Silver and Gold

I really love silver. I wear it almost daily in my jewelry. I also really love gold, but I don't wear it as often. It feels more like a special occasion.

I have been given the amazing gift of friendship. So many people have come in and out of my life at different times. Some have stayed. Some have gone. Some see me everyday. Some I don't see for years at a time. Some I talk to everyday. Some I have no contact with.

But they are all my friends. And I love friends!

In a season where I am making new friends everyday, this old children's song has been on my mind.

Make new friends.

But keep the old.

One is silver.

And the other, gold.

I may spend most of my time in new relationships right now...kind of like the jewelry I wear everyday. But I have not forgotten anyone. And when I do get the chance to spend time with any of my 'old friends' it feels like a special occasion!

Here's to God making my 'new friends' feel like 'old friends' and many special occasions in my future. Old and New...of equal importance. They are both precious!

Do you have any 'new friends'? We are called to relationship. Love of others...kind of a big deal in the Bible. And not just the same 'others' year after year. In my experience so far, I would say that God is ever-carving out new opportunities or relationships in order to spread his life-giving message. My most fruitful ministry has always started with a 'new friend'. Lord, help me bear much fruit for you.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

"Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds"

Proverbs 27:23

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"Strong Christians"

What a weird label. The whole premise of being a Christian is realizing that we are sinful, imperfect, weak people who need a Savior...a Savior who is perfect, so unlike us. How could that be considered 'strong' at all? Christianity is not about being strong, it's about knowing that we are weak! We are not strong. Jesus is strong.

Stop calling me a "Strong Christian". You are missing the whole point!

If you go through life, thinking that people are "Strong Christians", you will be disappointed with them. We are just like you, only we love Jesus and desire to please Him. And don't forget that we have a great hope for what comes after this life is over...that's a pretty important part.

Be careful with the labels that you give people, even if you consider them to be 'good' labels. They may not reflect the true nature of that person and that person may not even believe themselves to be near as good as the label you give. Why don't you ask them if they think they are a "Strong Christian"?

Why don't you ask me?

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"they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!" Mark 4:12

Perceive! Understand! Turn! Be Forgiven! It is better by far!

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Jesus in Mark 4:9, and all throughout scripture

Being Myself

It is so hard for me to just be myself...

Especially in situations where I don't know anyone. I am scared I will be too loud. I am scared I will be too crazy. I am scared to make a mistake. I am scared of being intimidating and stand-offish. I am scared of being too outgoing and open right away. I am scared I will talk too much. I am scared of appearing not altogether as a mother. So many fears!

The thing is, I am at times too loud, too crazy, intimidating, stand-offish, too outgoing, too open, and I never have it altogether as a mother! Why do I even try for that one? I absolutely talk too much! I am a flawed person. These things are a part of me whether I like it or not. And these things do not always please. Nothing I do, or anyone else does, can or will please everyone.

Finding new community is hard. I am focusing on 'being myself'. Even when I feel totally exposed and vulnerable and like they may not like what they see....it is me they are seeing. And I am just Amanda. And I screw up every day, all day. But I do love Jesus with my whole heart.

And He loves me.

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So far, so good. Being myself is hard for me...hard, not impossible. I do have to be intentional to be myself though...it doesn't come naturally. Go figure!

Enjoying the new church. We became members a couple of weeks ago. Really excited to get on board with the pastor and his vision. This is exactly what we prayed for!