This weekend at camp, I misspoke. I often create new words, phrases, and word pictures (mostly because I cannot think of the actual word), but this one was extraordinary.
I was trying to communicate our need for a support system - people who are stronger mentally and spiritually who encourage our walk with God. Spiritual pals. Holy helpers. Christ-following companions. And then it came to me - Jesus Peeps.
I meant "Peeps" as in "people", not in the marshmallow treat popular at Easter time. Then I visualized a Jesus-shaped marshmallow treat dipped in yellow sugar dust. The line of good taste was crossed and re-crossed in my mind. I giggled aloud. On stage.
I want more of Jesus in my mind, but not like this :) I am hoping to erase that visual and replace it with His Word. Good thing I have some "Jesus Peeps" in my life to encourage me to do so :)
How are YOU going to fit more of Jesus in your thoughts?
Amberly
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Honorary Citizen
We made it to Disneyland. We braved wind, rain, and others' strollers and had a great time.
In addition to enjoying tons of rides and attractions, my family rode the new Star Tours three times. We marveled at the creativity and brilliance of the ride. There are a total of 54 different variations of it and we loved that which we experienced.
At the end of the ride, there is a gift shop filled with Star Wars-themed souvenirs. Josiah's favorite part of that souvenir shop was a station for building light sabers. Although they are really just plastic tubes with lights in them, they come in a variety of styles. Josiah enjoyed just standing in the middle of the station and helping other young tourists figure out how to assemble each light saber. He patiently instructed and "fixed" their assembly errors.
He was so proficient at this post, in fact, that one of the Disneyland cast members brought him an "Honorary Citizen" button with his name on it. She thanked him for being so incredibly helpful and made him feel special. She said that his actions reflected the spirit of Disneyland.
I would hope that my service to others would display the fact that I am an "honorary citizen" of Heaven. I pray that Jesus' love for others is so evident that His name is written on my actions, words, and thoughts. I pray that my actions reflect the Spirit of God.
What are you going to do today to reflect God's love?
Button up! Amberly
In addition to enjoying tons of rides and attractions, my family rode the new Star Tours three times. We marveled at the creativity and brilliance of the ride. There are a total of 54 different variations of it and we loved that which we experienced.
At the end of the ride, there is a gift shop filled with Star Wars-themed souvenirs. Josiah's favorite part of that souvenir shop was a station for building light sabers. Although they are really just plastic tubes with lights in them, they come in a variety of styles. Josiah enjoyed just standing in the middle of the station and helping other young tourists figure out how to assemble each light saber. He patiently instructed and "fixed" their assembly errors.
He was so proficient at this post, in fact, that one of the Disneyland cast members brought him an "Honorary Citizen" button with his name on it. She thanked him for being so incredibly helpful and made him feel special. She said that his actions reflected the spirit of Disneyland.
I would hope that my service to others would display the fact that I am an "honorary citizen" of Heaven. I pray that Jesus' love for others is so evident that His name is written on my actions, words, and thoughts. I pray that my actions reflect the Spirit of God.
What are you going to do today to reflect God's love?
Button up! Amberly
Monday, February 18, 2013
Sche"DUEL"
We are packing up to go to Disneyland for two days. Our old church, Kaleo Fellowship, gave us gift certificates and we are so excited about using them and enjoying the Park after three years. The cost of going to Disneyland these days is, frankly, shocking and I am not sure when we will be able to go again.
Scott even purchased an App for the phone which "schedules" how to get the most out of the Park (once one programs all he/she wishes to accomplish). It details how and when to ride each ride, see each parade, and eat each churro in order to pack in as much as possible.
There are times I think that like would be "easier" if we were provided an App that communicates all God wants us to get accomplished and the schedule to fit it all in. Easier, maybe, but not better.
It is great to read about the life of Jesus. His love for people, His healing powers, His harsh words for oppressors, and His sacrifice are humbling. What He did, however, in the "unscheduled interruptions" is nothing short of inspiring. The bleeding woman touched his robe and stopped Him in His tracks. The Samaritan Woman stole time at the Well to discuss religion and relationship. The religious leader asked Jesus to heal his daughter, which was NOT on the agenda for the day.
Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
I hope that I do not act like a "Dumbo" if things do not go as planned... I hope I embrace the fact that God's timing is perfect and that I can trust Him "to infinity and beyond".
Here we goooooooooooooooo!"
Amberly
Scott even purchased an App for the phone which "schedules" how to get the most out of the Park (once one programs all he/she wishes to accomplish). It details how and when to ride each ride, see each parade, and eat each churro in order to pack in as much as possible.
There are times I think that like would be "easier" if we were provided an App that communicates all God wants us to get accomplished and the schedule to fit it all in. Easier, maybe, but not better.
It is great to read about the life of Jesus. His love for people, His healing powers, His harsh words for oppressors, and His sacrifice are humbling. What He did, however, in the "unscheduled interruptions" is nothing short of inspiring. The bleeding woman touched his robe and stopped Him in His tracks. The Samaritan Woman stole time at the Well to discuss religion and relationship. The religious leader asked Jesus to heal his daughter, which was NOT on the agenda for the day.
Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
I hope that I do not act like a "Dumbo" if things do not go as planned... I hope I embrace the fact that God's timing is perfect and that I can trust Him "to infinity and beyond".
Here we goooooooooooooooo!"
Amberly
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Trash talk
Happy Valentine's Day!
It is only seven a.m. and I have already been to the gym, called my sister, brewed coffee, taken meat out of the freezer for dinner, and spilled the trash all over the floor. Yep. All over the floor. Even the coffee grounds. Ugh. I will be finding stray grounds each time I sweep and mop for months to come. All because I was too lazy to take out the trash when I KNEW it needed attention. I thought I could fit ONE MORE thing in before it was absolutely necessary. I miscalculated.
As I cleaned up the mess, it struck me. I have done the same thing with my schedule. I have attempted to shove so many things into this week: homemade Valentine's for my kids' classes, errands, surprises, lesson plans, a speaking engagement, etc. that I have probably made a mess on the "floor" of my life. And my family is probably stuck picking up the mess.
Tonight, I hope to make a yummy meal and thank them for loving and putting up with me. I also hope to confess the mess I have made of the schedule and apologize for the stress it has caused.
And then, I am hoping to enjoy some Valentine's candy.
Have a great day!
Amberly
It is only seven a.m. and I have already been to the gym, called my sister, brewed coffee, taken meat out of the freezer for dinner, and spilled the trash all over the floor. Yep. All over the floor. Even the coffee grounds. Ugh. I will be finding stray grounds each time I sweep and mop for months to come. All because I was too lazy to take out the trash when I KNEW it needed attention. I thought I could fit ONE MORE thing in before it was absolutely necessary. I miscalculated.
As I cleaned up the mess, it struck me. I have done the same thing with my schedule. I have attempted to shove so many things into this week: homemade Valentine's for my kids' classes, errands, surprises, lesson plans, a speaking engagement, etc. that I have probably made a mess on the "floor" of my life. And my family is probably stuck picking up the mess.
Tonight, I hope to make a yummy meal and thank them for loving and putting up with me. I also hope to confess the mess I have made of the schedule and apologize for the stress it has caused.
And then, I am hoping to enjoy some Valentine's candy.
Have a great day!
Amberly
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Joint Account
My husband has hurt his knee. He was at urgent care until midnight last night to help him deal with a swollen, sore, and painful left knee.
It all started with a sore foot. He has been struggling with a sore foot (which made him walk like Yoda for days). It got so bad last week that he hopped on one leg to his car. See where this is going?
Instead of dealing with the initial issue, he exacerbated the situation by trying to handle it on his own and doing more damage.
I would judge and mock him (wait, I have already mocked him on numerous occasions - too late), but I have done the same myself.
I have felt so bad about my weight that I have eaten an entire sleeve of Girl Cookies. I have told a lie and then told subsequent lies to protect it. I have justified my sin when confronted and then been shocked by the consequences.
Can you relate? I know I can.
Have a great day and know that the knee bone is connected to the foot bone. In more ways than one.
Blessings! Amberly
P.S. Please pray for my husband to heal quickly. :)
It all started with a sore foot. He has been struggling with a sore foot (which made him walk like Yoda for days). It got so bad last week that he hopped on one leg to his car. See where this is going?
Instead of dealing with the initial issue, he exacerbated the situation by trying to handle it on his own and doing more damage.
I would judge and mock him (wait, I have already mocked him on numerous occasions - too late), but I have done the same myself.
I have felt so bad about my weight that I have eaten an entire sleeve of Girl Cookies. I have told a lie and then told subsequent lies to protect it. I have justified my sin when confronted and then been shocked by the consequences.
Can you relate? I know I can.
Have a great day and know that the knee bone is connected to the foot bone. In more ways than one.
Blessings! Amberly
P.S. Please pray for my husband to heal quickly. :)
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Oooooooooooooops.
I have already called the trophy shop to remove my name from the "Teacher of the Year" award. I have made mistakes before, but this one is for the record books.
After an arduous day with one particular student, I e-mailed his parents to inform them of his misdeeds and my concern for his success.
I did send the e-mail to them. And the rest of the junior high parents at my school.
Oooooops. I sat through staff meeting yesterday, listening to talk of learning results, technology, accreditation, and expectations, and all I could think about was throwing up.
I prayed about it, A LOT and I, of course, contacted the parents to apologize.
Psalm 32:1 reminds me "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
The parents may or may not forgive me, but the One who matters does.
There is still no trophy for me, but there is always next year!
Amberly
P.S. My friend, Jud Wilhite's new book "Pursued" came out this week. If you need a reminder of God's amazing love for you, check it out! www.pursuedbook.com
After an arduous day with one particular student, I e-mailed his parents to inform them of his misdeeds and my concern for his success.
I did send the e-mail to them. And the rest of the junior high parents at my school.
Oooooops. I sat through staff meeting yesterday, listening to talk of learning results, technology, accreditation, and expectations, and all I could think about was throwing up.
I prayed about it, A LOT and I, of course, contacted the parents to apologize.
Psalm 32:1 reminds me "Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."
The parents may or may not forgive me, but the One who matters does.
There is still no trophy for me, but there is always next year!
Amberly
P.S. My friend, Jud Wilhite's new book "Pursued" came out this week. If you need a reminder of God's amazing love for you, check it out! www.pursuedbook.com
Monday, February 4, 2013
Happy Camper
This weekend, I was honored to go with a group of 5th and 6th grade students to camp in the mountains. It was beautiful weather and a great time with God. I came home exhausted and "full" after a weekend of Scripture, teaching, and giggling...
It is always wonderful to be reminded that God desires to spend time with His people. It is even better to remind myself that it includes ME. God desires to spend time with ME. Moi. Yo.
My friend, Jud Wilhite's book that releases tomorrow is on this particular topic. The premise is the reminder that God is divinely obsessed with us! Check it out: http://bit.ly/12bbgMz if you need a little reminder about His obsessive love for you!
And you don't even have to listen to 6th grade girls snore to be reminded...
Amberly
It is always wonderful to be reminded that God desires to spend time with His people. It is even better to remind myself that it includes ME. God desires to spend time with ME. Moi. Yo.
My friend, Jud Wilhite's book that releases tomorrow is on this particular topic. The premise is the reminder that God is divinely obsessed with us! Check it out: http://bit.ly/12bbgMz if you need a little reminder about His obsessive love for you!
And you don't even have to listen to 6th grade girls snore to be reminded...
Amberly
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