Deception

"Fantastic 2 story on approximately 1/2 acres. Over 3800 sq ft plus a wonderful finished LL, tons of storage! Outstanding features include: dramatic 2 story entry foyer, 2 staircases, Florida room, den/library, expanded kitchen, breakfast room with center island, planning desk, 42 cabinets and walk-in pantry. Main floor laundry off of mud room, 4 full & 3 half baths! Master suite with huge walk-in closet and luxury bathroom all tile and hardwood floors on 1st & 2nd floors, park-like setting with both a patio and deck with hot tub. Home is on cul-de-sac street, lots of privacy. Location, Location, Location!"

This is the description of my house placed online, in the newspaper, and in mail-out flyers. And in reading this time and time again, I dont know that this is how I would describe my house. And I am reminded of how often Christians, myself included, use specific words in order to tweek the real message, or just flat out lie. We deceive not only others, but usually ourselves as well- because after a while it is just easier to believe that is coming out of our mouths instead of reality. The humbling part is that no matter what we say- whether truth or lie- Our Creator knows the truth; HE CANNOT BE DECEIVED! We are called to live a life following after Christ and his perfect example.
Just think about that next time you go to stretch the truth, I sure have been convicted about using my words!

Believe in Something Better

So i was driving home from the airport this week and saw this billboard and basically started babbling to my mom about all the thoughts running through my head, and now that I have a picture of it I will share some of those thoughts with you. This billboard is on Hwy 40 just past the Clarkson exit and I can only image how many people pass by it everyday, and not just the amount of people the the amount of people searching for something more in this life. But what are these people seeing- that one cell provider is better than another? Hurting people are passing by and reading the words "Believe in something better" and think 'Wow, wouldn't that be nice', but the disappointment come when seeing that it's just another corporation trying to get ahead. So many of these people will never realize that there is something better to believe and that is Jesus Christ! He came to Earth, lived a perfect life, and died so that We- you and me alike- could have life. And not only life but life to the fullest. We dont have to search for anything better, all we have to do is trun to God in our times of need- and better yet rely on him daily, in the good and bad because he will never leave our side. Deuteronomy 31:6 says:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
I am so blessed to know my Saviour on a personal basis and understand how much he loves me, no matter what I do. And my prayer is for all of the people in the world searching for something better that they too might come to know Christ, despite what the world tells them to place their trust in. Because NOTHING will Ever fill the void in one's life like Christ does!!

We live in A Day of Grace!

This morning the sermon at my church was on Grace and how we live in a time of grace. Not only can people see the difference between the God of the Old Testament (judgement) and the New Testament (grace) but God himself does act differently. In the Old Testament God goes to such lengths to flood the entire Earth, saving only eight to start anew. But after his promise never to destroy the Earth again the Lord comes to Earth to Save Us- Me and you, even though we are so unworthy- and then He promises to come again. Many people lay in wait for this time, when Christ gathers His Bride in the clouds and takes us home with Him, but here is a verse in 2 Peter 3:9 that is an illustration of how enormous God's Grace really is:

"THE LORD IS NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISE, AS SOME UNDERSTAND SLOWNESS. HE IS PATIENT WITH YOU, NOT WANTING ANYONE TO PERISH, BUT EVERYONE TO COME TO REPENTANCE."

So not only is God waiting for as many to come before his throne, seeking after Him and praising his name but he is doing it out of GRACE- he does not want anyone to perish, He wants all to be rejoicing in Heaven with Him forever.

Thank you Dear Father, for being a God of grace.
For always wanting the best for your children and giving us the option to take hold of your salvation that we do not deserve.
Lord, you are bending your knees to serve us, although we are inferior to you.
We should really be the ones serving you with every aspect of our lives and be on our knees constantly before your holy throne.
Help me to do that this week as I reflect on the grace you have shown me.
Amen

What's in a name?

My pastor mentioned this morning that God includes a lot meaning in a name and it got me thinking- What's in a name? So, I took some time too look up what my name means and heres what i found.

Amanda Michelle- Worthy of love, Who is like God

Wow, that is just overwhelming me right now. I just feel so unworthy of such a noble name!

Worthy of love- I don't know, I am not the most compassionate person around and definitely do not deserve to be loved at times.

Who is like God- that just blows my mind even more. I try my best to give God all of me but i constantly fall short, i fail, i let him down. God is merciful, forgiving, giver of life, unfailing, constant, loving, compassionate, and so much more! Those characterisitc dont describe me too often, i cant see how my name can mean "who is like God". Whether my parents chose my name because of its meaning or just because they liked the way it sounded, i have been called to live up to it. This is a new challenge, can i live up to the amazing name God and my parents have blessed me with? What about you? What does youre name mean? Do you see the relationship it creates- how God intimately appointed you a specific name to match who you are? Are you living up to what God has given you?

Some other names:
Parker Lynn: Park Keeper,from linda or lyndon
Tyler: Tile maker
Katie:Pure
Erin:Ireland
Grace and Hannah: Grace of God
Kaleb: faithful; bold
Allison Rene: Of Noble Birth, reborn

Summer Classes

This is just a quick note of encouragement to anyone taking a summer class, especially those taken online. I always thought that taking summer classes would be great, you know get some requirements out of the way, have a lighter semester and it wont be too much work- only two nights a week. But now after taking a class online this summer, I never want to do it again- although I'm sure I will. It has been so time consuming and more work than i anticipated; i typically come home after working all day work on class for a few hours and then crash because i have no energy left. as a result, i haven't seem very much of my friends or anyone else and have really missed that love and encouragement. So this is for all of you taking classes- It's almost over, whether its a 6/8 week class you probably only have 2 weeks left!! You're more than halfway there!! You have finally begun to grasp the material and format so you'll succeed in these last few weeks, and probably raise your grade!! And remember, if it hasn't been the best experience, it's one class and you can opt never to take a summer class again! Good luck, finish strong, be confident! Take a needed break and see those friends you love so much, i know i am going to!

Children as examples

In the recent days I have been watching the kids at work more intently and I've discovered one trait to share with you. If you are around children often I'm sure you'll understnad but if not i dont know that this will make sense. Children are examples of true sincerity- they are honest with their peers, whether kind or mean- the words just come out. Although this has a potential downfall, I feel that it is better than the world we live in as adults. This characteristic is unique to children and their innocence. As we grow up we learn to mask our feelings, lie through our teeth, and tweak a response so that the other person feels they've wronged us, when in fact we are putting them down. Imagine what our relationships would be like if we were as sincere as children, i believe they'd be much healthier and grow closer.

Just a few thoughts i wanted to share but i have definitely been challenged
to have the heart of a child in my relationships-
being true and honest-
Sincere almost innocent.