Words are the Issue

Your an idiot!
Your so stupid!
Everybody knows that!
Any smart person can figure that out easily!
Your so slow!
I hate you!
Has it ever occurred to anyone that words are an issue in today society?
That's when the song Words by Hawk Nelson pops into your head, am I right?
But it's amazing how true it is. My love language is Words of Affirmation, and it's a big deal to me. If someone tells me that I'm not smart, I will feel very stupid and out of place (hello Ms. Obvious).

Your words have so much power,

say things wisely.

-Amy Kathleen

For me, half the time it isn't even someone else who is saying these things. Sometimes it's myself. And that's not good either. You can be kind to yourself and not be selfish at the same time. Really, you can.

The worst feeling ever, though, is when you are the one hurting someone else with your words.

And then I feel like I have commit a horrible crime and go hide in a corner and hope to never speak to anyone ever again.

But that of course doesn't help my situation and I force myself to come out again.

Ephesians 4:29 says, Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Whoa! Guys, this is big! I can't even imagine what our world would look like if everyone obeyed this fairly easy command.

I guess sometimes it isn't easy though.

Since my love language is Words of Affirmation, I tend to keep my words as encouraging as possible, because that is what I would want someone else to do to me (remember what we learned in kindergarten, "Treat others the way you want to be treated."). But sometimes I slip and say something I don't really mean.

Mainly because I'm human and I can't be perfect.

But just because that's the status quo, does that really mean that we should just walk around saying,

"Well, what I say to people doesn't really matter, because I'm human."

Please no.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

You see, because we are human we must try to be like Jesus.

Not because we are human we can say whatever we want to whoever we want because in the end it doesn't matter. (When really it does)

So when you go out today, say at least five kind words to five different people. You will make there day and be a part in spreading God's Love. And that's what we are all about. :-)

The Unmaking

Glow In The Dark- my new favorite song

Glow In The Dark

A Story Worth Reading

Samuel Truett Cathy, or better known as S. Truett Cathy, was the founder of the popular fast food resturaunt known as Chick-fil-a. Growing up, Cathy had been a Christian and taught in Sunday School at the First Baptist Church in Georgia. Because he was Christian, when he finally opened Chick-fil-a he decided it would be closed on Sundays so that the workers can have the opportunity to attend Church and spend time with their family.

I like to look at S. Truett Cathy with great joy because God has used him for much before he died in September 2014 at age 93. He has showed his faith to many people and by being a billionaire, he had the money to give to others, and that is what he did. He gave away millions of dollars in scholarships and gave away even more toward building and equipping foster homes. Cathy says, "The Bible is my guide-book for life."

David Green, the founder of my favorite craft store, Hobby Lobby, is in a like situation. He has said, "We are Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles." He, like Cathy, has his business closed on Sundays. Green has grown up in a Christian atmosphere and because of his growing strength has been a great example towards others. Here are some of the guidelines Hobby Lobby and all their employees are committed to following:
-Honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with Biblical principles.

-Offering our customers exceptional selection and value.

-Serving our employees and their families by establishing a work environment and company policies that build character, strengthen individuals, and nurture families.

-Providing a return on the family's investment, sharing the Lord's blessings with our employees, and investing in our community.

See guidlines at: http://www.hobbylobby.com/our_company/

Which will it be?

Procrastination or Determination

Starting a post or a story can always be difficult, that's why I have procrastinated on writing this for so long.

How do I start?

What if no one reads it?

Will anyone even like what I've spent hours doing?

What if I'm no good?

How will I know if it's what they want to hear?

Those are the questions that constantly go through my head when writing. And not only that, but also in real life problems too. So my solution has always been to procrastinate. But that's not okay. When I became a Christian  I should have left my procrastinating days behind me. There is no procrastinating when your following Christ.

 I can't just say, "Well, I'm to tired tonight to pray with the family so I'll do it in the morning." or "I'm not going to go spread God's Word this week because my agenda is to full."

Stop that.

I've wanted to go on a mission trip to spread God's word for years and do you know what I did? I listened to what everyone was saying and at one point I started to believe it.

Your to young.

Did you know that God has never put a limit on how old you have to be to spread His Word. He never said, "You can't do that! Your to young! Your to small (think of David and Goliath)! Your not good enough!"

 

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on the public reading of scripture, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. 1 Timothy 4:12

 

I'm ready to stop procrastinating. I am determined to do it. Which brings me to my next subject.

Determination

Everyone's heard that before. It's nothing new. Basically the opposite of procrastination (note: I said basically). So most of you had already assumed where I was going with this from the way beginning, but seriously. Take a moment and think about it.

WHAT IF: We changed our procrastinating ways and turned them into determination? What would happen then? Do you know how much more we would get done in a day? And this goes on to more than just a decision on whether or not we should go on a missions trip. It could be little, everyday things, like doing the dishes or the laundry (take my least favorite chores for example). I honestly don't mind doing them as long as there is not too much to deal with. Dare I say it, I might even enjoy it. If only I chose determination rather than procrastination.

We can't go on living like this. We won't get anywhere! We'll be like a couple of fools stuck in mud!

 

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:13-16
 







 So what you can think about when you are considering determination is, your doing it for the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), not yourself, not your neighbor, spouse, or even yourself. Prove to God that you are capable. Prove to everyone that you CAN. Because determination is big. You can choose it or you can choose procrastination. But with one you can win, and the other you won't.
 

Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Modesty Song

More on Praying for a Friend

 My friends baby has RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which is a virus that is really bad in young babies (he is 2 months old). If a baby gets this virus, he/she might just give up and stop breathing. My friends baby was sent to the hospital a couple days ago because he was having such a hard time breathing and working so hard to get oxygen that they were afraid that he would give up. Please keep Baby D in your prayers so that he will get to go home to see his family again.
 Also, my other friends little brother has RSV (he is 3 months old), but he is still breathing fine, so far. Please keep Baby N in your prayers as well as any other infant with RSV.
 Thank you so much for all your prayers!

 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them.  Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.  So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:2-6

 God loves His people- all of them- and he wants nothing more than to hear us call to Him for help. So pray, God's people, pray!
 If you have anything you need prayed for, please email me at: amy.livingwater@gmail.com

Bible Reading Plan

Join me and many others on this Bible Reading Plan! Here is weeks 1-10: The rest will come shortly ;-)  

Week 1:

Read Genesis 1-11 and Job 1-16

Week 2:

Read Job 17-39

Week 3:

Read Job 40-42 and Genesis 12-29

Week 4:

Read Genesis 30-47

Week 5:

Read Genesis 48-50 and Exodus 1-18

Week 6:

Read Exodus 19-38

Week 7:

Read Exodus 39-40 and Leviticus 1-18

Week 8:

Read Leviticus 19-27 and Numbers 1-6

Week 9:

Read Numbers 7-22 and Psalms 90

Week 10:

Read Numbers 23-36 and Deuteronomy 1-2

Praying for a Friend

 I've been praying for a man named Ken Abrams who serves at my old church called Compass. He was diagnosed with two types of leukemia the day before Christmas and since then I've been praying my heart out for him. He was admitted to the hospital for chemo treatment on the spot and was told he would remain in the hospital for no less than 60 days. I believe with all my heart that God is using him to show others of His Miraculous Power. I believe Ken will be healed and that he was diagnosed with blood cancer to show the world of God's Healing Hand. Ken has three children, a beautiful wife and an amazing hand in ministry. I ask that you all pray for him as he is being healed by our Magnificent God!

 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. John 14:13-14

 I've also been praying for a woman named Carissa Blanchard. She was diagnosed with lung cancer in several locations in her body three months ago and has seen the Miraculous One working in her to remove the cancer ever since. She is soon going into radiation treatment. She has seven children and an amazing husband. Please pray for my friend as God works in her and through her in this spiritual journey.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalms 138:3

 Cancer scares me. Anytime I hear that someone was diagnosed I start to tear up and instantly begin to pray for that person. God loves His people- all of them- and he wants nothing more than to hear us call to Him for help. So pray, God's people, pray!
 If you have anything you need prayed for, please email me at: amy.livingwater@gmail.com

Happy New Years!!

Thank you everyone for making 2014 a good one! This year I won't be posting as much, though. Last year was great, but the time I had spent on the computer was... disappointing. This year I want to spend more time with my family. I love blogging and I think trying to write every week was fun, but it's time to take it slow. My new goal for this year is not to post something every week, but rather twice a month and enjoy my time with my family and with my God.
 I hope everyone  had a wonderful year and I pray this year will be ever better! God Bless! -Amy

Week 52 FINAL POST FOR 2014!!!

Today is the day before the new year begins. And my last challenge of 2014 for you is to look back at this year and smile. Remember all the good things that happened and ignore all the bad stuff. And remember, with God's Amazing Grace, your past will be left behind you.

Week 51 Monthly Discussions

How was your Christmas? Did anyone do Operation Christmas Child? What are some special family tradition you do with your family? Is anyone excited for the new year?

Merry Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!

 

Week 50

Read The Christmas Journey with the family this Christmas!

 

View book HERE!

Week 49

Think of Baby Jesus this Christmas

 

 

Week 48

Think of LOVE this Christmas

Week 47

 

Be happy this winter

CONFIDENCE: deaf in a hearing world

(I will be counting this as my week 46 post.)

Time for an Interview II (Week 45)

Hi there! My name is Brittney Johnson and I am just an ordinary girl in love with my Savior. I have a blog entitled: Daughter of the King

Why is praying so important to you?

I believe that prayer has the power to change the unchangeable and make the impossible possible. God's word is how God speaks to us, and prayer is how we speak to God! Unfortunately I think most of us don't pray as much as it is needed. Prayer is a powerful thing!

What do you usually pray about?

My family, my own spiritual growth, friends, missionaries, any special prayer requests, and for the lost to be reached fro Christ.
 

Why is it so important to you to go to church every Sunday?   
Not only is regular church attendance biblical but it's also essential to Christian growth. Not only does the preaching convict and encourage us but it gives us an opportunity to fellowship with other believers.

When did you first become a follower of Christ?

I was saved when I was five years old. I then surrendered my life to Christ at age fourteen.

Who was it that helped you to know Christ?

My parents and Sunday School teachers

What do you do to show Jesus' love?

I try to serve him faithfully but I think that no matter how much we try to love him we will never be able to show him as much love as he has for us. His love for me is the reason I love him. I would be nothing without him. I can't brag on the love that I show for Him but about the love he shows for me.

How will you show Jesus' love in the future?

 I hope to serve God with my life by being fully serving him by being a servant. Not only to him but to others also. The best way we can love others is by showing them how much Christ loves them!