Treasure Hunt Anyone??

For centuries mankind has been increasingly willing to endure whatever hardship, hassle or inconvenience that befell them (even to the point of death) to discover those things most valued in this world. Job 28 describes man's search for the treasures of this earth, deep inside the core where "eagles can't see." The California Gold rush in the 1800s drew men from all over the country out west either with their families or alone in search of the precious metal that could change their lives. Its value was and is reflected in the willingness of man to search for it. I have been thinking about wisdom? Do I search for wisdom the way I search for wealth? Do I know where to find wisdom, how to obtain it or even what the cost may be to approach it? Am I willing to endure hardship, pain, and here it comes..suffering..in order to find what the Bible says is more valuable than gems, pearls or gold? Why is the book of Job a part of wisdom literature? We all know the story of Job; we know he suffered, but do I understand what he gained through that suffering? Do I want to know? Dallas Willard said, "People only know what they want to know." How badly do I want to know the Truth? I'm not just talking about the gospel, although that is the Truth. What about the Truth in my own life? Am I willing to face reality? Am I willing to face my own sin? I mean really face it, not in a "let's accept and move on" sort of way but with a grievous and repentant heart? Is it possible that accepting the losses that make up reality can lead us into wisdom? Is suffering necessary to obtain what the Bible deems so valuable?

Pray

Hello friends,

Perhaps you have noticed that I stink at keeping this things updated...I would like to do better, yet find myself writing so much more in a journal instead of here. Perhaps you have long since stopped checking as I never post, who knows, but thought I would write anyway as it came to mind today.
God has chosen this time to dig deep into my heart and pull out the wounded heart of a young girl and bring healing. I have felt often as though I were sinking, yet see more that His hand is deeper in this than I once thought. Praise the Lord.
My family is hurting; more than I every saw before. We are so captured by pain and wounded hearts that is blinding our need for each other and wounding further in the process. I do not wish what I have encountered on the rest of my family, yet something must break so we can be reconciled. Eyes need to be opened. Please pray. Pray this comes out in the next two years. That we would see each other wounded, offer forgiveness and allow the Lord to bring healing to our own hearts and relinquish our grip on control and harboring of pain.

Love your sister,
Amanda

Fun in the Sun!

It wasn't long ago that three of us ladies journeyed to a distant land in the middle of the Pacific Ocean...okay maybe not too distant, but distant enough!! Hawaii!! What a blast we had girls! Floating on the beach, driving a mustang, watching a Luau and eating ice cream. We had way too much fun, but what a blessing this time was for all of us. The Lord gave such joy in different ways as we enjoyed the sunshine and ate wonderful food! (We may have splurged a bit on the good food!!) Enjoy the pics!

Stand in Glory

I cannot wait to stand in glory, where we will meet Him face to face and be unable to stand for the glory that surrounds us. What a sight...I long for it with so much of my heart. Nothing on this earth can satisfy; not even the greatest pleasure here compares to the greatness of knowing and being known by the King of Kings.

How long do we continue here? How long until His return? It nears with every hour, and I long to be at home with Him, finally able to worship in perfection and with adequate hearts. Be still and wait, for though the time is near, many are yet to come. Prolong your return, O Lord, for the sake of those not in the Kingdom.

Merry Christmas!!

May the Spirit of the Living God overshadow you and bring you peace. Remember His inexpressible gift that comes through the Incarnation of His Son. He became human, walked among us, Immanuel, and died that we might have life. We celebrate Christmas because He came to die. May this drive you to surrender. Remember if the devil can keep us out of the Word and off our knees, he is more powerful, but the minute we drop to our knees and open the Word, the power of the Living God moves in us and blots out the lies and deception and destruction of the enemy. May His strength be yours. Deny the push to walk away from the Word; force yourself to focus in prayer, for it is through obedience that joy and blessing will come. Obedience pounds out the weakness of the flesh. Praise the Lord!!

Many blessings as you celebrate this season! Celebrate the Lord's Incarnation and becoming Immanuel, God With Us!!

Amanda

Friends...

Where would we be without the incredible people that the Lord blesses us with? I can't begin to express the joy in my heart as I look around me and discover the most wonderful people surrounding me. Every day as I work away in the office, I see face after face that I love so very much. These people are so dear to me. Who am I, Lord, that you would bless me so? Who am I that you would surround me with those that support and love and embolden me? May the Father remind you of those He has given you to do life with...right here, right now.

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