Sunday, January 23, 2011

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

The Jones family has been under the weather for the last week. I came down with some kind of weird stomach bug last Sunday night. I tossed and turned all night with a horrible stomach ache that stuck around for several days. I finally consulted Dr. Google, who diagnosed me with a stomach ulcer. That would make sense since I tend to be an overly anxious person. Remember my resolution not to freak out about things?

When Jackson started complaining of a stomach ache on Wednesday, I knew my problem had been a virus and not an ulcer. That's good news. The bad news is that Jackson had to go through it and now a week later, this virus is still in our house! Jackson refused his breakfast this morning and said his stomach hurt. It sort of appeared as though he'd learned to wield the power of the bowel complaint and was using it dishonestly. Surely the virus was not still in his body five days later. I busied myself getting ready and we finally got in the car to leave. A minute down the road Jackson's complaints got louder and his face was as white as a sheet. Curtis turned the car around to drop us back off at home and I started crying. I just wanted to have a normal Sunday! My attitude was pitiful. The kids and I had missed Wednesday night church because of this, too. I was and am so ready for everyone to be healthy and for us to get our lives back to normal.

I had Jackson lay down in his bed and he didn't fight me. That's a pretty good sign that he wasn't bluffing. A few minutes later he was in the bathroom puking. Bless his heart. My pouty attitude quickly changed to compassion and thankfulness that God did not let Jackson get sick in the car or at church. This was the first time we've seen puke all week and I'm definitely grateful for that. Hopefully this is an extension of the first bug and not a new one. Ugh!

So many weird health issues have come up lately that I'm wondering if there is a spiritual component to all of it. If the Lord brings us to mind, will you pray for my family that this infirmity would leave our house? I know without a doubt that there is a spiritual battle going on around our family - and yours too - and I would be grateful for any of my friends' prayers for our marriage and children.

As weird as this sounds, when we turned off our TV we became much more aware of the battle. For example, one day I started feeling unreasonably afraid for my kids' safety. It had been quite a while since I'd fretted about it and this paralyzing fear came out of nowhere. I might have blamed it on something scary I'd seen on TV, but that was no longer an issue. Because I was able to discern the source of this fear as darkness and not truth, it was easier to reject it and not let it set up shop in my mind. (I'm sorry I keep talking about the TV thing, but it has brought so much fruit into our lives.)

God is building our faith and giving us vision, which is incredibly exciting. He is answering prayers that we've been praying for years, but it has definitely turned up the heat. Pray that we will not shrink back from the enemy's intimidation, but that we will fight the good fight and believe our powerful, almighty God. Thank you, friends.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.




74 comments:

Tara G. said...

I don't think there is any need to apologize about bringing up the TV issue, Amanda. Rather, your testimony is encouraging. We have not had a TV in the house for over 10 years now- I completely resisted when my husband-to-be suggested we get rid of them prior to the wedding, but yes- the fruit is amazing and I am so grateful, especially now that we have children in the house. Just prayed for your family's health before I hit the button!

Sister Lynn said...

Praying for you!

For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor). psalm 5:12 (Amp)

Lisa said...

Amanda, this may be a stretch, but I think the enemy's reaching just as far as he can in every direction right now. We all got socked with a stomach virus last week (every single one of us -- all five!) and my first thought was, "REALLY???" We'd just gotten over a pretty nasty one in November that hit us all, including the in-laws (while at our house, I might add) and it seemed SO unfair to have to go through it again so soon after. Pile on subzero temps up north here and umpteen snow days, and our nice, normal routine has been shredded lately. I have been literally crying out for God to restore some order here. My thoughts are either that our family (and yours, and countless others) is under attack, or we're all being sent through the refinery for some reason. Either way, it's not fun. Please know that you and your family are being fervently and heartily prayed for!

I'm with you on the TV thing. We went through a period of about 2 years with no TV, and it was WONDERFUL. We normally prefer the radio anyway (NPR), but we promised the kids a Wii a few months back, and when we got that, we got a 42" LCD TV to go with it. We now watch a show here and there, but always as a family, and if the spirit nudges me even the teeniest bit that a show is not appropriate, off it goes. I have zero tolerance for reality shows, cop shows, medical dramas, soap operas, game shows... well, pretty much everything except an occasional show with the kiddos and a decorating/food show here and there. Even those channels have reality shows now, though -- yuck! My aversion/repulsion to to 99.9% of what TV has to offer probably makes me abnormal, but so be it!

Praying for health and peace to be showered on you and yours. This, too, shall pass. This is what I tell myself, anyway!

Lisa

bethany said...

It's amazing how we forget to be grateful for our health when we are healthy, but MAN when we are sick, it is the only thing we seem to want to pray for!! Reminds me to kneel down and give thanks that at least that is going right for us.

So sorry Jackson is feeling so poorly. We will be praying for your family-stomach flu is the worst!! Hope everyone feels better soon!

Diana said...

Thank you for sharing today. My girls and I are home from church the second Sunday in a row because of sickness. I completely know it has a spiritual component because we were well all week and the really sick again today.

Courtney said...

Thank you for your honesty, as always. What you posted and Lisa said just confirmed what I have felt all week--starting with feeling sickness descend on me and my infant son on Tuesday. My daughter may have brought us the cough and cold, but what I felt wasn't simply physical. It has been a HUGE struggle this week...snowed in and sick. Refine us, truly Lord, as you protect and bring us into health once again. May we set rocks on our altars this week that we claim Your power and order over ALL that we are and will be in You.

Sarah said...

Completely understand! The Wright's are in for this Sunday, too. Crazy virus that acts like the flu but isn't the actual flu. Our little guy was up all night coughing with a high fever. Yesterday, I felt like you. We had missed Bible study during the week plus Wednesday night class. Hoped we would get to go today, just to feel semi-normal again, but it wasn't going to happen this weekend. Weeks like this make me really long for spring and no more colds! I'll be praying for health for your home and especially your kiddos. Hope Jackson feels better soon!

Gayle said...

Girl, I know exactly what you mean! We had to miss most of December b/c of some sickness or another and it got to be SO discouraging.
I can also relate to the "obedience turns up the heat thing", too. We (my husband and I) took a HUGE step of obedience right before all of the sickness and other "attacks" started to ramp up. We knew what it was, but we had our prayer warrior friends on it, too.
All of that to say, I'm praying for you, girl. I get it, but PRAISE JESUS that the enemy is sensing something that he needs to fight against! I'd rather be dealing with the warfare than making him happy by doing nothing to get in his way.

Marc and Charity said...

Praying for you friend. That's exactly how I felt the week before Christmas when everyone in my family had the flu and stomach bug. That is so great you are seeing such fruit in your lives with the TV gone. We are so alike- anxiety and google don't mix well.

Missy Schranz said...

I hope you all feel better soon, Amanda. I will pray for you!

Missy
http://missyschranz.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

You are such an encouragement to me! Your family will be in my prayers!

Sharon said...

Praying, Amanda!

labride said...

I was just thinking about that verse yesterday. I hope J gets to feeling better soon. And don't apologize for the TV, that post has brought lots of conviction to my heart.

Amanda said...

Ah - you gave up the TV!! Do you have a more detailed post about that? My hubby really wants to turn of the TV and I think we're going to do it after the SUper Bowl... ;) But I can't imagine life without it! And I don't even have cable - I'm talking about basic programming here!

Rebecca said...

I just prayed for healing and protection for your family. I am grateful that you brought up the tv thing as well...promtped me to read that post and to pray about what God may be leading us to do as a family. Hope your week goes well.

Rebecca Roode said...

Amanda,
I totally related to what you had to say about illness coming into your family and believing it is spiritual warfare.
I've had trouble with anxiety in the past. I turned my tv off from Thanksgiving until Christmas day. I learned so much from God and was rip-roarin' ready to go with 2011. By January 3rd I was seized with panic attacks and have so many heart flutters I've lost count. I almost feel like the first month of this new year has been wasted. But I know that God is faithful and I'm still learning about depending on Him for everything and, of the utmost importance, that He get all the glory regardless of my circumstances.
Hang in there, dear one, He has the victory.
~ Becky
p.s. I also think that the enemy of our souls is madder than spit that so many of us are memorizing Scripture, hiding God's Word in our hearts, because he knows what a powerful weapon that is against his attacks. God, please give us strength.

www.broode.blogspot.com

Melody Reid said...

Amanda, praying for you and your sweet family today as you battle this stomach stuff as well as the spiritual stuff. I hate satan! You are loved!

Carrie Beth said...

Amanda,
I TOTALLY agree with you that the ENEMY is working against you. It has been my experience in the past (and present) that whenever I (or my family) take a stand against something, feel called in a specific direction, etc., that is when he strikes. He doesn't want your family to go to church. He doesn't want you and Curtis to grow closer in the Lord. He wants to create distraction and strife in your marriage and family. You are doing the right thing! I know this may seem really silly, but whenever I think something that happens is the work of Satan, I simply shout (out loud) at him that he will not have me, he will not have my home and that he should leave us alone in Jesus' name. I always feel instantly better, even if the circumstance does not disappear immediately.
Keep on keeping on, girl!

Pam said...

Feeling the same way here in NC. I only "know" you from this blog and I don't think I've ever even posted a comment, but my family and I are in the exact same season...searching for God to do something different in our lives. I found this verse about 2 weeks ago and it spoke VOLUMES to me...

1 Chronicles 16:9 (NLT)
"The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."

I hope this encourages you! Praying the Joneses' health improves quickly!

Organize U said...

Siesta! I feel your pain. I'm home today (going on day 3) with an upper respiratory infection and layringitis, and just recovered from strep throat over Christmas weekend. Thank you Santa! Have not been sick in over a year, and now twice in 3 weeks! Get behind thee Satan in the name of JESUS!
While I lay here and recover, I will keep your family covered in prayers from my couch in Orlando, Florida. Love and healing,
Kim B.

Erica said...

I will absolutely be praying. We were so blessed by our season without tv. I have felt like our family has been under attack as well. It is physically exhausting at times, but I am so thankful I have One who is fighting alongside me...

Ashley said...

I am becoming more and more aware of the spiritual battle we face. And I've decided that whether or not it's The Enemy or an enemy, the answer is the same. Rev. 12:11 says, "They [the brethren] overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." The power to overcome is in not changing your testimony about who God is and what He has called you to do. When attacks come you stay the course - then he is defeated and his schemes are fruitless. Not that he ever gives up, but if we live for the well done at the end, then we win (easier said than done, though, admittedly).

Lauren said...

Praying for you and your family! I was in the ER on Christmas Eve after throwing up for a whole day (my husband had it at the same time, but his only lasted 12 hours). I was so devastated because we missed our 3 year old singing in his first choir, and our baby girl was supposed to be Jesus in the kid's service. We missed Christmas with our whole family, and I was not very graceful about it. Ever since then, God has been leading me down an AMAZING path reading His Word each day and soaking up all I can. Hope y'all feel better soon!

E said...

I am praying for you, Amanda!

Kristi said...

Amanda, I think I've commented once or twice on your blog. I'm more of a reader than commenter but today's post got me. I will pray for you and your family. I think I can somewhat relate-today (and for the past week) I have been fighting anxiety and fear about health issues, which is a recurrent thing for me (basically worrying excessively about the health of myself and loved ones-my daughters especially). After many episodes of this, I FINALLY figured out that there was a major spiritual component to all of the episodes and that I should be seeing the signs earlier so I could fight the battle spiritually instead of worrying, what-ifing, etc. However I still fall prey to attacks far more often than I would like to admit.

Anyhoo, I decided to do the Scripture memorization this year along with the other Siestas and before I started I knew that would set me up for attack but decided it was worth it. Today as I fretted over the usual stuff I was able to see it for what it was and say to God that I would rather be attacked while pursuing God that be left alone without a growing relationship with Christ. Like you said, I think the heat is turned up and my nature is to wonder how high it is going to go before it stops but I will join you in prayer for your family and mine to not believe the enemy's intimidation and to believe what we know to be true about our God!

I sure hope Jackson feels better.

Kristi

Unknown said...

I missed seeing you guys in the parking lot this week! I hope that you are all feeling better soon. I pray for you all regularly. Blessings!

annette said...

Missed you at MidLink and didn't think to offer a prayer then but I am now, for healing and protection against any of the enemy's schemes. Hope Jackson feels better quickly and the rest of you stay healthy.

Shelli Littleton said...

Praying for your sweet family. Hang in there, Amanda.
Love, Shelli

Alison said...

Just prayed for ya'll, Amanda! Totally get this...we have experienced some spiritual attacks since we began our adoption journey to bring our daughter home from Ethiopia. We had a stomach bug that stayed with us for a month straight...not fun!!! :)

Karen said...

Praying for you!

Bobbie said...

I hope your home is rid of all the sicky stuff very soon. It's hard enough to be sick as an adult but when your kiddos are suffering it's horrible.

I've been wondering if the evil one is on a mission with a renewed vigor. He's certainly after me right now. I just want him to leave me alone!!

Go-Between said...

Amanda, I am sorry you missed church. Missing church in this stage of the parenting game is just a given and never really fun. BUt so glad you got to attend your retreat on Friday and Saturday.
I agree that sometimes one can just tell that illness goes beyond just normal stuff and one can just discern the attack. We will pray for your family and marriage as we pray for ours.
Hang in there.
with understanding,
mk

Shelli Littleton said...

Amanda, totally off subject ... when you lost weight recently ... know you cut out fries ... but was there anything particular you did to help you? I need to shed five pounds ... seems so easy, but it is so hard. I'm not a big eater. I've been stepping up my exercise. Ugh. Seems like 3 lbs or so sticks to me with every decade! Just wondering if any one thing really helped you.

kristen said...

Hey Amanda...we don't know each other - I grew up in Houston and would go hear your mom speak when I could at First Baptist and started reading her studies in college. A friend told me about your blog and I love reading it. We live in Austin now and have two toddlers as well so it is fun to read about stuff that usually hits close to home. This week especially. I have struggled with anxiety in the past and when the enemy is out to attack, anxiety is an easy target for me. I have been so triumphant (thanks to God always) in the battle lately but this past week was weirdly tough. It's like it came out of nowhere and I felt just as you described. I was so overcome with worry for my kiddos that I barely wanted them to go to pre-school. I prayed and prayed last night and felt stronger today. I know without a doubt that it was an attack from the enemy. I was so caught off guard that I wasn't as grounded in prayer as I should have been when the attack came. It was a busy week and he knew I would be preoccupied. I learned a huge lesson on letting my guard down and am so thankful for answered prayer and the strength the Lord gives to overcome our minds. I will pray for you...I know first hand how terrible anxiety is and how it makes us feel. I also take comfort on knowing that when the enemy attacks me it is because he knows without a doubt that I am not on his team! :-)

Amanda said...

Shelli, cutting the french fries didn't really help me lose weight, but I think that once I did lose the weight it helped me keep it off. Weight Watchers was what helped me lose it. And when the scale creeps back up - let's say 2 pounds - I go back to counting my points for a few days and I get it back to my target again. I would definitely recommend the program to anyone. The meetings are very effective if you can bring yourself to go.

Elisabeth said...

Amanda,
Yes. It IS spiritual. I've been watching it ripple throughout the church as a whole. In my church family, in Siestaville, my friends on Facebook, Twitter, you name it. Health issues is THE issue! I've been just exhausted. All the time. I went to bed at 6:30 the last few nights! Why? Don't have an exact reason. Except that the enemy is trying yet another tactic with God's people. He won't win. Let's kick some behind!
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do......

To God Be the Glory said...

wow amanda! you have some "followers" girl! i have been getting baby bangs posts for a week! lol! lifting up a prayer for you and your family! something is going on in the heavenlyies -- how in the world do you spell that! anyway, i have been feeling the battle too my friend! i am now going to refer to earlier posts about tvs because i missed that. i would take a miracle for my husband to turn off the tv. not me -- i'm pretty much down to the waltons and other things on the inspiration network and some movies!!! blessings!!!!!!!!!!!

Em said...

I had that same stomach thing. It was awful! And as a person who has had ulcers before, that's totally what I thought it was. But it was a horrible virus.

CAROL LIVIN FOR GOD said...

Will be praying for you all Amanda and no need to keep apologizing about the T.V. I love your testimony because there is nothing but junk out htere on the T.V.
Thanks for all you do and will be praying for Jackson as well.
Carol

Katy said...

Hang in there girl. I use to get discouraged when a kid got sick and ruined my plans for the day. I learned to embrace it and it gave me a day to stay home and catch up around the house and just rest.

Praying for you family during this time!

Unknown said...

Praying for you & can empathize - we've been experiencing a spiritual attack (physically) the last few weeks, and the fears and worries have us (well..me) in such a stuck place. Praise God for His mercy and grace and the good works He's doing, to make our enemy nervous!

julie woodruff said...

Praying for you and your family, Amanda. Hope you all feel better soon.

The Johnsons said...

Praying for you and for family, Amanda. Just curious if you or Curtis have read Seeing the Unseen by Joe Beam. It's about spiritual warfare and helped give me new eyes to what is really going on around us. Hope your family is whole again real soon!

Little Steps Of Faith said...

Oh girl...you are not the only one, and its hard to see the positive sometimes, but what I'm figuring out is that things sometimes just happen, sometimes there is no avoiding the oppression, sometimes we have to just take it and trust God through it...
that's what I'm learning anyway.

God has told me this week after some stuff that He has more planned for me in life then I know...but to ever see it..I have to give Him more...
REPENT, and then just prepare all I can to be moved to the next step...
so I'm learning spiritual battles...as not fun as they are...
they are worth the bruises we get from them...I know its hard to see that now, but I think it usually means God has some awesome things planned...so take a deep breath,
and walk on through...Jesus is right there too..:)
I'll be praying for you!

:) angie

Amanda said...

Oh I am so there! Last Monday was the first time since Dec 27th that my family has been fever free. First it was me, then Caroline and hubby, and then the finale... Camden had a fever of 103-105 degrees for NINE days. After many doctors visits and tests, they could not pinpoint what was wrong (just that is what not what they thought-pneumonia. Hallelujah!) I was about to take him to a specialist when it went down a little on the 8th day, then it dropped another degree on the nine day. It took two weeks for that little guy's immune system to battle his fever. He missed four pre-school days, a number of church functions, and a whole week with snow on the ground. We were all exhausted in spirit and body but now we are finally getting out in public!
Another thing, we don't have cable and LOVE not having it. Netflix sent us a free month, so we thought we might as well use the free month. I was amazed how Satan can just creep things into our home AND WE DON'T EVEN REALIZE IT. Not a fan of Netflix, free or not.

Ashley said...

I'll be praying for health and protection from the enemy. Both of my kids have had the stomach bug this last week and I just keep waiting for my turn. Every night I dread going to bed because I don't want to wake up nauseated in the middle of the night. I hate thinking, "When am I going to get it." If I'm going to get it, then come on and let's just get it over with.

Kristen said...

So sorry y'all have been sick. We missed you today.
I completely get the spiritual battle being waged. It is so exciting that the Lord is moving but hard to not freak out a little about the enemy attacks that come with it. We are praying for y'all.

Beth Herring said...

Amanda - I am praying for you and your family. We have also been battling some illness in our family (and our kids and their families) so I understand.

If you get a chance, please pray for the Raymond family. It's a young couple in our small town that lost their 4 month old baby boy today to swine flu/meningitis. He got sick Friday and was airlifted to Arkansas and died today. So awful. I just can't even process it still.

Love to you - Beth

TwinsMom said...

Amanda-
I guess I should have posted this on the last blog post. I'm a lurker...I love your mom to pieces.

Is it pouty for me to say that I think the stomach bug affects adults worse than kids? I mean I thought I was dying and my kids would throw up and then continue playing.

I posted this on the LPM blog before.
My name is Amanda- I'm 28 years old
My mother's name is Beth
My daughter is 4 years old and her name is AnnaBeth.
I also have 2 boys, but their names are Sammy and Rece- not Jackson- but you get the idea!! HA!

Lindsee said...

I've enjoyed just hearing about the fruit from y'all getting rid of TV. It's inspiring to me! And amen about the spiritual warfare, I feel like I'm just now starting to really realize that in my life and how to fight it. Scary.

Praying for your family to be well soon and very soon.

Kim said...

First, I am so sorry that you are going through all of this.

I am home from work today because of the stomach virus bug. My adult children had it, my husband, & my grandson had it. As I laid awake on and off all last night hoping to not throw up, I did nothing but WORRY! - I tend to worry more when I have a fever. But I also began to wonder if it wasn't something more. Either my husband or I have had some health issue since November.

We are normally healthy people so three months of great pain, sickness, and other unmentionables, I began to think perhaps there was more to this.

In addition, I have noticed that my anxiety has elevated to new heights in the last month. God has been reminding me to TRUST HIM in ALL things, but it has been a battle.

Anyway I write this to say I am praying for you and your family at a new level today. I am so thankful for your post today. You will never know how much it meant on many levels.

Praising God for the victories. Blessings to you in the name of Jesus.
Kim

Missy June said...

Amanda,

Again - we are not real life friends, but I do so admire your stregth and honesty. I totally *get* how it would feel to be up, ready and out the door only to have to turn around in retreat. I hope the ickies leave your home soon. Yes, there may be a spiritual warfare element, or perhaps simply the effects of our fallen world. Either way it's tough.

I love hearing from another modern family unhooked from TV! In all honesty, we do have TV, just no cable so shows are very limited. It is a very freeing sensation and not missed a bit after the first couple of weeks. There is such beuty in allowing space to think and interact with others.

Just wanted to say a quick hello -
Missy

Hayley said...

Praying for you and your family and appreciate you sharing your heart on the TV issue and on your fears coming from darkness. (I struggle with that too.) Also thought it was timely that the scripture you quoted was about the armor of God. My middle child has been afraid every night for the last 2 weeks while his dad has been in Africa. My only reprieve was the night we talked about the armor of God and how He loves and protects us. I've tried it every night since, but he's still afraid, and his dad got home last night and it's no better. I know you don't know us, but if you think of it, prayer for a peaceful night would be so appreciated! :)

Shelli Littleton said...

Thank you, Amanda. Sounds like a good plan.

Kathleen said...

Amanda,

Read your blog often, even though I don't comment. I will certainly pray for the protection of your family, and that the Lord continue to encourage you.

My boys are 16 (almost 17) and 14. I will share with you my perspective being in similar situations over the years. I and 0ur family has always been in various ministry since I was 18 and I am now 46. My husband and I took our kids with us whether it was youth group, praise band, discipleship, Women's / Men's Ministry. On many occasion our plan was thwarted but not God's. I began to look at the times at home when I was discouraged as a time to be still and quiet. Began to focus on Ps 84.."better one day in your court than a thousand elsewhere." God settled my heart and worked hard to NOT let the enemy steal what he had so graciously provided. I have seen it over and over with friends I have partnered with.... my close friend, a pastor's wife and I would almost laugh as we encouraged each other through, pink eye, broken wrists, pneumonia, flu, chicken pox...all in our greatest times of ministry. God really worked on our trust and peace in Him.

For your last post....schedules and kids. I have a different take. Yes you have to guard balance, BUT sports is a GREAT school room and place for ministry. We have had both boys in sports since age 5 and oh my the lessons we have learned. It has been the single most place where God has worked in biblical principles into their lives. Hard yes, but I would not trade it for anything. I call it the "lab" where God works out the lessons. Hard hard stuff..We have also always felt led to public school and that combined with sports situations has been the most amazing ground for ministering to a very lost world in a natural way. I was trained early in my faith in the ministry of Young Life, which is very relationship driven, in sharing the gospel. Amanda, you will find such excitement at the doors God will open and it will pair so amazing with the ministry of discipleship you walk with LPM. So much more I could write, but girl hang on, God is going to take you on the greatest adventure ever!!!

I am just now starting to get my very simple blog up and running (lack of time more than desire) But I hope to post lots about our kids, experiences and how I believe God has shown himself beyond my greatest and wildest dreams.

Blessings sister in Christ..."further up and further in!"

Tiffany said...

Amanda, I will pray today for peace and healing in your house. Missed you yesterday morning. The Holy Spirit did some amazing things in my heart through Curtis's teachings yesterday. Praying for Boldness.

Monica said...

Amanda, I will be praying for your family! And I love that scripture in Ephesians. Some friends of mine here started a jewelry company called "Gracewear Collection" and all their pieces center on the Shield of Faith they designed themselves based on this verse. We wear the pieces as a visual reminder we have this shield from God! Check out the jewelry, I know you'll love it: wwww.GracewearCollection.com.

JayCee said...

Dear Amanda,
Here's the verse I am claiming for your family (and all of us).

"But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." Hebrews 10:39

Praying for you!

Unknown said...

Praying with you! I love that particular Scripture as it is written in The Message..... at one point it says, "When it's all over but the shouting, you'll be standing". Praying with you that you and your family will be found standing firm on the other side of this mess. I had to chuckle a bit as I am known to force my kids to go to school out of sheer determination "we will not be sick". This morning, my 15 year old daughter woke up sick and ended up puking and "other things" (quote from her facebook page).... she looked up at me and said "I sure am glad you believed me today!" ouch! Praying the bug leaves SOON!

Kristin said...

Wow! That is a powerhouse post - Inviting the Lord to invade your home tonight - health and peace in every domain. Your ministry is growing, girl!

His Jules said...

Amanda - I am praying for your precious family and asking that you do the same for our church family. Since Sundays services we have had 17-20 people out of our congregation of a little over 100including our Pastor to come down with this stomach flu/virus. Please pray that this attack of the enemy will be stopped.
On the same note let me thank you for your posts concerning the TV because this has been something that has been laid on my spirit as well and I am trying to put it aside while allowing my husband who doesnt feel the same conviction to continue. Man is this hard - thanks for the prayers and please know we are praying for the Jones/Moore/Fitzpatricks as well.

Jennifer said...

I'll be praying for you all!!!
The HEAT has been turned up on this end too and it is frustrating!!! But God is good ALL THE TIME!!

Erin Ward said...

Praying for your sweet family. Love you so much!

Unknown said...

Hi Amanda! I just found your blog...actually I believe the LORD led me to it to read this exact entry! The parallels between my life as well as my best friends life are uncanny!!! I shared it with her and she said she was MEANT to read about your Sunday...we are both 40 yr old stay at home mommas with a 6mos old and 4 year old (Me) and 2 year old (her) between us. We have had a ROUGH patch lately as we are both apart of a "40 days of Prayer" at our church...thank you for the reminder to fight the good fight and to gear up in God's armor daily.....it's nice to know we don't battle alone..and that some one else hates play dates and HORMONES as much as I do!! Blessings to YOU!

molly b. said...

Just read this post & wanted you to know I said a specific prayer for you & your family.
Grace & Peace,
molly R

Emmy said...

Praying Now!

Katie said...

Thank you Amanda. You know, my husband and I chose to discard cable years ago and I thought that was pretty awesome Now I realize that as good as that was, there is still the temptation period of everything else. I even found myself watching the one show left on with the State of the Union on last night; Criminal Minds. I hate that show but there I was watching it. I have to go check on my sleeping daughter every time I watch it. Thank you for sharing these verses as well. I'm thinking there is some work to be done in that area of my life. :)

Anonymous said...

Amanda, we are battling the same illness madness here. I am so tired of just sickness.
I have had you all brought to my mind to pray frequently. Especially your mother, but know I will keep you all in prayer. Thank you for sharing a bit of your craziness with us.

J C said...

When I was recovering from panic disorder, I suddenly realized the suspenseful TV shows and murder mysteries were only supporting the fears inside me and I stopped watching them. So you are wise to monitor what comes into your home. BTW, if you need a list of Bible verses to meditate on to lessen any anxiety you may have now or in the future, I posted the ones I used to stop panic attacks and keep anxiety from getting a stronghold on me on my blog. I have a melancholoy/phlegmatic temperament, and these verses have really helped lower anxiety levels on a daily basis. The Lord is my hero and my safe place. Every time I focus on His Word and I feel all that is uneasy in me settle into peace, I love Him all the more.

http://redeemedandsummoned.blogspot.com/2010/05/bible-verses-for-panic-depression-and.html

jenny said...

Hi AManda! Oh the sicknesses! They are awful! You are honest and true and strive for God's BEST and I love it. Today... I'm over at the Boston Faith and Justice Network. I thought you might like them. :)

Michelle said...

Just now reading this post and it totally resonates. We've been working hard for two years on planting a church in our city, the grand opening is this Sunday the 30th. Our family is in the fire. Spiritual warfare happening all around. Two weeks ago my husband's dear grandfather passed away, which prompted a whirlwind trip for our family of 5 to travel 700 miles away, in which our car broke down. Upon return, I had weird unexplained health issues with some cramping. Now last night all 3 of our children were up at 3 am, vomiting and fever. We are literally 72 hours away from opening the doors of our church, that our city desperately needs. Whew! All this to say -- I could have written your post.
We don't have a TV either that we watch regularly. Love it.
I'll pray for your family as you head on the road to wellness!
Michelle

Shellie Paparazzo said...

Oh, Amanda, I know how you feel. My daughter was throwing up for three days and I just wanted her healthy and in school, so I could get back to my normal life. Of course, today she went to school and I was in the shower when she got home. She told Josh where she was going as soon as she got home and then headed over to Jackie's, her 70 Year old friend (yes, they really are friends. I know you understand this based on some of your mom's friends.) I had nothing to worry about and knew that she always goes to Jackie's house on Thursday afternoons, but I told the kids that I was going over there to "make sure." I realized when I got there that I missed her. Isn't that just weird? I ended up taking her shopping. She loves to shop and so do I, so it's something we frequently do together when we get a chance to be alone. Even if we have no money and can only look and ew and ah over stuff. Speaking of money, much of my anxiety issues right now stem from the fact that I may have to make the opposite decision you had to make last fall. I may have to go to work. I have never really worked outside the home and silly as it may sound it's scaring me a little. Plus, I just don't know if I can handle the pressures of a job and three kids demanding my attention when I come home!

Sugarplum Creations Blog said...

Ugh, we've been hit hard with the stomach bug too. And it just doesn't want to let go. I'm praying for you all.

katiegfromtennessee said...

Praying for you and your family Amanda, you are in the fight, and perseverance is key. Praying that the illness has passed, if not, then God's grace always sufficient for you.