"You are what you store"

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. Matthew 12:35

Jesus gives a lesson on the words of our mouth and He say's what's in our heart comes out of our mouth. One of the best mirrors of our character are the words we speak. There have been times when I've said something I regret later and in those moments a clear picture is revealed of who I really am. Have you ever thought to yourself "I said that?"
"That came out of my mouth?" Sometimes I've even missed what I said, and it's only been by what others have pointed out that I've realized the wrong words I've used. Talk about not thinking before I speak.

You are what you store, if you store up good things then good will proceed out of your mouth. The flip side is if you store evil things then evil things will come out. Store up good by praying, asking for wisdom in difficult situations, memorize and apply scripture. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 Have you examined the words that you speak lately? What are you storing? What is it that needs to change? You words are not the problem that's just a by product of what's been stored? In other words it's not a mouth issue, it's a character issue, it's a heart issue focus on these areas.

Lord I know I mess up at times saying the wrong things, the wrong things at the wrong time, and saying things in the wrong tone, but today I focus not on my mouth but on my character, on my heart on what I'm storing in my life. I want goodness to proceed out of what I say, deal with my heart and my character Lord. In Jesus Name -amen

Who's Your Daddy?

Hey everyone! These past weeks, I’ve decided to pick up a book I had started a long time ago called "Captivating". Yes, it’s a “woman’s” book. But I found a principle in this book that is applicable to anyone who has 1) an earthly father, and 2) a heavenly Father, which is all of us. Here is an excerpt from the book to give you an idea of where I’m heading:

“I have heard many times that what we at first believe about God, the Father, directly comes from what we know of and have experienced from our earthly dads. I first heard this from a pulpit as a young Christian and in my typical, teachable fashion, thought, 'How stupid'. Not that my pastor was stupid, but that the idea itself was ludicrous. Of course, my own dad was not God. Everybody knew that. But later, as I heard other people speak of God the Father, I often heard in their voices a softness, a tenderness, perhaps even a childlikeness that was foreign to me. When I began to hear others praying to “Daddy” or “Papa,” I knew they were speaking to “Someone” I did not know.”

How do you know God? Do you see Him as a loving, caring Dad, or as a far-away Discipliner? Think about it: in what ways do you place a box around God based on your experiences with your own dad? Was your earthly father hard-to-please? Distant? Cold-hearted? Uninterested? Was he even there? Did you feel like a burden to him, or not important enough for him to notice you? Whatever it is, we all have (or had) preconceived ideas about God based on our earthly fathers. I challenge you to begin to seek Him out as your loving Daddy, knowing that He sees you as an important part of this world. In fact, this big, giant, vast world would not be the same WITHOUT you! Ask Him to remove the limits you’ve placed on Him. He will be faithful to show you what they are, help you remove them, and bring healing! Once you’re able to embrace God as your Dad, get ready for a new level with your Father!

Be blessed, challenged, & excited!
~ Amanda

Thank You

“…Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?” –Jeremiah 12:1

This past week I had an unexpected visit at my real house by some of my old friends since middle school. We had always been one of the tightest cliques but as we started growing each and every one of us went our separate ways. I myself chose masters commission, and I don’t regret it. But I’ve always wondered what had become of them. I really am horrible at communication, so I never kept close tabs on my friends of old, especially because I really thought they could not profit or add any value to me. After this unexpected visit I wondered what it was all about, I still don’t know why. I went on “My Space” and just wondered what they are up to. They all seem so happy, some starting their families, most of them finishing school, others having a great job. They all seem like they either have it together or they are doing what they always wanted to do, they’re having fun. I started having these thoughts about, “what would my life be if I would’ve just stayed in my old atmosphere?” envious thoughts telling myself, “look at them they seem so complete” I don’t know what it was, but I really had to take a survey of my life and see where I’m at. Not a lot of people have done what I’ve done, I’m still young and have experienced both sides of this world, and honestly why would I want to go back? Yes I miss my friends, because they were and are a big part of who I’ve become, but now I’ve found people who not only are friends but are OHANA, family. Because one thing I’ve learned, “In life there are no friends just family!” and so far my family is the main part of my life that has stuck with me through out everything, when I couldn’t believe they believed, when I couldn’t smile they smiled, when I couldn’t dream they dreamed. So I guess what I want to tell you all, my FAMILY is, THANK YOU! (sorry i can't make it out there as often, but you are all on my heart daily, LUV YALL)

The Best Question Ever Was Awesome!

Well, last night concluded the six week study on "The Best Question Ever" and what a journey it's been. I want to thank all of you that participated and all of you that shared your hearts and stories in the last six weeks. Rembember "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding Proverbs 9:10. The Message version put's the same verse like this: "Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God." To get the most out of life, we need wisdom and it all begins with our ability to trust God and to submit our lives to Him. Pastor Dan put's it this way "If you have more Jesus, you'll have more wisdom". How trememdously important Wisdom is for without we spend life rather than investing into it. Invest into your future seek out the Wisdom of the Lord. Although we have just concluded a study I feel like a whole new realm has opened up in my life, and a hunger for doing the wise thing and living out His plan for my life has increased. My challenge to you is to pick up the book " The Best Question Ever" keep it in your personal library for a refresher. Secondly set apart sometime weekly to study the book of Proverbs. Remember let God hold the paintbrush for your life, don't settle for abstract living. Allow God to create the masterpiece that He see's in you.

Much Luv
-ant