Amanda Stephan's Blog: God is Good, God is Great, page 43

A Good Family Movie About Books!

Often movies are adaptations of books, but rarely are they about books. So the movie, The Reading Room , starring James Earl Jones was a wonderful surprise to me. It is
the story of a widower (Mr. Jones) who makes a promise to his dying
wife that he will open a reading room in one of the downtown buildings
he owns. She knew he would need something to fill the void when she was
gone, and she believed that by sharing his extensive library and love of
reading with others he would do just that.

Mr. Jones does indeed
open a reading room; however, not all the neighborhood residents are
happy with his presence there. He struggles to attract people to the
room, he struggles with crime, and he struggles with those opposed to
change even when that change is beneficial. The Reading Room
is a movie that shows that although life is often difficult, something
as basic as teaching a child to read can strengthen and rebuild an
entire community.

I give this movie two thumbs up. Not only are
the actors superb, but the message is as well. Reading is a key that
opens many doors and offers everyone the opportunity to learn lessons of respect, loyalty, honesty, community, compassion, and most of all perseverance. So if you have yet to see this movie, I suggest you check it out.



 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.

Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Christian Devotional: God is... Creator

Where did everything come from?

This question has been the source of a great many scientific breakthroughs as well as theological debates throughout the years. When we think about the characteristics of God, we must see Him as the Creator. The psalmist speaks to this in several psalms, but for today we will focus on Psalm 8. Read through the verses of this wonderful psalm and then below in italics is a response back to God in prayer to Him from the truths that are found in scripture.

Psalm 8, God is Creator

1 O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!

O God, You and Your name are over all things. You are majestic, powerful, and awesome. You have used the heavens as a canvas to display the masterpiece of Your glory for all to see! I am in awe of You and all that You are.

2 From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.

From the wonder of the birth of a baby, to the miracle of seeing that child grow and develop every day, Your glory is evident. You squash Your enemies like bugs for they are not even in the same league with Your strength and power. I am amazed by You and Your power over everything that even tries to stand against You.

3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
4 What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him?

One look around at the majesty of Your creation and I feel so small, Lord. You have the vastness of the heavens, the depths of the oceans, the most miniscule of atoms under Your complete command and yet You are mindful of me. Not only are You mindful of me, but You care for me. That You feel the level of love and care for me is amazing to me.

5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty!

Father, You gave your creation man such a high place in the hierarchy of Your creation. You bestow some of Your glory on us and it is only because of You giving us glory that we have any at all.

6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen, And also the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

Father, sometimes your creation seems boundless. The heavens seem to go forever and there are species of life that we have not yet discovered on this planet. Yet, You have given us responsibility over all the works of Your hands. I don’t ever want to take that responsibility lightly. Your creation displays Your glory and I want to treat it as You would treat it.

9 O LORD, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

O Lord, You are truly majestic and magnificent and amazing. Words cannot describe how awesome and wonderful You are. I am truly amazed by Your glory and I will praise You with every breath that I take and every thought that I have. I love You and I love Your glorious creation, which includes me.

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
Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Peace Like a River

For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream; you will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." (Isaiah 66:12-13)

On a picture-perfect spring day despite a crystal clear sky and a gentle, cool breeze, I felt shrouded by a cloud of despair. Dreading another day of parenting challenges and my children’s waning interest in school, my only thought was, We need a field trip to the river! Driving downtown and sitting on the banks of the Mississippi
River would not solve my dilemma, but it might at least make me feel better.






As I sat with my children watching barges and driftwood float downstream, I envisioned my problems floating away as well. I wish it were that simple! Lying on the blanket with my eyes closed and my face turned toward the sun, I rested and prayed for answers, peace, wisdom, and grace to make it through the rest of my day.




In running to the river that day, I was in fact running to God, my only source of peace in times of trouble. There are many verses of Scripture, which associate water with peace and calm. One such passage is Psalm 23:2-3 -- "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Is it any wonder that many of us flock to beaches and lakes to find a little tranquility?






The solution to our problems will never be found in an ocean, lake, or river. Only Jesus, the Living Water, can give us peace when the demands and stress of daily life become overwhelming. Knowing God’s Word gives us a foothold when the river rages around us. As we delight in his Word and meditate on it day and night, we will be like
trees planted by streams of water, yielding our fruit in due season (Psalm 1:2-3). Our problems will not magically be washed away, but God promises that in him,
we will find peace.





From A Pleasing Aroma:  Inspiring
Devotions for Joyful Living




Copyright © 2011 by Dee Dee
Wike.  All rights reserved.  www.deedeewike.com











Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

The Uneducated

I must ask your forgiveness because apparently, I'm uneducated. Please allow me a moment to explain.




My children are both teenagers. I've had these same children for the past, oh, let's say, seventeen years. I've spent almost every single day of their lives with them. I've shared their tears, their heartaches, their hopes, and their dreams. I've spent nearly twenty-four hours of every single day with them.




If you haven't figured it out, I homeschool. 




And I like it. Wait. I take that back. I don't like it. I love it. Even on the ugly days. 




My children and I help out/work at the food bank on most Thursdays. And we each have our separate duties to perform that the boss gives us to do. 




One Thursday, there was a new boss because the other one needed a well-earned vacation. I have seen this person on several occasions, but we haven't talked much. On this particular Thursday, we settled down for morning devotions before the crowd came in, and this new boss asked me which school my children go to. (Perhaps she was a little bewildered because they weren't attending that Thursday morning. Understandable.) 




Without hesitation, I replied that I homeschool. And without hesitation on her part, she says...




"Oh. I didn't realize you were uneducated." 




Without a blink. Without a smile. Without me knowing her very well at all. Ahem. 

When will I learn to be better prepared for what people say?!





Dictionary.com defines Socialization as a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social  skills appropriate to his or her social  position.





This is one MAJOR 'fault' people seem to have with homeschooling. So, just for those who are concerned about it, our children regularly attend church. Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. Not only do they attend, but they also help us run the Wednesday night children's club. They're often asked to help in the younger group's junior church or in various Sunday school classes. They both do this without hesitation or complaining and with a smile. (score one to the parents. Or, maybe five or six, if we want to be technical.)





Now get ready for this one...

We occasionally allow them to leave the house and go to...





Walmart. 





Yes. I said Walmart. (ducking the stones you all are throwing.) and Hobby Lobby.





And then, there's karate lessons. Each and every Tuesday. With multiple other...*gasp*... people in attendance. (I'm really showing my heathenism now, aren't I? But don't worry. It's run by a very respectable Christian man who loves the Lord and doesn't promote the Eastern stuff at all. Not that I'm saying our children would get *anything whatsoever* like that at a regular school. Right?)





And I don't think I should mention that these children go along with me to every single book signing I have and not only help me with my books, but also sell their very own wares they themselves have made. (They're working toward college. Should I mention that?)





So, for all those that would like to know how we run our school days, here's an itinerary. We promptly get up, Monday thru Friday, at six a.m. We eat breakfast as a family and begin our school days at seven. (No, not one of us wear our pajamas to the school room. You'd be surprised how many people ask that very question. And yes. We have an actual room set aside for school. It even has desks. Fancy, I know.) 





We do seven subjects usually in this order: Bible, Math, English, Literature, spelling, Social Studies, and Science. Our daughter has done several foreign languages - Dutch, French, and a very little Spanish. Our son will start this year. Her electives are current with today's computer-driven society. She has learned how to build websites, manage and run blogs, reach out and get author interviews (gasp, I know), and she often relates her thoughts on current events in our country, as well as on religious topics. Without my prompting her. And no, I haven't forgotten our son. 





Boys, having been created differently, they learn differently. Our son is a fantastic worker outside. Never once does he complain when he does the yard work (without my asking), the tilling, weed whacking, mowing, and plowing of our driveway. Weed pulling, not so much, but he does it. He's built dog houses, cat houses, (without my help), helped build decks, barns, porches, and renovate houses. All at the ripe old age of...thirteen. When we're at book venues, there is nothing I ask him that he won't do willingly. He helps me set up, sets his own wares out, and gets food and drinks because I forget to bring something to eat. Often.





Our children aren't perfect. There are times they burp at the table (and get into trouble for it) and there are times they are stubborn and have attitudes. There are times when they sass (again, they get into trouble for it) and they joke at inappropriate times. But on the flip side? They laugh and smile. They hold open doors for strangers (who quite often don't even bother to say thank you. Bunch of turds) and they help out whenever they're asked. They carry sacks of groceries out to stranger's cars with the hot sun bearing down upon them, or with the rain pouring down on their bare heads. Because the stranger has the umbrella and has to show them where they parked.) They stand up for what they believe in when no one else is - and they've been bullied for it. 





If this is uneducated, then thank you for that loveliest of compliments. And no. Your opinion doesn't offend me in the least. Because I'm the one walking this road. I'm the one with a fantastic family. And I'm the one who is deeply blessed to be this uneducated.





Thank you, dear Lord! 
-~~*~~-AMANDA STEPHAN


Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

There's not much better...

I have always loved words. Even when I was young, I reveled in the fact
that I had an extensive vocabulary. I loved to read, I loved the way
words looked on paper, I loved to find out what words meant, and I loved
to play word games like Scrabble. It is probably no surprise
then that I ended up a writer. Don't get me wrong, there are a few things better then words like hugs and kisses. Okay, maybe chocolate also tops the list of extraordinary items; but I swear that's it.






What I find most
extraordinary, however, is the fact that my seven year old daughter seems to have
naturally inherited the same love of words as me. She was begging me to teach
her to read at the age of three; and from the time she was old enough
to hold a pencil, she has loved to write words in notebooks. Any and all
words she knows how to spell get written down in tidy columns, and if
she doesn't know how to spell them she asks. If I make a shopping list,
she too wants to make one. If I am working on a story, she wants too 
wants to write one.

Word games seem to amuse her as well. For
instance, one morning last spring on our ride to school, I played a
word game with her. I told her, "If you could only use three words to
describe a person, what would they be?" Then I proceeded to ask her to
describe individual friends and family members. Some people's names
evoked immediate responses while others caused her to think for a few
seconds, but after each she continued to requested another name.

When I asked
her what three words she would use to describe her daddy, she came back
with loving, nice, and willing. Now I don't know about you, but I
seriously doubt that "willing" would come to my mind when describing
friends and family. So, I asked her what she meant when she said she
thought of my husband as willing.

"Well," she said. "When daddy plays puppies with me, I don't think he really likes it; but he is willing."














Then this summer, between the cooking lessons and the day trips, she has requested that we play boggle. Not only does she ask to play, but she negotiates to see how many games I will play with her. On average we agree on five games per night. Her goal in life, at least at this time, is to have more more words on her list them me. Sometimes I give her a five word head start sort of like a golf  handicap which she always readily accepts without hesitation!



This
child is a constant amazement and joy to me. If I hadn't already been
totally and irrevocably in love with her, her personal love of words
would definitely have tipped the scales. Which brings me to the
question, "How do you feel about words?" Really, I would love to know.Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Christian Devotional: God is...Good and Gracious

How would you describe God?

I was asked this question a little over a week ago. I was going through some difficulties over the last few weeks and if I am truthful, I didn’t have probably the most kind or praiseworthy of responses pop first into my mind. But, the question stayed with me and I’ve done a lot of thinking about it over the past week and decided that the answers would be a good discussion point for us here on Sundays.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the Psalms as well and wanting to use this time to go through some Psalms with you. When I was looking through my study Bible, I found a list of attributes of God as listed in the Psalms. I knew then that was confirmation that this is where we need to go.

Also, I’m going to format these next few Christian devotionals a bit differently. I really want to just focus on what the Word of God says and our response back to Him, so I’m going to just list sections of the scripture, then write my prayer back to God based on these verses in italics. I invite you to add your prayers in the comments section, should you be so bold. We are stronger as we pray together and there is nothing quite like praying God’s Word back to Him.

How would you describe God? In Psalm 34, David describes God as good and gracious.

1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice.

Father, I will praise You always. I will never cease to have Your praises on my lips. I want every word that comes out of my mouth to give You glory. I have nothing to boast of except You. I know that You are my only source of pride, not anything I do, and in You alone am I able to find reason to rejoice.

3 O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Father, I will share my burdens and my joys with my sisters and brothers in Christ so that together we may exalt and praise Your name through every situation and circumstance.

4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be 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 encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.

Lord, You are my answer. You never leave me alone and You never fail to rescue You me out of fear and doubt if I will only trust and depend on You. As I see and encounter others who know and love You, I can see that they too have seen Your glory. As we encounter difficulty, we are each able to more clearly see You even when we can’t see Your purpose. I will never be ashamed of You and I will credit You with my rescue from the evil that tries to bring me down. Your angels will rescue those of us who respect and obey You. I am not going to be trapped by my situation or my circumstance or my feelings for You have saved me from them and I trust in You.

8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
9 O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Father, I will be sustained not by food, but by You and You alone. I will see that what You provide to me is good. I will reverence, respect, and hold in high regard all that You are for You provide for my every need according to Your goodness. Even the strongest of people must learn to rely on You. Thank You for making me weak so that it is easier for me to see Your hand in every part of my life. Help me to share what You have shown me about Your goodness to my children so that they too will understand and know Your goodness and provision.

12 Who is the man who desires life And loves length of days that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Lord, I know that You have asked of me to keep from evil and to seek after peace and goodness. You are peace and goodness and so I seek after You. I will look to You and run for You and seek You constantly so that I may know all that You will show me.

15 The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Lord, You see me. Even when I don’t want to look at myself, You see me and You hear my cries. You will conquer over all the evil of the earth for You are over all. Even when You see me in the midst of despair, You answer and deliver and rescue me from my troubles, even when that trouble is myself. You are near even in the most desperate of times and during the most desperate pleadings of my heart. You save not just me, but everyone who is completely crushed in their spirit. You lift us up, never chastise us or humiliate us, but love us and seek to restore us and help us to learn to rely on You.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones, Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked, And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Father, I am going to have afflictions and Your word says they will be many. Yet, You also promise to deliver me from each and every one of them. You will keep me safe and ultimately You will vanquish evil completely and there will be no trace of it left. You redeem me and You will never forsake me for I have taken refuge in You and I will wait on You and Your goodness and grace.

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 pageLonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Seeds of Grace

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” -- Luke 6:38,  NIV

Numerous times over the past several weeks my family has received gifts to help us in a season of great need.  Between groceries and cooked meals, school supplies for our daughter, and cash and gift cards which have been lovingly provided by friends and family, to be on the receiving end of so much generosity has been a truly humbling experience, one which has forever changed us.



We have not always been faithful stewards of the money God has given us, which is why we are now in such a mess due to my husband's sudden job loss a couple of months ago. We have not lived beneath our means or saved for a rainy day as financial experts have suggested, but we have faithfully given to our church and to others in need.  Giving hasn't been something we have prayed or thought much about. We have simply given because that is what God's Word instructs us to do.



God has shown us that He is good all the time, even when we sometimes are not, and faithful to keep the promises He has made to us in His Word.  We have learned to be content, whether in times of plenty or times of need.  We are learning daily to be better stewards of all that God gives us. And we have experienced firsthand that when we give, God gives a return on our gifts, not always immediately but certainly when we need it most. 



The gifts we have humbly received are more than God's supply to meet our needs...they are the very grace of God himself.  As we continue our search for employment, we eagerly look forward to the day when he restores the income we have lost and the resources that will enable us to be his hands and feet, investing seeds of grace in the lives of others.




For more of my devotionals, please visit www.deedeewike.com.



Copyright © 2012 by Dee Dee
Wike.  All rights reserved.  www.deedeewike.com







 


Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Ruby for Women - Free eZine August Issue

The August Issue of Ruby for Women is up and available!

Devotional. Inspirational. Crafty. DIY. and best of all?

Free








Open publication - Free publishing - More christian life


Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

Another Apostrophe Assignment

Apostrophes are a much misused punctuation mark.  As an educator it is like nails on a chalkboard when I see an apostrophe used in a plural.  So I thought we could have a short and hopefully helpful reminder on the difference.



Plural nouns mean more than one.  Here are some elementary examples.



There are four cats.

The Smiths are coming to our house.

We saw two movies last night.

Church services are on Sundays and Wednesdays.



In each of these examples we are referring to more than one of the underlined words.  There are four, not one cat.  The Smith family includes more than one person.  Two movies is obviously plural.  And the church services are being held every Sunday and Wednesday...not just once.  None of these examples need apostrophes.



An apostrophe is used when a noun shows possession (ownership).



The cat's bowl was empty.

Can we go to Julie Smith's house?

The movie's graphics were amazing.

Last Sunday's service really touched me.



In these examples, we use the same root words as the first examples, but in each case something belongs to the noun, so an apostrophe is necessary.



The bowl belongs to the cat.  Julie Smith owns the house.  The graphics belong to the movie, and the service occurred on Sunday.  We are not referring to more than one in any of these examples.



Just as we want to choose the best words to convey our thoughts when writing, we should pay attention to correct use of punctuation.  It does make a difference when others are reading our work.



Happy writing,



Karina Harris

www.karinaharrisauthor.com










Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com

He is My Plan!

The other day my husband told me I wasn’t the same person I used to be.



He had just gotten home from work, went to get a bottle of water out of our little cube refrigerator when I told him we only have a couple of bottles of water left, so take it easy on the water until we have the cash to get some more.





Yeah, we were about down to our last pennies. The next day was payday but we’re still living paycheck to paycheck and sometimes it’s tight, especially after the past four and half years that we’ve had. Maybe you can relate, maybe you can’t. Regardless, he looked at me and said “if we had been this broke eight years ago, you would not be as calm as you are right now.”



I got a bit defensive at first. Not because I didn’t agree with him, but I suppose because he brought it up at all. I replied, “I’m sure I can find something you have changed as well.”



He assured me his comment was meant as a compliment, not a cut. My reply? “Of course you are happy I have changed. Who would want a complaining, worrying wife?”



Later, I got to thinking about how much I have changed. I agree with him. In days past, I would have been sick to my stomach with worry. I would have been trying to figure everything out. I would have needed a plan.



Now, I just shrug my shoulders and know God has everything in control. He is my plan. Not the one I run to begging mercy from, but the One on whom I know my strength is based upon, in good times and in bad times.



Why the changes? What made the difference?



No, I didn’t all the sudden have a spiritual awakening, an epiphany if you will. What happened is, I prayed and asked God to change me. I gave Him control of my life. I invited Him to make me into who He was calling me to be. Over the course of years I have seen myself go from a perfectionist to someone who still desires to do her best but understands failure.



I have gone from someone who hated to lose to someone who smiles at losses and congratulates the winner with genuine happiness for them.



I have learned to be content in hard times, finding joy in my surroundings and the ability to be thankful for the many blessings we have.





If you want to change what you are, if you want to leave the old man behind and become a new creation, just ask. He is waiting for your permission and He has great plans for your life!



Slowly, ever so slowly, I am becoming a new creation. See, God is still in the business of answering prayers. Every day He is working on me!





Thanks for taking the time to grow with this Wednesday!

Darlene Shortridge, Author of Until Forever and Forever Blessed


Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com