A pumpkin patch kind of day!

Today was a cool, breezy fall day for a trip with Suzy to Vala's Pumpkin Patch. There were mazes, caramel apples, bouncy pillows, houses, animals, pumpkins (of course!) and much much more!

Here are some pictures from our adventure!

 The future teacher :)

 Suzy in the castle awaiting her prince charming!

 For the last several falls...and this fall (and for the falls to come)... I'm over 5 foot :D

 John Deere riders only

 Corn stalks in the corn maze

 Horse drawn school bus

 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalm 119:105 

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1

 Trouble... she knows where to find it :)

 Of course we couldn't resist the sign that said "For older kids and adults"! :) Bounce pillows

 Why good afternoon Mr. Llama

 Gotta get a picture with the pumpkins!

Oh, look! There we are :)

Maple Leaves

I was just enjoying sharing calenders for the coming year (it's hard to believe another year is almost over!) and a gorgeous fall day in Baldwin City, KS at the Maple Leaf Festival. The town was bustling with people and activity, people set up booths to try and sell their crafts, goods, and food, and the gospel was spread amongst the people as calenders were freely passed out...

A few pictures from the fall day!

 Maria and Alyssa enjoying the day

 I love the colors of the leaves changing in the fall!

 sugar kettle corn... always a treat at Maple Leaf... YUM! :)

A few pictures of my baking on Friday night...

 Candy corn cookies

 ... and pumpkin cookies with a glaze drizzle :) 

The teacher interview

For my teacher friends (and for anyone else who wants to read)! :)

After being interviewed by the school administration,

the eager teaching prospect said:

"Let me see if I've got this right … You want me to go into

that room with all those kids, and fill their every waking moment with a love for learning. And I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.

You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted

diseases, check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and raise their self esteem.

You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship,

sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote, how to balance a

checkbook, and how to apply for a job.

I am to check their heads for lice, maintain a safe environment, recognize signs of anti-! social behavior, make sure all students pass the mandatory state exams, even those who don't come to school regularly or complete any of their assignments.

Plus, I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps get an equal education regardless of the extent of their mental

or physical handicap.
I am to communicate regularly with the parents by letter, telephone, newsletter and report card.
All of this I am to do with just a piece of chalk, a computer, a few books, a bulletin board, a big smile , AND on a starting salary that qualifies my family for food stamps!

You want me to do all of this and yet you still expect me......

"NOT TO PRAY"

We do it because we love what we do! Because "one hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in my back account, or what my clothes looked like, but the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child" (Unknown author) Happy teaching :)

It is well with my soul

Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.

At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.

In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family's ship had encountered a collision with the message “saved alone.”  All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.

With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul.. 

Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs was so impressed with Spafford's life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.

For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing, It Is Well With My Soul. 

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

* there are other verses that I did not include 

Trials will arise, life with burden you, but the Lord is there. Through the pain and suffering and in the joys of life we are reminded in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” When things happen to us, how do we respond? Do we blame God? Do we lose faith in Him? or can I say within my hear that it is well with my soul?

Have a marvelous Monday :)

The following (2) videos are just an interesting peek at social media and the world through comparisons to put things in a little perspective. Just for your interest...

Social media: 

The world: 

Autumn

just a post with nothing inspirational or challenging... but for enjoyment :)

Things I love about the fall season:

baking. breezy air. birthday. burnt orange, brown, red, and yellow colors. 

cool weather. coffee.  caramel. crunchy leaves. chai lattes. caramel apples. 

cool mornings and evenings but warm afternoons. cinnamon. pumpkins. 

flannel sheets. good sleeping weather. 

harvest. heated mattress cover. kettle corn. 

pumpkin everything, (including pumpkin spice lattes). 

planning the next escape. pumpkin muffins sprinkled with chocolate chips. 

sweatshirts. scarves. soup- especially chili. sweaters.

tights & skirts.  thanksgiving. words ‘crisp’ & ‘cozy’.  

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: Daniel 2:21

Have a good Thursday-- enjoy the day that the Lord hath made :)

Jesus love me, this I know! :)

I would just like to share with you something that put an impression on my heart and challenged me as well. This post is a bit long, but I think that it is worth the time to read through it all. Feel free to share your thoughts as well!

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

Psalm 73:25-27

Anna Bartlett Warner's mother died soon after she was born.  The Warner family lived on Constitution Island, in the Hudson Bat just opposite the West Point Military Academy. The Warners owned the entire island, making their home in a Revolutionary War-era farmhouse. While the sisters did not earn much money from their many books, they did manage to spend most winters in New York City, where they had friends among the literary set. The family had a love of the things of God and decided to reach out to the cadets at the military academy. So, each Sunday several cadets would row in boats across the Bay to have lunch in the Warner home. After some time, they decided that they should conduct Bible studies with the cadets in their home. So, cadets took turns coming into their home for a meal and a study of the scripture. Even after the passing of their father, the daughters, Susan and Anna held Bible studies with the cadets in their home. This continued until Anna’s death at the age of 95 in 1950. Many of these cadets came to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviors and continued to serve in the United States Armed Forces- many becoming some of the highest ranking generals and commanders of the time.

In 1860, Anna Warner wrote the song that is known to so many around the world today… a song that has been translated into most languages and sung around the world… “Jesus loves me.”

Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak but He is strong.

Chorus: Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! loves me still,
'tho I'm very weak and ill,
that I might from sin be free,
bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me! He who died
heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
close beside me all the way.
Thou hast bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.
Chorus in Spanish: Sí, Cristo me ama,

Sí, Cristo me ama,

Sí, Cristo me ama,

La Biblia dice así.

German: Ja Jesus liebt mich,

Ja Jesus liebt mich,

Ja Jesus liebt mich,

Der Bible mir es sagt.

Chinese: Choo Yea Su ai wo,

Choo Yea Su ai wo,

Choo Yea Su ai wo,

Yeo Sern Su kau soo wo.

Bemba (African): Yesu antemwa,

Cine antemwa,

Yesus antemwa,

Baibo anjebe fi.

French: Oui, Jesus m'aime

Oui, Jesus m'aime

Oui, Jesus m'aime

La Bible m'a dit.

Russian: Lyoo-beet Ee-ee-soos.

Lyoo-beet Ee-ee-soos.

Lyoo-beet Ee-ee-soos.

E-to tvyer-do snah-yoo yah.

Swahili: Yesu anipenda

Yesu anipenda

Yesu anipenda

Neno lake lasema

and many other languages as well!

Anna Warner lived her life serving the One true God- the God she loved and trusted. Her service has impacted and touched the lives of millions around the world, since the song was published in 1860.

As for us: What have we done to serve the One- the Son of God gave his life for us. As is quoted of C.T. Studd, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” Have I surrendered my life to God to serve Him in whatever manner he has placed me in? Am I doing all that I can to spread the gospel of Christ? May this challenge you as it did me. I know that I haven’t done my best- but may I strive to serve the God of heaven and of earth.

 

Have a good week in your service for Him,

Amanda :)

His love

I was just enjoying this song on the radio today. So often we marvel at God's love for us- but truly His love is one that doesn't change based on what we have (or haven't done) or on who we are. He has a love fr us at all time- a God of second chances, a God of REAL love, a God that loves us for us.

Enjoy the lyrics and thank God for His love for you.

Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become
Who will love me for me?
‘Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means, what love really means

...
I will love you for you
Not for what you have done or what you will become
I will love you for you
I will give you the love, the love that you never knew

A Vessel of Mercy

This is a song I have been enjoying of late.

Lord I want to be all you want to be

Your service is my desire. 

I so want to know you, and in your love grow with heavenly

power.

I yield my life to you; I’m willing to be used
Where ever you bid me I’ll go

So Lord Jesus daily I pray that you’ll break me that your love I might show

Fill me, with love and compassion and fashion. 
My heart to be a vessel worthy of you.

Am I a willing vessel for the service of God? Am I half heartedly serving Him or have I fully surrendered to Him to serve Him and do all things to glorify Him?'

Have a good day! :)

For I am weak...

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 

2 Corinthians 12:9

This verse has come before me many times in the last couple of weeks, so I thought I'd share what has given me help in my times of weakness. 

Our God is a living God and He has an interest in each one of our lives. He is a God that knows all and preserves those who seek to know Him. God brings each one of us into situations where we feel our weakness so keenly, and yet, the Bible says that in even in those times of weakness, we need to turn our eyes and our focus on Him. God doesn't always respond right away, or in the way we want, but He will answer, in His time. But through it all, God's power is shown most effectively in our weaknesses. 

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way...:for this is day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

If you seek Him- to know Him and to draw closer to Him, then He will be shown even brighter through your weakness and your trials.  

We often become discouraged at our inability to produce results, but that doesn't stop the work of God. Do all for the glory of God, that He may be honored. God knows our situations, and He has a personal care for each one of us. He will be your help and guide and will be shown mighty in our times of weakness if we seek to give our lives to Him, no matter the visual results. 

Through it all that I might serve Him in whatever capacity He has placed me in

for the time: Will I serve Him through it all and be a willing channel for Him?

Channels only, blessed Master, 

But with all Thy wondrous power

Flowing through us, Thou canst use us

Every day and every hour. 

Smile

I was challenged this week with the discovery of a snippet of a book, Twenty Secrets of Self-Acceptance.

The question presented was "Should I smile if I am NOT happy?"

The response: "Yes. A smiles does not always mean, 'I'm happy.' It may be saying, 'I agree with you,' 'I'm pleased to see you,' or 'I want to encourage you.' Those who feel that it is hypocritical to smile if they are not happy have not really considered the ministry of a smile or the alternative to not smiling. A sad countenance produces self-centeredness by forcing others to focus on me, wondering why I am not able to smile."

I just found this challenging to myself and thought I would share it with you.

“Smile though your heart is breaking, Smile even though it's aching

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by If you smile.

In times of pain and sorrow, Smile, and maybe tomorrow

The sun will come shining through, For you, If you just Smile.”

“What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.” 

–Anonymous 

Enjoy the goodness of God this Monday! Have a good labor day! :)

A glad heart makes a cheerful face (Proverbs 15:13) :)

God will go before me

I am thankful for God'd promise that he will guide me and preserve me. In life, He will always be with me and will even go before me. 

The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 59:10

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Isiah 45:2

“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” 

Deut 31:8

Take a couple of minutes to listen to "God will go before me" sung by Legacy Five. The song's lyrics have been in my head many a day as I have pulled into the university parking lot and as the days have been before me. Enjoy!

Have a good labor day weekend! :)

Next page

I am turning the page in this chapter in the book of life. I begin another semester of university in the morning.  This is going to be a busy semester, but I hope that I will be able to keep it all under control. With work and school it can be so easy to lose sight of the One who is the most important piece in my life. However, if I set my sight on things above, and not on earthly things, He will help me through even the roughest days.

There has been a lot on my mind as of late. In regards to this upcoming semester: What does God have in store for me? In the anticipation of getting started, I have appreciated a few thoughts as of late that were taken from a few recent ministry meetings and today's Bible reading. They have had me thinking about my character and my testimony that others see. "When the world looks at me, do they see Jesus?" (The Cathedrals). The war against the world is a hard one. There are so many things that are seen and heard that so easily fill our minds with the world and can so easily suck a Christian away. However, I pray that I will be a positive Christian example to those that I will come into contact with this semester. It's not easy... but God is with me and if I cling fast to His truth then He will protect, encourage, and help me.

I have also enjoyed reading through the book of Jeremiah. Here are a few verses that I will share with you. May they even help you today as well:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

O lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble. Jeremiah 16:19

As I face the world my prayer is "Preserve me, O God". A step in the world causes on to become full of images, deceiving thoughts, places to go, things to do, and words and language that can suck a person in and cause them to lose focus on the One. May you and I hold fast to the One who will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Thirty Pieces of Silver

Thirty pieces of silver,
For the Lord of Life they gave;
Thirty pieces of silver,
Only the price of a slave.

Thirty pieces of silver,
Laid in Iscariot's hand;
Thirty pieces of silver -
And the aid of an armed band,
Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter
Brought the humbled Son of God,
At midnight from the garden
Where His sweat had been like blood.

Thirty pieces of silver,
Burn on the traitor's brain;
Thirty pieces of silver -
Oh, it is hellish gain.

I have sinned, and betrayed the guiltless
He cried with a fevered breath,
As he cast them down the temple,
And rushed to a madman's death.

It may not be for silver,
It may not be for gold,
But still by tens and thousands
Is the precious Saviour sold;
Sold for a Godless friendship,
Sold for a selfish aim,
Sold for a fleeting trifle,
Sold for an empty name.

Sold in the mart of Science,
Sold in the seat of power,
Sold in the shrine of fortune,
Sold in pleasure's bower;
Sold where the awful bargain
Non but God's eye can see,
Ponder, my soul, the question,
Shall He be sold by thee?

-David Craig- The Coat of Many Colors

Home

They say that "home is where the heart is". I left home to return home yesterday. I left a large part of my heart in Zapopan/ Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and brought the rest of my heart back to Nebraska. Once again, I am home.

Two months in the south. Two months that I will never forget. Two months for which God opened the doors from me to stay with the Thiessen family, study Spanish at CEPE, and help where I could. Two months in which I developed close relationships with others. Two months of fellowship, lessons, challenges, encouragement. Two months of growing closer to Him through reading the Bible, prayer, ministry, Bible studies, readings, fellowship. Two months that changed my life.

I'm back in Nebraska now- thankful for the time I was able to be in Mexico. I look at the next week as time to organize myself for what lies ahead. I face a busy semester of university and work, but I am thankful that God will never leave me nor forsake me and will guide me through each day and will help me face what lies ahead.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Home. Two months. Mexico. Thankful.