Author: Amanda Tero

Music has always been a part of Amanda Tero’s life–from her mom singing Steve Green specials to her dad honking out the rhythm of “Jingle Bells” in the driveway. She began teaching in 2007 and fell in love with sharing music. Amanda started arranging hymns for herself in her teens, with fast and furious advanced hymn settings. Then, as her students began requesting hymns at their levels, she branched out to hymn arranging for pedagogical reasons. Because of Amanda’s interest in various genres, in her shop, you will find hymn arrangements of various levels embracing classical elements, light jazz style, Southern Gospel flair, and more.

Word Wednesday #53

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“So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord.” Amos 4:8

Wandering from one place to another, gather from others what we do not have will never bring satisfaction. Only when we return to God will we truly be satisfied.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

Psalm 119:13-15

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Psalm 119:13-15
(13)  With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
From God’s mouth to our lips. Do we take what God has taught us and, in return, teach others? This reminds me of the Psalm I read this morning: “God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” (Psalms 67:1-2) God has given us amazing blessings and mercy – do we, in return, share that with others? that His way may be known upon the earth? We must remember our responsibility: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
(14)  I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
Rejoiced – (7797 – siys) be bright, i.e. cheerful
We are not to simply rejoice in God’s testimonies – but in the way of His testimonies! If we were to suddenly gain wealth, wouldn’t our way seem so much brighter? Our fears dissolved? In the same way, we are to view God’s testimonies. We have all that we need by God’s testimonies (“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Are we rejoicing in that way or view it as a burden? (a ridiculous response to wealth: “*Sigh* I have all this money; it’s such a burden to deal with, to provide what I need.” – but how often is that our attitude towards God’s Word?)
 (15)  I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Meditate – OT:7878 siyach (see’-akh); a primitive root; to ponder, i.e. (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter:
It is interesting that this Hebrew word is translated not only as “meditate” but also “to speak.” To meditate on God’s Word is not only to hoard it to ourselves, but to think on it so much that it then becomes our manner of speech:
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.” (Psalm 105:2)
“Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditatein thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:23)
“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27)
“My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.” (Psalm 119:48)
“Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:78)
“Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditatein thy word.” (Psalm 119:148)
“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I museon the work of thy hands.” (Psalm 143:5)
“I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.” (Psalm 145:5)
Respect – OT:5027 nabat (naw-bat’); a primitive root; to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care:
To respect God’s ways is not to merely think highly of them. It gives the same implication as verse 14, “I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.”God’s ways, to the believer, should be that which we dive into with delight and carefulness.
This is the same Hebrew word used in the following verses:
“Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.” (Psalm 119:6)
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” (Psalm 119:18)

“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.” (Proverbs 4:25)

R Family | Photoshoot

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My second photoshoot in April was of a family of boys. And did I have a blast with them! At first, the mom said, “You know how guys are with pictures,” but honestly, they were all super easy to work with and I think that whether or not they’d admit it, they also had some fun. 🙂

And I can’t post about this family without sharing about God’s amazing work in their lives. Last February (2014), Tyler was out cutting trees. One kicked back and hit him in the back of his head and neck, causing traumatic brain injury. Quoting from his dad, “His brain was swelled and had three bruises on his brain stem. Three long weeks of ups and downs while in ICU. We know prayers were sent up on Tyler’s behalf and God chose to perform a great miracle in Tyler’s life. We are still thanking God and praising Him for what He has done. Thanks to all that have prayed and are continually praying for him.” This young man who was not supposed to live and if he lived, was doubted that he’d be able to walk …

Just saying… we serve a BIG GOD with no limitations! He is Creator, Sustainer, and Healer!

What a blessing to know this family who give God all praise and glory for His work in Tyler’s life!

Some of my favorite pictures are those that I didn’t ask to get. Being just a boy, Seth hopped on the “kiddie swing” – don’t do things like that around a photographer. 😉 This is one of my favorites!!

~*~*~
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

Of Coffee Cakes and Orphan Trains | Writing Update

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
I am always a little hesitant to publicly update my “WIC” (works in progress) because I know my past of unfinished projects. But, trusting in the Lord’s direction in guiding me, here’s a glimpse of what has been going on in my writing journal.
Coffee Cake Days
The idea for this new short story came one morning when I had gotten up early, spent quiet time, and then was preparing breakfast. Out of all of the short stories that I have currently written, it is probably the most auto-biographical. Meg, a homeschool graduate, is learning many of the lessons that I learned (amidst many struggles!) in balancing time with God and time with her family. The main lesson that Jesus has seemed to bring to my life over and over is servanthood. It’s easy to read the Bible and agree with its teachings — but am I applying it to my daily life?
Here’s an excerpt from “Coffee Cake Days”:
“Read to me!” Crystal was back in the room, this time with a book in her hands.
“Okay, okay!” Meg flipped her legs over the edge of the bed and jumped to the ground. She let Crystal trail behind her as she hurried to the living room and sat on the couch.
“But I wan’ ‘nother un.” Crystal held out the book she had selected with a small pout.
“Well choose one but be quick about it.”
Crystal squatted by the bookshelf and flipped through the books. When she stood up and turned around, an impish grin lit her face. “Ac’ally, I wan’ four.” True to her word, she had selected four books.
“I said one, so it’s going to be one,” Meg said firmly.
The toddler looked down at her selection, her mind in debate before selecting her favorite and bounding back to Meg. Nestling beside her, Crystal put a chubby arm around Meg’s back as Meg began to read.
That night in bed, Meg stared at the dark wall. Today had been hard to keep her goal of twenty chapters, but she had done it. She should feel satisfied, but instead, a frustrating bubble welled inside of her. Lord, what is it? What am I doing wrong? I’m trying to draw close to you but ever since graduation it seems like a failure. Please, Father, show me what You would have me to do.
Journey to Love
I am praying about doing a novella series called Orphan Journeys – what links together the orphans in all of the novellas is that they travelled the American orphan train at one point in history (historical tidbit: there was also an “orphan train” that brought children from London and Liverpool, England, to Canada). My first novella is Journey to Love (if the Lord allows, I also have plans for Journey of Choice and Journey of Redemption – plus a few others floating around). Main character Marie has become a part of the Bowles household in body, but she’s not so sure about being the child they had always prayed for.
First two paragraphs:
Marie glanced down the row of children, and a shiver slipped up her spine. She took a slow, deep breath as she turned back to Mrs. Rawson. Look pleasant, Mrs. Rawson had said – was her pasted smile supposed to be their example? Marie pressed her lips into a small pucker as Mrs. Rawson attempted to give the final admonition before the crowd was admitted into the room.
The close eye of Mrs. Rawson urged Marie to answer the questions and examinations of the couples that crowded around her. According to Mrs. Rawson, who wouldn’t want her? A sturdy thirteen-year-old with a back and mind to work. Or were they looking for a boy? Marie glanced sideways at the long line of boys – some bordering into manhood. The crowd was decidedly thicker there.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I work on these two projects. Recently, writing time has been very limited as my family and I continue working on our house (you can see updates at my family’s blog: www.terofamilyministries.com). I’m not concerned about getting these projects done quickly, but I am concerned that in writing these, I am sensitive to the Lord’s leading and what He would have me to write.

Word Wednesday #52

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“And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice.” John 10:4

What a beautiful reminder that as Jesus leads us, He is walking before us. He knows exctly what lies ahead our path – but He is there to help us. Our duty lies only in hearing His voice and following. If we try to run ahead, get side-tracked, or lag behind, we may encounter problems that could have easily been avoided.
We’ve been sharing Word Wednesdays for one year!! Praise the Lord for His amazing Word throughout the past 52 weeks. Thanks for everyone who has shared. I’m looking forward to all of the verses God will bring to our attention in the years following!


Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

Psalm 119:9-12

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Psalm 119:9-12
(9)  Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Cleanse – OT:2135 zakah (zaw-kaw’); a primitive root [compare OT:2141]; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent:
Way – OT:734 ‘orach (o’-rakh); from OT:732; a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan:
Taking heed – OT:8104 shamar (shaw-mar’); a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:
This verse begins with a question, then gives the answer. Every person has the opportunity to cleanse his way. I found it interesting that the Hebrew word for “way” means, “a well-trodden road.” Is there any road that takes us too far from Christ’s cleansing?
The whole reason that Christ came was to purchase for Himself the church. To wash and cleanse her: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”(Ephesians 5:25-26) God has made every way available for our cleansing – but it is our choice whether or not to accept this cleansing. We can be cleansed for salvation and then we can be cleansed after salvation: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
God’s Word has proven to us that It is cleansing – that He cleanses. Will we take heed to it? Will we walk by It?
(10)  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
This verse reminds me of a previous verse: “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.”(Psalm 119:2) By seeking God wholly, we will learn His commandments. But then we have a responsibility – will we keep the commandments that we have sought? It takes effort to seek, and it takes effort to keep.
(11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
“Hid” means, “to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk:” (6845, tsaphan)
I like the idea to “hoard of reserve.” This thought usually takes one’s mind to treasure – which God’s Word is (“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:10-11). Do we hoard this revenue of treasure given to us? Or do we take it for granted – looking at it only when is convenient? Our heart is but a jewelry box waiting to be filled – are we going to the dollar store (the world) and buying all of these artificial pearls and glass jewelry to fill our jewelry box? That is the easy – and cheap – way to be filled. But what about the lasting way? To seek, search, and find treasures that are eternal and everlasting!
 (12)  Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
Am I asking God to teach me His statutes? He will, if I only ask Him.

It is interesting before the request, David said, “Blessed art Thou, O Lord.” To me, this seems to indicate his adoration and thanksgiving to God. What is our attitude towards God? We will not be receptive to His teaching if our hearts do not acknowledge Who He is.

McM Family | Photoshoot

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I had my first “professional” photoshoot a couple of weeks ago – and had an amazing time with my dear friends. They were so easy to work with and are such a cute family – don’t you agree?
My favorite picture (I’m not sure what stands out to me – the sisterly love, or the serene expressions)…
And then, to give you all of the pictures, I decided to play with collages! Here they are!

~*~*~
“The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.” Psalm 121:5

Shadows of the Past (3 of 3)

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By Amanda Tero (Written in 2005, age fourteen)

This was my first short story, written as a school assignment (after I post all three parts, I’ll share my original “Afterword” which explains a little more). It was fun to read again after all of these years. I can detect some immaturity of my thought-process at fourteen but the story was fun to read nonetheless.

Read Part One HERE and Part Two HERE

Part Three
My stomach seemed to flip as Carla and I wandered slowly out of the old mill. The door closed behind us and I felt a sudden urge to go back to where my family was.
Why did this have to happen? Why did I ever follow that girl? Who is she anyway? What is going to happen to us now?  I questioned myself, bewildered.
Suddenly, Carla grabbed my arm. “Look!” she exclaimed excitedly. “Aunt Lora!”
My eyes followed where she was pointing and I sighed with relief. Mom stood talking to a lady next to one of the cabins. I tried to hurry to Mom, but my ankle prevented it.
“Oh, there you are Salina. I was wondering what took you two away. You left before Dad could tell us about this old-fashioned town.”
“We-we found it though.” I stuttered, not believing my ears. An old-fashioned town! This must be where the girl came from…and went to. I wonder if I can find her yet.
“You two may walk around if you’d like.” Mom said, interrupting my trail of thought.
“That’s…fine. I mean–at least, I will, if Carla doesn’t mind.” I said, scoping out the area.
“I’ll go.” Carla added quickly.
I forced myself to breathe deeply. My ankle began to throb as I walked quickly down the main street. I was looking only for one person—the girl.
I looked around at all the different cabins and all the people who seemed to have stepped out of the past. They began to spin around before my eyes and my head began to feel light. I grabbed Carla’s arm for support.
“You’re going too fast Sal.” Carla scolded gently. “You shouldn’t be so impatient to find her.”
“I know, but I want to find her.” I stated stubbornly.
Carla sighed and continued slowly, which forced me to slow down too. The cabins looked endless. Time seemed to stand still as we pressed on.
Carla stopped abruptly. She silently tipped her head towards a cabin several yards away. Children flocked in front of it. I stared at the cabin, trying to sort one child from another. Surely our mystery girl would be with all the others.
Carla stood up straighter. I could tell her patience was wearing thin.
“Let’s go.” I started off at a brisk pace but slowed to a regular walk within two seconds as my ankle protested.
Finally we were at the edge of the group of children. They were sitting in a circle, tossing a ball to and fro. I noticed a tall lady holding a baby. Her dress was similar to that of our mystery girl’s. She saw us and walked forward, wearing a bright smile.
“Hello young ladies. How may I help you?” Her voice was soft and friendly.
“W-e-l-l…” my confidence suddenly vanished and my voice sounded small and squeaky.
Carla came to my rescue. “We were just looking for a girl about Sal’s height.” She said, pointing to me. “Her dress is like yours.”
“Oh!” The lady’s face broke once again into a radiant smile. “That’s Alyssa. She’s in the cabin. If you wait a moment, I’ll get her for you.”
With a swish of the many layered skirts, she had gone into the cabin. As the cabin door opened again, the lady came out, followed by our mystery girl.
“Here she is.” The lady said cheerfully. “Alyssa, don’t worry about your applesauce, I’ll take care of it.”
Alyssa nodded as the lady went back into the cabin. She looked up at us then her gaze fell to the ground.
“Hello Alyssa.” My voice sounded calmer than my frazzled mind really was. “I suppose we should formerly introduce ourselves. I’m Sal and this is Carla, my cousin.
Alyssa’s eyes glanced at us shyly then dropped again.
I took a deep breath. “And—well, um…” Why do I want to talk to her? I looked helplessly at Carla trying to signal to her.
Carla took my hint, and asked, “What were you doing in the mill?”
Alyssa shrugged.
I felt my temper start to rise. “Can you speak or not?” As soon as the question left my mouth, I regretted it. Lord, forgive me. I breathed quietly.
“Yes.” Alyssa’s voice was barely audible as a soft pink flush spread over her cheeks.
Carla glared at me warningly, then gently asked. “Alyssa, what do you do here?”
Alyssa glanced up at Carla. “Feed cows and housework.” She replied, her voice gaining confidence.
“Where’s the barn?” Carla encouraged.
Alyssa pointed to her right—opposite of the mill.
“But—“ I began. Carla glared at me again and I bit my lip.
“Do you like the stream?” Carla asked.
Alyssa nodded, her face now flaming.
Lord, put the right words in my mouth. I prayed. “Well, it seems you’re familiar with this place. Could you show me your favorite place?”
Alyssa looked shyly at me. “I’d rather not.” She looked back at Carla, then, changing her mind, she nodded and started walking.
I skipped a little to catch up. My ankle gave way. A moan escaped my mouth as I landed on the ground, clutching at my ankle Alyssa spun around, her eyes wide. “Is it sprained?” She knelt down next to me.
“I’m fine.” I said.
“No, don’t walk.” Alyssa ordered as she gently examined my ankle. “It’s just a twist. Try to walk slowly, take your time, and—and…” her shyness suddenly returned.
I nodded and smiled. “Thanks!” With Carla’s and Alyssa’s help, I was back on my feet.
“How do you know about sprains?” I asked.
“Dad’s a doctor,” Alyssa answered.
I nodded.
We walked in silence. I looked ahead at the small forest then at Alyssa. Her shyness seemed to reach out to me suddenly. I took a deep breath. “Alyssa, I’m sorry about getting mad at you.”
Alyssa nodded. “That’s okay.”
Another uncomfortable silence passed. “I—um, have to apologize too…” Alyssa’s voice shook. I looked at her, puzzled. “Well, I was…spying on you.”
“On ME?” I gasped.
Alyssa nodded. “Your family—I was wondering—well, are you Christians?”
A smile broke out on my face. “Yes, we are.”
Alyssa sighed. “I was hoping so. You probably didn’t know I was.” Her face turned crimson. “I didn’t act like it.”
Carla smiled. “Alyssa, we all have times that we don’t act like Christians. The important thing is to be sure that our relationship with God is right.”
Alyssa nodded. “Yes, you’re right.”
“But we must try to follow God’s Word, and if we do that, then Christ will show through us.” Carla continued.
“I wasn’t exactly acting like one either.” I laughed a little. “I suppose God has a handful here if we aren’t trying our best.” I grew more serious. “Maybe we can help each other out.”
Both Carla and Alyssa nodded.
“I know! We can start writing to keep each other accountable.” Carla suggested.
I looked at Alyssa, with my face questioning her opinion. She beamed at me and I grinned back.
We were all deep in thought as Alyssa once again took lead, guiding us to her favorite spot.
She’s a nice girl after all.  I thought, Dear Lord, I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions, please forgive me. And help me to live more for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. I followed Alyssa over the hilly land, with my spirits soaring.
The End
My original “afterword” at fourteen
“Shadows of the Past” is not actually an original idea, but an assignment for school. Mom had found a free course online full of assignments for writers. The first was “Why I Write”, a paper on…why I write! That was alright, but not really what I thought of when “fun” and “writing” were put together.
Then came this assignment! And it sure came! The edited version of the assignment basically said, “You and your family went for a picnic next to a stream. You see a strange girl in a long flowing dress and wonder why she is there.” It also had certain requirements. For example, one was the yellow checked blanket that was spread on the ground in Part One.
So, I sat down and wrote…and wrote. It turned out being my very first “short story” that I had ever written (my stories are always long!), being about five pages. I was excited. I thought up several different titles for my work that ran along the line of “past”. “Shadows of the Past” was the only hit. So, “Shadows of the Past” it became.

After I turned in my assignment to be graded, I found out one slight problem, the assignment was, “write a paragraph…!”

Word Wednesday #51

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“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus…” (John 1:41-42a)

This is but our responsibility as believers. We have found the Messias and must bring our family and friends to Him.

Share a verse that God has given you today or copy the button if you’d like to join in Word Wednesdays with your blog!

 
 

Psalm 119:5-8

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Psalm 119:5-8
(5)  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
Who else can direct our ways but God Himself? But God does not force His ways upon us. Instead, He extends to us the choice whether or not we will seek Him and His direction.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” (Proverbs 16:6)
There seems to be a fine line between our hearts and our ways with the Lord’s direction. If we never acknowledge Him and His ways, He will not direct us. So the question is: do I want God to direct me? If so, am I moldable to where He can direct me?
(5)  O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!
(6)  Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
What does it mean to “have respect” to God’s commandments? The Hebrew word nabat (5027) means, “to scan, i.e. look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care:” There is no shame for the believer who relies heavily on God’s Word and finds It their source of pleasure.
Are we ashamed of God’s Word? or are we ashamed because we’ve not been in God’s Word?
“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.” (Psalm 119:80)
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12)
(7)  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
The more we learn of God’s righteous judgments, the more we will realize how we should praise Him. Take, for instance, the Psalms:
            – 132 verses mention “praise”
            – 19 verses “praises”
            – 6 verses “praised”
That is a total of 157 verses (188 individual times) that a form of “praise” is mentioned in the Psalms. If we poured over the Psalms alone, we would glean so many reasons to praise our Lord.
(8)  I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
We expect God to keep His promises (“O forsake me not utterly”), but do we intend to show effort on our part? If God’s promises were based on how we performed, we would not be as richly blessed as we are daily. Are we willing to, in gratitude, keep God’s statutes because He is faithful?
Just a few promises of God’s faithfulness:
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” (Psalm 9:10)
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25)
“For the Lord loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.” (Psalm 37:28)

“For the Lord will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.” (Psalm 94:14)