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.

Scripture Graphics 30

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I wonder just how much neglecting the story of creation has led to things like abortion — and even devaluing life itself. There is something awe-inspiring about man’s creation that leads to God’s wonderful plan and command of procreation. But if one thinks that we evolved, what special value has life? If humans didn’t even start out as being humans, in the world’s eyes, then no wonder they believe that the babe in the womb is not a living person. How important the truth of creation is!

God saw. Not only did He see man’s actions, but more importantly, He also saw their hearts and thoughts.
And when He saw them, He didn’t say, “Well they’re not really *that* bad” or excuse it with, “That’s just how man is.” The evil grieved Him (vs. 6) and He sent His judgment through a flood.
If we understand how God views sin from the beginning of time, it will help us to understand His standards, instead of us explaining away our sin.

“And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel…and there Abram called on the name of the LORD….Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.” Genesis 13:3, 4, 18
Why did Abram’s and Lot’s stories end up differently? Abram had also gone places he shouldn’t have, yet God brought him out without the drastic affect like Lot had. I think the answer is in these verses: Abram continually sought God every step of the way. Can that be said of us? Or are we, like Lot, pitching out tent toward the world instead of toward God?

These two concepts are amazing to meditate on. Though spoken to Abraham, we see through Scripture that these promises weren’t exclusively for him. God is our shield and our exceeding great reward. Is this enough for us?

I love how, in many Psalms, the Psalmist is so overwhelmed, yet by the end of the Psalm, He is reminding himself of God’s character — how He hears prayers, is merciful, faithful, the list goes on. 
If we pray, but never lose that sense of being overwhelmed, are we truly coming to God and *casting* our cares upon Him? Or are we telling Him our troubles, yet still clinging to them, not certain He’ll hear or help? Such shows a lack of faith and knowledge of God. Because He *does* hear the prayer of His child and He does help, according to His wisdom.

Update

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Hi everyone!!

It was last week sometime that I realize… I have so not been posting on here! *insert frantic face* I am SOOO sorry!!

If you want to stay most faithfully updated, I am active on my FB Street Team and Instagram. I know that I had originally started this blog as an “off-FB” type of street team… but it has been too hard to juggle all of my social accounts. My sincerest apologies.

So, this lovely Friday afternoon, I shall update you all!

Slippers is in the midst of a cover reveal!! Here’s the latest…

Cover reveal 08

Each puzzle piece reveal had a quote to go with it, so either look on my blog or Instagram to see them all!

I’m about to sit down at do some serious last-edit stuff with Slippers. I don’t have a specific release date yet.

Also on the writing…

I’ve got a March goal!

March 2017 writing intro

This, I’m daily (or mostly daily) updated on Instagram or FB. As of last night, I’m at 3436 of 7500! So grateful to the Lord for allowing me writing time! Oh yeah, what project? Sorry… you can’t know yet. 😉

Also on my desk is Journey of Choice. I set it aside for a few months and read a few books about how to write a NOVEL (who knew? It’s way different than writing a novella). I was going to focus on it for March, but then I remembered Slippers. That’s kind of important to get out there soonish. 😉

So, that’s me and my writing! What have you been up to lately? Any goals for March?

When God Made You | Book Review

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The art was very whimsical and childish. The rhyme was fun to read. A few of the words they used were a little big for children in my opinion (such as “debut” and “revue”). Some of the message was neat to introduce to children – such as them being made in God’s image, God thinking of them before they knew of Him, that type of thing. However, one quote in particular I disagree with: “You being you is God’s dream coming true.” The book seemed to end on an idea of, “Be yourself and God will smile.” I personally believe that the Bible teaches that God’s design in making us is so that we will glorify Him – not just be creative and be ourselves.

*I received this book from Blogging for Book and happily gave my honest review.*
Purchase the book here.
More info on the book here.

First Line Fridays | 3.10.2017

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“Damaris! Damaris!”
Damaris Withers shrank back against the hard boards of the attic wall that supported her back.
(From A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke)
It has been a couple of years since I’ve read Janette Oke, but when I last read her, I admired her writing greatly–the way she so accurately depicted real life. And A Woman Named Damaris was one of my absolute favorites.

Grab a book close to you and share the first line!
~*~*~
Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!
Rachel – Bookworm Mama
Lauraine – Lauraine’s Notes
Andi – Radiant Light
Robin – Robin’s Nest
Kathleen – Kathleen Denly

Take My Life, and Let it Be | Music Video

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Another first for WAJN: Violin quartet. 🙂 I have enjoyed arranging for string ensembles for a few years now, but as with most things, I tend to do it when I have a specific reason to do it. Well, now with about ten violin students, I have a reason! We have a homeschool tea coming up, and one of the coordinators asked if I could get a few of my students to pull something together. The theme of the tea is “Celebrating our Individuali-tea.” I thought there was no better hymn to use than “Take My Life,” because no matter how different we are, God can still use our lives for His purposes.

I recorded myself (double and triple 😉 ) so that everyone could hear the song as a completion.

If you’re interested in the music, it can be purchased here.

Do you play violin? If so, have you ever played in an ensemble or orchestra?

The Secret Slipper (and a writing update) | Cover Reveal 07

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Just two more pieces to go! Which piece do you think I’m saving for last? 😉

In way of general writing update, I decided to give myself a challenge: 7,500 words this month! Actually, that’s just for one of my projects. I’m also hoping to edit some more of Journey of Choice, and, of course, get “The Secret Slipper” closer to publication.
If you’re on Instagram or FaceBook, I’m trying to keep everyone updated as close to daily as possible (click on the links to follow me). And…if you want to join in the challenge, go for it! Just set yourself a goal and see if you can read it. If you’re on social media, use hashtag #writingmarch2017 so we can all connect with it. 🙂