well to bring up the pail hanging down low to keep your food cool. You could wait for the iceman to come to put your ice block in your icebox. As for meat, you might have to re-hydrate the meat you dried out to preserve since there was no way to freeze the meat in the spring, summer or fall. Interesting. I bet that tasted yummy. Gives whole new perspective to that $55.00 dollar steak my daughter had on a date last week. Yum!
If you have a home you should be thankful because:
Many people around the world think you live in a mansion. And compared to the home they live in…most likely a rundown shack…you do. You could be homeless living under a bridge. You could begrudgingly accept shelter from a caring stranger who offers you a single bed lined up next to more single beds.
If you have food in your pantry or refrigerator you should be thankful because:
Everyday children go to sleep hungry, wondering if they will have enough food to satisfy the hunger that plagues them day and night.
Yeah…it’s Thanksgiving. It’s about more than Turkey and pumpkin pie. Be thankful in all things and in all things give thanks. You are blessed more than you know.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
If you have a washer and dryer you should be thankful because:
You could be washing your clothes on an old ringer washer like your grandmother used to then hang them outside to dry. Or you could drag all the clothes out to boiling pots of water outside where you would stir in some of your hand made lye soap then hang them out to dry. Or you could drag them all to the creek where you would beat them against rocks to get them clean. Or you could wear them over and over until they fall off…wouldn’t our society smell nice?
If you have an stove you should be thankful because:
Your ancestors cooked in a giant hearth, or fireplace, that had to be kept up day and night. You could be cooking on a wood cook stove. Imagine those summer days. Whew! I guess that would give the word sweatshop a whole new meaning. Or you could be cooking outside over an open fire. That’s fun…once in a while. I couldn’t imagine it day in and day out. It would get old.
If you have a refrigerator you should be thankful because:
You could be heading down to a damp cellar every day or traipsing out to the well to bring up the pail hanging down low to keep your food cool. You could wait for the iceman to come to put your ice block in your icebox. As for meat, you might have to re-hydrate the meat you dried out to preserve since there was no way to freeze the meat in the spring, summer or fall. Interesting. I bet that tasted yummy. Gives whole new perspective to that $55.00 dollar steak my daughter had on a date last week. Yum!
If you have a home you should be thankful because:
Many people around the world think you live in a mansion. And compared to the home they live in…most likely a rundown shack…you do. You could be homeless living under a bridge. You could begrudgingly accept shelter from a caring stranger who offers you a single bed lined up next to more single beds.
If you have food in your pantry or refrigerator you should be thankful because:
Everyday children go to sleep hungry, wondering if they will have enough food to satisfy the hunger that plagues them day and night.
Yeah…it’s Thanksgiving. It’s about more than Turkey and pumpkin pie. Be thankful in all things and in all things give thanks. You are blessed more than you know.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 19, 2012
My Christmas Book List
Christmas is quickly approaching and so I thought I would take this opportunity to list a few books about Christmas, books that tell the nativity story of Christmas in diverse and entertaining ways. My absolute favorite Christmas book for children and one that my daughter reads to us every year is The Story of Christmas by Patricia Pingry. This book wonderfully explains of the birth of Christ and how his birth is related to our giving gifts at Christmas with an emphasis on how Christ is the true gift. 
Another wonderful Christmas story happens to be by a friend of mine named Lisa Tortorello. Lisa is a teacher in Chicago who writes on the side and she has created a fictional story about the nativity in her beautifully illustrated book The Moose at the Manger. Muse the Moose accidentally gets separated from his family but has a spectacular adventure when he travels with the angels to witness the birth of Christ. 
Next on my list is a book that I just recently read by author Janice Green. It is entitled The First Christmas. Nothing fictional about this book as Janice tells the story of the birth of Christ in a straightforward manner which can easily be understood by very young children. Colorful illustrations accompany the text and a quilting project at the end of the book is an added bonus. It always amazes me how Janice, and avid quilter, manages to incorporate her quilting passion in each of her children's books. 
And what Christmas book list would be complete without a copy of The Friendly Beasts, a book based on an old English Christmas Carol. The version my daughter owns is the classic Golden Press version and has the song at the back of the book. Not many of these copies are still available today so I looked around and was super excited to find that the oh so famous Tomie dePaola has an excellent version as well. Although I haven't read this particular book, it's my personal opinion that you just can't go wrong with dePaola version.
There you have it my friends, my Christmas book list. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Reading! So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 17, 2012
Christian Devotional - Thanksgiving
In everything give thanks.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, we’re called again to focus on what it means to be grateful for the blessings that God has given us. Many, many verses in the Bible speak to the importance of giving thanks. For me, this year one in particular stands out:
1 Thessalonians 5:18—“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As I read through this verse two phrases really stick out to me: “in everything” and “God’s will.” Since the word say everything, that means everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I really like the fact that it says “in” everything and not “for” everything. God does not expect us to be thankful for the evil that affects our lives. However, we can be thankful “through” the evil that we are experiencing. For example, even while suffering, we can be thankful for God’s protection, for God’s love, or even be thankful that God is over all things and that he sees my every tear and will bring about justice in His timing.
I also find it interesting to see that phrase, “God’s will.” Over the years, so many people have told me that they don’t know what God’s will is for their lives or they don’t understand how to find God’s will. What is the answer? God’s will for us is that we are thankful in everything. This is what God wants us to do and to be. As we trust in Jesus Christ, we can be thankful in every situation knowing that God’s will for us is fulfilled as we are thanking Him.
This is certainly not easy, but through our faith in Jesus Christ it is possible.
So whether your Thanksgiving celebration will look like this:
Or something much more chaotic :-) no matter how you celebrate, take the time to remember that God loves you and that His will for you is to be thankful in everything.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, we’re called again to focus on what it means to be grateful for the blessings that God has given us. Many, many verses in the Bible speak to the importance of giving thanks. For me, this year one in particular stands out:
1 Thessalonians 5:18—“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
As I read through this verse two phrases really stick out to me: “in everything” and “God’s will.” Since the word say everything, that means everything: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I really like the fact that it says “in” everything and not “for” everything. God does not expect us to be thankful for the evil that affects our lives. However, we can be thankful “through” the evil that we are experiencing. For example, even while suffering, we can be thankful for God’s protection, for God’s love, or even be thankful that God is over all things and that he sees my every tear and will bring about justice in His timing.
I also find it interesting to see that phrase, “God’s will.” Over the years, so many people have told me that they don’t know what God’s will is for their lives or they don’t understand how to find God’s will. What is the answer? God’s will for us is that we are thankful in everything. This is what God wants us to do and to be. As we trust in Jesus Christ, we can be thankful in every situation knowing that God’s will for us is fulfilled as we are thanking Him.
This is certainly not easy, but through our faith in Jesus Christ it is possible.
So whether your Thanksgiving celebration will look like this:
Or something much more chaotic :-) no matter how you celebrate, take the time to remember that God loves you and that His will for you is to be thankful in everything.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook pagewww.BooksByAmanda.com
November 13, 2012
A Writer's Life
Last week I had the opportunity to view a picture of the life of a writer, or at least what everyone thinks the life of a writer is like.
The first picture happened to be of one of my very favorite shows, Murder She Wrote. There is many a night when my son and I will cuddle up and watch an old re-run. But is Jessica Fletcher the real deal? Does her life portray real life authors? No, not at all.
The second picture is of an author surrounded by money. I wish, right? ‘nough said!
The third picture is of a guy on a couch guzzling a beer (for me it would be diet pepsi) and eating a bowl of chips with a remote in his hand.
The fourth picture is of Stephanie Meyer and her book covers. I think this goes hand in hand with picture two, but who am I to question the designer…????
The fifth is of a guy with his forehead on his laptop, obviously at a loss for words! (sometimes I really am this guy!)
The sixth is of a pair of hands happily typing away at the latest and greatest best selling book of all time.
So, which am I?
I’d say I am a combination of all of them. Sometimes I am Jessica Fletcher leading the perfect writer’s life. I feel like picture number two when I get a decent royalty check, although it’s gone after the bills are paid and I order in more books! Yes, I have those moments when I give up the writer’s life, put on a good movie, grab a soda and a snack and veg out in front of the television. I pray someday my books are in as many hands as Stephanie Meyer’s are. I also have days when my creative juices are just not cooperating with my fingers…or when life overwhelms me and I just lose my ability to create on paper.
And finally, I have days when I write thousands of words and they even make sense!
I believe the bigger picture should include why we writers write.
My picture might be a woman reading one of my books, with tears streaming down her cheeks because she connects so deeply with one of my characters on their journey to forgiveness. I think that would be the picture I write for.
I write to make a difference. No other reason. I write because that is my calling and my gifting. Sometimes I question that calling. Sometimes I question whether or not I am gifted. But almost every day ends the same way. Me sitting at my laptop, wearing the letters off the keyboard, typing what God has put on my heart.
I love being a writer. Not because I am the perfect writer, but because writing is perfect for me.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
The first picture happened to be of one of my very favorite shows, Murder She Wrote. There is many a night when my son and I will cuddle up and watch an old re-run. But is Jessica Fletcher the real deal? Does her life portray real life authors? No, not at all.
The second picture is of an author surrounded by money. I wish, right? ‘nough said!
The third picture is of a guy on a couch guzzling a beer (for me it would be diet pepsi) and eating a bowl of chips with a remote in his hand.
The fourth picture is of Stephanie Meyer and her book covers. I think this goes hand in hand with picture two, but who am I to question the designer…????
The fifth is of a guy with his forehead on his laptop, obviously at a loss for words! (sometimes I really am this guy!)
The sixth is of a pair of hands happily typing away at the latest and greatest best selling book of all time.
So, which am I?
I’d say I am a combination of all of them. Sometimes I am Jessica Fletcher leading the perfect writer’s life. I feel like picture number two when I get a decent royalty check, although it’s gone after the bills are paid and I order in more books! Yes, I have those moments when I give up the writer’s life, put on a good movie, grab a soda and a snack and veg out in front of the television. I pray someday my books are in as many hands as Stephanie Meyer’s are. I also have days when my creative juices are just not cooperating with my fingers…or when life overwhelms me and I just lose my ability to create on paper.
And finally, I have days when I write thousands of words and they even make sense!
I believe the bigger picture should include why we writers write.
My picture might be a woman reading one of my books, with tears streaming down her cheeks because she connects so deeply with one of my characters on their journey to forgiveness. I think that would be the picture I write for.
I write to make a difference. No other reason. I write because that is my calling and my gifting. Sometimes I question that calling. Sometimes I question whether or not I am gifted. But almost every day ends the same way. Me sitting at my laptop, wearing the letters off the keyboard, typing what God has put on my heart.
I love being a writer. Not because I am the perfect writer, but because writing is perfect for me.
Thanks for taking the time to grow with me this Wednesday!
Blessings,
Darlene Shortridge
Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed
www.BooksByAmanda.com
Walking Without Crutches - Fear
You ever feel that you're supposed to say something and you'd rather not do it? Have you ever gone against the leading of the Holy Spirit...and not do what He's placed on your heart? Yep. I've done that before, and frankly, I hated the feeling afterwards. Once, we were sitting at a fast food restaurant and a stranger was really being ugly about another customer after they left. And I felt that familiar push of the Holy Spirit leading me to witness to the man...and I didn't do it. I still feel awful about it, and I pray God forgives me of that and sent someone else to witness in my place. What an opportunity I missed.
I've had that push again. That same still small voice telling me...leading me...to share some parts of me and my past that are very personal and private.
And hurtful and ugly.
*Sigh*
Sometimes, I'm almost crippled by fear.
And please. I know the Scriptures about fear. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me." - Isaiah 54:14
Sometimes it sneaks up on me, and I get this horrifying, overwhelming, knee buckling, heart gripping fear that almost knocks me to the ground.
After the birth of our first child, I privately went to my mother and told her about my problem with being afraid of the dark. I felt stupid. Childish. Irrational, even. I'm a mother now, I shouldn't be afraid of the dark. I'm supposed to be the one who's strong for the children when they have a bad dream, right?
My mother looked at me and wisely nodded her head. She wasn't surprised at all, and I wanted to know why.
Our conversation went something like this:
Mom: You have a good reason to be afraid of the dark.
Me: I do? Why? (at this point, I seriously didn't know.)
Mom: Don't you remember when you were locked in a basement when you were four?
Me: (stunned silence, then,) I had forgotten about that (and the memory hit me loud and clear.)
When I was young, I was taken by a teenaged neighbor and locked in their basement. There wasn't any lights on, and sadly, I remember not having clothes on. That's where my memory shuts down, and I'm glad that's where I go blank. After a while, the mother came home and heard me screaming in the basement and took me to my own home.
This wasn't a neighbor I was friends with. Come on. I was four, and this was a teenager. Obviously, we weren't the best of friends, and no, they had never, ever babysat for me.
Today, I can sleep without a night light on.
I can drive in the dark and I can walk to our front door in the dark without running and panicking.
I can let our cats out, step outside and knock the coffee grounds into the compost pile in the dark without turning on the porch light.
Because I have learned to walk without crutches.
See, I don't let the crutch of fear and despair get hold of me and cripple me anymore, because I know I have a beautiful Friend Who will help me through each and every dark path and dark step I have to take. I don't let this become something that hinders me or allow it to rule my day and/or night. I have learned this lesson the hard way. I've had to walk a dark, dreary road until I realized I was carrying a burden too great for me to bear.
I've seen/heard so many people say they can't do something because of something that happened in their past.
I can't do______________because when I was a kid...
I don't like dogs, because when I was a kid, I was attacked by a pit bull...
I'm afraid to _____________because once, I...
and the list goes on.
Trust me. There's a lot on my list. I've only told you one thing about myself, and I have tons more. I've walked a dark, terrifying path that has taught me a very, very great lesson.
I have a Friend in Jesus and He will take me through this.
No. I didn't go to counselling with a preacher, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
I went to the King of kings, and Lord of lords, and I told Him that I was afraid.
You know what else I told Him?
I told Him I was tired of being afraid and I asked Him to help me not be anymore. To take my valid fear and make me a confident ~ not egotistical and prideful, but confident ~ young woman that can trust Him to take care of me.
And He did what I asked Him to.
Are you allowing a crutch from your past hinder you in something today? Have you taken that crutch you rely on and given it to God and asked Him to take it away?
Friend, if you're dealing with something difficult that you would like prayer for, email me at amanda38401 at gmail dot com and I'll add you to my prayer list. You don't even have to tell me your name or the problem. Won't you allow Him to take that particular care from your burdened shoulders and carry it for you? He's waiting patiently for it. All you have to do is give it to Him.
Amanda Stephan~Christian Author
BooksByAmanda.com
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 12, 2012
Kentucky: A Fun Vacation Destination!
It's Kid's Korner time again and I thought I would share some photos of the trip from which my family and I just returned. The trip was actually a business trip since I was invited to the 31st Annual Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort; but my husband and daughter joined me, so we managed to turn it into a family vacation as well. First we spent time discovering Frankfort which is a truly delightful place. We discovered a small bbq restaurant called Cajun Rick's White Light Diner. It wasn't much to look at and housed only three tables and a counter with stools, but the food was superb and it has been hosted on the show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" of which I am a big fan. My husband even remarked that the whole trip was worth taking just to eat there which is quite the endorsement if you ask me.
We also discovered quaint shops and unique streets in walking distance from our hotel.Unexpectedly we happened to find ourselves there during an annual Candlelight Festival which Frankfort holds every year to kick off the Christmas Season. There was nightly entertainment, free horse and carriage rides sponsored by the local bank, honey tastings at a little honey shop, and so much more. We even had the pleasure of walking beside the singing bridge, a metal grated bridge that seems to hum as cars drive over it. You could actually feel vibration through your shoes which was quite interesting.
And as if that were not thrilling enough, we managed a visit to the New Port Aquarium on our way home yesterday. The block where the aquarium is has a brick lined driveway where you pull up and have your car valet parked. There are little shops all around and you climb a set of stairs to an upper level where there are more shops and the aquarium. I must admit I have never had my car valet parked before and could really become accustomed to such a luxury. We saw "Big Mike" the largest gator outside of Florida, we saw sharks and fish of every description, we saw lorakeets, and we even got to pet African penguins in a behind the scene area. I think the encounter with the penguins was my favorite even though Emily was a tiny bit disappointed that she didn't get to hold one in her lap. And to wrap up our wonderful trip we spent a little time in the gift shop where Emily was attacked by a giant squid. So if you are looking for a new and fun destination for your next family vacation I suggest you check out the many wonders Kentucky has to offer. 
So ends another episode of Kids Korner with me, Children's Author Aileen Stewart. Join me next week for another exciting episode same krazy time, same krazy channel. And feel free to drop by my personal blog Aileen's Thoughts any day of the week for even more on reading, writing, and life in general.
www.BooksByAmanda.com
November 10, 2012
Christian Devotional - Sin's Allure
Sin. The ugly dirty truth about sin is that it never
looks ugly or dirty while we’re in the moment and considering it. Why does sin
entice us so strongly? What is it about the allure of sin that we choose it
over obeying our loving God?
Did you know that temptations have categories? That’s
right. Really, all the temptations that you or I will face can fall into one or
more of three categories that we’re going to look at today: the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.
1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world, nor the things in
the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For
all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
This set of verses has always intrigued me, and even more
when a pastor I heard compared it to the original sin of Eve, back in Genesis. There,
Eve has been approached by Satan masquerading as a serpent. She’s been told to
eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and she will become
like God. So what does Eve ponder in her mind? Genesis 3:6 says “When the woman
saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and
that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate;
and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
Yep, Eve saw that fruit was good for food (lust of the
flesh) and it was a delight to the eyes (lust of the eyes) and the tree was
desirable to make one wise (boastful pride of life). That one hit all three
categories. Think back over the Bible stories you remember. Each temptation
that the person faced fell into one of those three categories. Here are just a
couple of examples:
Cain and Abel – Boastful pride of life (Genesis 4:3-8)
David and Bathsheba – lust of the flesh and lust of the
eyes (2 Samuel 11:2)
Judas betraying Jesus – lust of the flesh (Matthew
26:14-16)
Ananias and Sapphira – lust of the flesh and boastful
pride of life (Acts 5:1-11)
Even the temptations of Jesus can be categorized with
these three. Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones to bread (lust of the flesh)
and to throw himself from the temple and be saved by angels (boastful pride of
life), and finally to look all around Him and everything He saw would be his if
He would just bow to Satan (lust of the eyes). (Matthew 4:1-11)
So what do we do about this? How do we combat the
temptations that Satan is going to use to try and trip us up? Well, looking
back at those verses in 1 John, we see that we are to love God, not the world.
If we love the world, then we will be easily swayed by all that the world seems
to offer. We must realize that when we are being tempted, it will fall into one
of these areas and that Jesus has already overcome these three areas. In 1
Corinthians 10:13 Paul tells us that “No temptation has overtaken you but such
as is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted
above what you are able and with the temptation will provide the way of escape
also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
There is always a way of escape from temptation. It may
not always be an easy way and you may not like it at the time, but it’s
certainly there. Knowing and using God’s Word is the key as that is how Jesus
overcame the temptations. Always be looking for that way of escape. For me this
week, I made a wrong choice. I was faced with a temptation and I chose to
follow the boastful pride of life. I was not showing the love of the Father to
Him or to those around me who were hurt by the choices that I made. Sin always
looks nicer and neater and prettier before you do it than after, I assure you.
Thankfully God forgives and has cleansed me as He promised. He promises to do the same for you as well.
I say this to urge each of you to be aware of what sin
looks like and how Satan will appeal to you to get you to stray from what you
know you should do. Let God’s love dwell in you and show through you in all
that you do and remember that there is always a way out when you are faced with
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the boastful pride of life.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
***Also vote for me as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" now through November 11. Click here for the contest and voting information. ***www.BooksByAmanda.com
looks ugly or dirty while we’re in the moment and considering it. Why does sin
entice us so strongly? What is it about the allure of sin that we choose it
over obeying our loving God?
Did you know that temptations have categories? That’s
right. Really, all the temptations that you or I will face can fall into one or
more of three categories that we’re going to look at today: the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.
1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world, nor the things in
the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the Father is not in him. For
all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the
boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
This set of verses has always intrigued me, and even more
when a pastor I heard compared it to the original sin of Eve, back in Genesis. There,
Eve has been approached by Satan masquerading as a serpent. She’s been told to
eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and she will become
like God. So what does Eve ponder in her mind? Genesis 3:6 says “When the woman
saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and
that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate;
and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
Yep, Eve saw that fruit was good for food (lust of the
flesh) and it was a delight to the eyes (lust of the eyes) and the tree was
desirable to make one wise (boastful pride of life). That one hit all three
categories. Think back over the Bible stories you remember. Each temptation
that the person faced fell into one of those three categories. Here are just a
couple of examples:
Cain and Abel – Boastful pride of life (Genesis 4:3-8)
David and Bathsheba – lust of the flesh and lust of the
eyes (2 Samuel 11:2)
Judas betraying Jesus – lust of the flesh (Matthew
26:14-16)
Ananias and Sapphira – lust of the flesh and boastful
pride of life (Acts 5:1-11)
Even the temptations of Jesus can be categorized with
these three. Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones to bread (lust of the flesh)
and to throw himself from the temple and be saved by angels (boastful pride of
life), and finally to look all around Him and everything He saw would be his if
He would just bow to Satan (lust of the eyes). (Matthew 4:1-11)
So what do we do about this? How do we combat the
temptations that Satan is going to use to try and trip us up? Well, looking
back at those verses in 1 John, we see that we are to love God, not the world.
If we love the world, then we will be easily swayed by all that the world seems
to offer. We must realize that when we are being tempted, it will fall into one
of these areas and that Jesus has already overcome these three areas. In 1
Corinthians 10:13 Paul tells us that “No temptation has overtaken you but such
as is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted
above what you are able and with the temptation will provide the way of escape
also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
There is always a way of escape from temptation. It may
not always be an easy way and you may not like it at the time, but it’s
certainly there. Knowing and using God’s Word is the key as that is how Jesus
overcame the temptations. Always be looking for that way of escape. For me this
week, I made a wrong choice. I was faced with a temptation and I chose to
follow the boastful pride of life. I was not showing the love of the Father to
Him or to those around me who were hurt by the choices that I made. Sin always
looks nicer and neater and prettier before you do it than after, I assure you.
Thankfully God forgives and has cleansed me as He promised. He promises to do the same for you as well.
I say this to urge each of you to be aware of what sin
looks like and how Satan will appeal to you to get you to stray from what you
know you should do. Let God’s love dwell in you and show through you in all
that you do and remember that there is always a way out when you are faced with
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the boastful pride of life.
Kristi Burchfiel, Christian devotional author and speaker
Living in the World – Living out the Word
Check out my website and daily devotions either on my blog or on my Facebook page
***Also vote for me as one of the "50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading" now through November 11. Click here for the contest and voting information. ***www.BooksByAmanda.com
God is Good, God is Great
A little of this, a little of that. I love doing many different things, but I'm going to share my love of good books, fun crafts, freebies, contests, and scrapbooking with this blog. Enjoy!
...more
- Amanda Stephan's profile
- 110 followers
