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Decisions and Following God (Part 2)

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

Yesterday, I shared about some of the first steps in making decisions and following God (read part 1). As I wrote down my thoughts, I realize that there are also some things we need to remember in this time of life.

Remember: Not all Decisions are Life-Changing
When I was stressing out over some “big for me” decisions recently, one of my friends pointed out, “This isn’t getting married. It’s not like you’re deciding this for life.”That perspective released a lot of stress and tension, because it was true. While all decisions affect our lives, there are many decisions that are not completely life-changing. There have been several times in my life when I was praying about a decision and came back with a frustrated, “I don’t get an answer! I don’t have a peace about a ‘no’—so does that mean I should accept this as a ‘yes’?”
I am not saying that it’s impossible to know God’s will in every situation—I personally believe that God is intimately interested in every miniscule decision of our lives. How do I know this? Verses such as Psalm 37:23-24: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with His hand.”
 However, if you look at God’s Word, you will not find, “Thou shalt not work at Walmart, thou shalt be a bank teller.” Yeah. If only it were that easy, right? But we do find principles. Read Proverbs and you’ll find plenty of direction with ways to take or to avoid (Two quick examples: “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.” [Proverbs 13:11] and “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.” [Proverbs 28:8]).

Remember: Don’t Solo It
Part of God’s way to give us direction and guidance is through counselors. We can be foolish if we try to make rash decisions. It really doesn’t matter what age we are: going to others who are living active Christian lives is a wise decision. Don’t believe me? Here are just a few verses to clarify:
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Proverbs 12:15)
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
(Proverbs 15:22)
Oh, and one more:
“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” (Psalms 119:24)
Yes, that goes back to a point earlier: seek God’s Word in these decisions. It is impossible to follow God and disobey God’s Word.


Remember: Life Goes by in Seasons
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
This passage is a familiar one, outlining the many opposites of life: birth and death, planting and plucking up, killing and healing, breaking down and building up, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing, casting away and gathering together…
No matter where we are in life, we’ll find ourselves in this list of “seasons.” It is easy to get hung up in the “here and now” that we forget that life is made up of many seasons. There are seasons of busyness and seasons of relaxation, seasons of ministry and seasons of meditation, seasons of singleness and seasons of marriage. Guess what? We’re in a season right now. How we’re living today very likely won’t be how we’re living 365 days from now. You know what else? One special passage applies to every single season of life: “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)
It may be a fantastic season. It may be a puzzling season. It may be a sorrowful season. But no matter the season, God’s mercy is with us, His faithfulness surrounds us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Remember: Keep a Proper Perspective
One of the struggles I’ve had in this whole “making decisions” is my focus. It is so easy to become consumed in temporal things—making ends meet, in climbing the ladder, in making more money, getting better things, accomplishing more, saving more—that we’ll forget one very important thing. Let me direct you back to the first point I covered with this verse: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Sure, we can make plans and take steps, but ultimately, our focus should never waver from following God and seeking Him first. Sometimes, He’ll lead us to do some scary things that may seem contradictory to where we feel He is leading us (“If I give this money to missions, then how will I have enough for _______?”). This is where my favorite passage comes in: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Remember Abraham? God had promised him that Isaac His covenant would be established (Genesis 17:21, “But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.”). Yet just a few years later—before Isaac was married and had children of his own—God told Abraham to offer Isaac as a burnt offering! (Genesis 22:2) We know the end of the story, how God provided a substitution sacrifice—yet many times, our lives feel like Abraham’s in that moment between the promise and command.

If our focus gets off any of these points, our steps will be angled toward paths of destruction.
Sure, we can get excited about where God is leading us. Sure, we can take the steps He has lined out for us. And sure, we can make some plans. But, in doing so, let us not forget to keep seeking God. Let us remind our hearts to trust in Him. And, in whatever we do, may our desire be to “do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
I’d love to hear…
What are some ways the Lord has helped you in decision-making?

Decisions and Following God (Part 1)

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments


We all know the verses and the Christian thing to do: seek God. Sometimes, we know that we have to just wait on the Lord. But then, there are those times when we just might need to do the “follow God” part. And sometimes, that’s where life seems to suddenly get a little tricky.

Or am I the only one?
The last few months have been a seesaw of ideas, counsel, and decisions. And praying. Lots of praying. Why? Because for me, now is a time for taking active steps and changing. There aren’t really huge decisions being made right now—I’m not buying a house (yet), and no, I’m not about to get married—but I’m the girl who likes life to stay the same. The one who would prefer to just continue life in my own little (er, big) family, taking life as it comes at me. For me, this time of decision-making has been a whirlwind. Like I told one friend, “I’m not considering change because I like it or because I wantto, but because it’s the next step I truly believe God is leading me to do.”
But enough about me and my feelings. Because I know I’m not the only one in this boat. Whether you are eighteen, twenty-eight, thirty-eight, in between, under, or above, you’ll go through seasons in life where God leads and change must happen. Decisions must be made. Steps must be taken. How do we know we’re staying on target in these times?

Pray
We all know this one: “Just pray about it.” In fact, if you have a good circle of friends, they’ll encourage you to be praying about decisions. They’ll even pray with you and for you. But just because it’s the common Christian answer, I’m not going to skip over it.
There is nothing too big nor too small, but that we should pray about it. We see many examples of godly men and women in the Bible who did this very thing. When the Amalekites invaded Ziklag, burned it, and took captive the women and children, David paused to seek the Lord (1 Samuel 30). He made the time—in the midst of a “time sensitive” matter!—to seek God for the next step he was to take. On the contrary part, we see that King Rehoboam did evil “because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 12:14) Psalm 105:4 exhorts us to “Seek the Lord, and His strength: seek His face evermore.” (“Evermore” means constant, regular, continuance).
Prayer isn’t just an optional step to do when we feel like it, or if the issue feels bigger than we are. Prayer is important! If you’re trying to make decisions, but haven’t consciouslystopped to pray about this decision, stop now. Set apart some dedicated prayer time. Communicate with God about your plans. It’s not wrong to make plans and decisions. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart deviseth his way…” but it doesn’t stop there. It continues with, “but the Lord directeth his steps.” How are we going to know God is directing our steps if we won’t even ask Him about it?

Do What You Know is Right
Sometimes, instead of seeing a clear path paved in front of us, we hear the Lord reminding us to wait on Him. Okay…now what? A time of waiting is not always a time of inactivity. Instead, do the things you know are Biblically right to do. Go to church. Dig into God’s Word. Pray. Be like Job: “My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined.  Neither have I gone back from the commandment of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:11-12)
We can’t expect God to bless us if we aren’t even trying to follow the commands He has established in His Word. And, if we are doing what we know to do is right, let us not be discouraged! God’s timing and His ways are always perfect. But we’ve got to trust Him in that (Psalm 18:30, “As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.”)
Remember: if God’s Word is in your heart, He will establish your steps. Psalm 37:31 promises such: “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.”
Take the Next Step
Then, like I indicated earlier, there are those times to take the next step. This is honestly where I struggle the most. I like being active, I like making progress, but I do not always like being the one to decide whenthose active steps need to be taken. Believe it or not, I’m not a big dreamer. Just let me do my little hobbies and teach my wonderful students, and I’m happy. But that’s not always the step God wants me to stay on.
One example that stands out clearly to me is the start of With a Joyful Noise. Running a music company wasn’t really on my agenda—which is why I’m grateful that many times, God places those next steps in front of me. I began talking music with a missionary, and she asked if there was a way that I could teach one of their locals via video correspondence. That got my brain turning with ideas. It also really scared me. It was an exciting possibility, yes, but also a huge step for little, local-minded me. I talked with my parents, did a ton of praying, and that one conversation with the missionary broadened my perspective. Because of that one conversation, I began offering video lessons, digitally published my sheet music (which then led to later physically publishing it), and set up a website. Oh, and you know what? The plans to teach via the missionary fell through. I never took that step that I thought I would. But instead, God used it to lead me to a place where I took many other steps that I never would have considered without that idea sparked on by the missionary.
 Reminding myself of that example helps me when I’m facing decisions today. For example, I’m praying about doing some circuit teaching (setting up a studio about an hour away, once a week). The first step is to save for and purchase my own vehicle. The second step may be to get some long-distance studios set up. Or…God may change the direction after I take my first step. I don’t have to know what God is planning on doing in the future. I just have to take this step that He has led me to today.
Some verses that encourage me when I’m in this “next step” phase are:
Psalm 18:32—It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
Psalm 37:5—Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 142:3—When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Psalm 143:8—Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

Proverbs 16:3—Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. 




Come back tomorrow for Part 2… some things to remember.


When We Don’t Know What to Pray

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
I was recently talking with a friend about prayer, how God answers prayer, and how we should pray. A few days later, I was reading through Ephesians 1 and found yet again the beautiful prayer that Paul prayed for the believers at Ephesus.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,(Ephesians 1:15-20)

In this prayer, is a beautiful example of how we can grow—and what we can access by prayer.
  • The spirit of wisdom
  • Revelation in the knowledge of God
  • The eyes of understanding enlightened
  • Knowledge of the hope of His calling
  • Knowledge of the riches of His glory
  • Knowledge of the inheritance of His saints
  • What is the exceeding greatness of His power to believers (which is compared to His power in raising Christ from the dead!)

Knowing that we have access to ALL of this should great affect how we pray!

As I reflected on this, I then thought about how I pray for others. Sometimes, I just don’t know what to pray–there may be times when I sense a need in their lives (which, by the way, we should pray just as fervently for those whose lives look “put together” as those who seem to be falling apart–Paul often prayed that the churches would continue in what they believed), but other times, I want to pray, but may not know how.

Ephesians 1 and 3 and Philippians 1 all have passages of Paul’s prayers for others. This gives me a good idea of how to pray Biblically for someone else. I started making a list from the prayer passages in the New Testament:

I plan on adding to this list as I come across other passages that demonstrate ways for us to pray for others.

Do you have a specific passage you’ve used before to pray for others?
What verse has God used in your life recently about prayer?

10 Tips for Productivity

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
I’m going to take a guess that your “wanna-do” list is probably about a large as mine. And guess what? You have just as many hours in one day as everyone else does! How does it all get done? Or will it ever?
Unfortunately, I can’t answer those questions. However, in the past few years, I have found some things to be very helpful in making my personal time more useful and productive. Ready for them? I can’t promise they’ll change your life. But they may help a little. 😉

1. Start the day with God
Giving the first-fruits of my day to God does something. It’s not some “magic potion” for success or anything. I just personally believe that God honors those who seek Him. Plus, how will we know what needs to go on our to-do list if we don’t even ask Him?
2. Serve others
The saying goes “JOY=Jesus, Others, You.” Though Luke 9:23 applies in many spiritual ways, I have seen that when I try to “save” my time, it’s like walking into sinking sand. However, when I “lose myself” to others, God seems to always multiply my minutes.
3. Make a to-do list
Once we’ve done the first two things on our list, what happens when we get to “our” time? First things first: make a to-do list. If I wait to do this until my day is mostly over, I find myself treading water, piddling around, and yep, wasting time. I make my lists either the night before or the morning of so that way, as soon as I’m ready for it, it’s there, waiting for me to tackle.
                                                                                                     
4. Have accountability partners
Differently people use accountability partners different ways. I began by having an accountability partner for writing. Next thing I knew, this friend became my to-do list accountability partner. It helps to have someone to text (even if they won’t reply immediately) and say, “Hey, for the next hour, I’m going to write…ask me later if I kept to that!”
5. Limit distractions
The #1 time sucker is distractions. For many people, it has to do with online interaction (FaceBook, blog hopping, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you name it). Other times, distractions come with texting instead of working (think about it: if you worked a normal 9-5 job, you’d not be allowed to text unless you were on lunch break). There are a few different ways to limit these distractions. Turn off the internet. Sign out of social media. Set a timer and don’t pick up your phone until the timer goes off. Or set a timer and only be on the internet/phone until the timer rings. Whatever works for you.
6. Notice spare minutes and use them
We daily waste hours of spare minutes. It’s not always easy to realize what gets wasted. Having a to-do list here helps a lot. For example, the other day I needed my brother to bring something upstairs for me to use. While I was waiting, I began correcting a student’s theory work. I was able to get a dozen pages corrected before he came up (which was more than on my to-do list). I could have easily picked up my phone and squandered those few minutes scrolling through social media (but what kind of example would that have made for this point, right? 😉 ). It isn’t always easy to see these spare minutes. We have to train ourselves to see them.
7. Prioritize and narrow down
One of the important things to realize is what needs to be done today. What are others expecting me to do? What deadlines do I have coming up? What commitments have I made? Sometimes, when I prioritize (or make micro-lists), I find it helpful to narrow things down. Instead of just having “blog post” on my list, I might have it narrowed down to “write post, create graphics, schedule.” Doing this helps my brain to focus on the steps needed to get things done. At the same time…
8. Be realistic
Here, I speak to the over-achievers (guiltily I raise my hand!). What does not have to be done today? For me, on lesson days, I can’t expect to write 1,000 words, reply to five emails, plan for next week’s lessons (usually 10+ songs), create a music video (micro list: edit song, practice and record, upload to Sheet Music Plus and With a Joyful Noise websites, and create the video), design a book cover, beta-read five chapters for someone else, do things needed for my family, and teach for seven hours. Cramming a to-do list is also a good way to add extra stress to our lives, so we need to be realistic.
9. Reschedule
Part of being realistic is to reschedule. I suppose “be flexible” could also be in here. If something else comes up that needs our time and attention, it’s okay to move part or all of our to-do list to another day. This also goes with prioritizing. If we know what doesn’t need to be done today, it won’t hurt as much to move it.
10. Make free time
Enough said, right? Ahem…here is where I don’t practice what I preach super often: give yourself a break. It is possible to overwork ourselves, whereas if we just took a break, it would relax our minds to be able to refocus and get back to work. When I work, I work hard. It gets a lot accomplished, yes, but it also wears me out physically. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not some sort of superwoman. 😉 I’m flesh and blood and God has made me with limitations. He also gives rest to the weary. Do I take it?

I know that I haven’t even scratched the surface for all that’s helpful in being productive, so I’d love to hear from you! 
Have you implemented any of these tips? 
What have you found helpful? 
What would you add to this list?

Pinned Up! | Writing Article on WordQuill

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment

I am honored to be a part of the new writers’ group, WordQuill (seriously, you need to go check it out; it’s going to be amazing!). Today, I posted my first article there–I’ll admit, it was super fun to write cause I got to share all about my Pinterest boards. 😉 Here’s a peek…

~~~~~~~


I was not going to get Pinterest. So many people were addicted to it, and I’ll admit, I didn’t quite “get” it. But…when I was asked to photograph a few family pictures, I needed ideas. Pinterest was amazing! Fast-forward to today…I’m not hooked. I promise. I’m not. I can go a week without looking at Pinterest (okay, let’s be honest: I do have weak days where I just sit and browse…). But the best thing is that when I need it, I have a world of ideas at my fingertips.

It wasn’t until last year that I began seriously using Pinterest to help my writing. I was writing “Journey to Love” and needed a creek to describe. I consider my creative mind as one that didn’t come naturally but needed training and help. Sometimes, a lot of help…

Open Honesty: Hard Days

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
I sit at the piano, plucking things out, trying to find something creative, but all I get is a monotonous run of the same-ol’, same-ol’. Come on.I’ve arranged hundreds of songs! Surely one more won’t be the end of me!
I dig into God’s Word… only to come up dry. Shouldn’t I find something — something— to encourage me for the day?
I stare at my computer screen. One hundred words. This is all I need to write for my novel today. But it is hard. Nothing is coming. And I get further discouraged. (By the way, THIS makes 100 words — yeah, not much is it?)
The examples can go on. Whether it is with projects, home-life, friendships, spiritual life, or church issues, we’ve all been there. Days can be hard. Tough. Dry. Discouraging. Days in which we want to do nothing but surround ourselves in a fat layer of self-pity and mope. Because after all, writers are supposed to write, aren’t they? If I’m in God’s Word daily, I should get something out of it daily, shouldn’t I?
When I was having a hard week recently, the Lord had to put some things into perspective for me.
1) I can’t claim verses such as 1 Peter 4:12-13.
When I truly think about my “hard days” in light of Scripture, I am not suffering for Christ, per se. Sure, it may be an attack from satan, if I am truly striving to do something to follow Christ. But I’m not spilling blood because I’m standing up for Christ. I’m just frowning because my day isn’t going smoothly. There is a big difference.
 
2) I’m not the only one struggling.
It’s easy to think that I’m the only writer out there who can’t get words or ideas to come. Even when I know that two of my author friends have admitted writing had been hard for them too. On spiritually hard days, I tend to forget the friend that just texted me that she’s also having some spiritual struggles.
3) My struggles aren’t the biggest ones out there.
While I’m sitting there, tempted to mourn about lack of ideas and inspiration for my pet projects, there are several families in our community who are morning the tragic accident that killed three family members and sent seven to the hospital in critical condition. This is just one instance I know of. Many others around me are facing life-threatening issues. I am nothing but a selfish wimp that wants things to go my way.
4) My focus is on ME.
The magnifying glass is on my problems. They’re more acute, more painful, more serious than the problems anyone else is having. Which often leads me to not having “room” for other people and their struggles because really, “Mine are more than I can handle.”
5) I need to get beyond this.
The beauty of realizing points 1-4 is that the Lord then shows me ways to overcome them.
–  One of the greatest ways is to pray for others. When struggling spiritually, pray for other believers and their spiritual walk (even if I think they have it all together). When words don’t come, pray for other Christian authors who are striving to share the Gospel. When I’m tempted to pity myself, pray for people with real problems — big problems — that only God’s grace can help them through. The list of people and needs I can pray for are much larger than my life.
– Another very important thing is to “count it all joy” or “in everything give thanks.” Seriously. I stop and start listing things I’m grateful for. I could never count them all… so by the time I get through a dozen or two, wow! I’m really blessed.

You know what? I have had some puddles to wade through, but when I think realistically — when I turn my focus away from myself and to God and others — my days really aren’t that hard after all.

How do you get through hard days? What helps turn your focus away from yourself?

Open Honesty: About the "Money" Issue

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
 Some days, it’s time to give you a little x-ray vision into my life. Today is one of those days. My life right now is spent teaching piano and violin, running With a Joyful Noise music, writing, and occasionally doing photography or graphics designing. I enjoy it all very much, but then there are days…
If you’ve been in the self-employed business world for any length of time, you know that building a business isn’t a bed of roses (or maybe it is — because you see more thorns than blossoms 😉 ). It takes a lot of work, sometimes with very little monetary gain.
And usually, money is the last thing I think about.
Until my computer basically crashes.
And my website needs to be renewed.
And a room needs to be finished for a piano studio.
And the price to print books increases.
And postal prices increase.
And, and, and…
The list goes on until even the smallest things (“What?! My phone bill is about to be raised $5?!”) are catastrophic.
Then, the brain begins to work.
What can I do to get more followers?
How can I promote my music so more people notice it?
How can I convince people to buy my books?
I need to stop doing giveaways.
I need to spend more time on social media, being interactive.
Don’t people even see my photography work anymore?
HELLO WORLD, I’M OUT HERE!!!!
Okay, so maybe the means aren’t quite that desperate, but you get the picture. The temptation comes to stop viewing my businesses as ministry and instead view them primarily as a money maker (or the desire for them to actually make money).
I was recently reading a passage with which I’m very familiar (in fact, I have it memorized), but I suddenly noticed two verses that connect. You’ll recognize the verses: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Timothy 6:10-11)
I acknowledge that 1 Timothy was written to a preacher, but as I read these verses, it suddenly struck me as a business owner/manager. My goal should never be money, but that which fades not away, because it is the desire to be rich that leads into a temptation and a snare (1 Timothy 6:9).
These verses beg me to evaluate my heart.
– Am I spending as much time pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness, as I am thinking about better ways to publicize my businesses and gain sales?

– Am I more concerned about the dollar sign attached to my product or whether it leads its consumers to these spiritual truths?
And as I evaluated, I realized some places where I had been tempted to go.
In writing, “genre” is pushed. Non-romantic, Biblically-solid historical fiction is not what’s popular. Dystopian? Romance? Fan-fiction? Oh yeah.
In music, hymns are a dying thing. You’ve got to catch up to the rave of pop, soundtracks, and limited popular modern Christian songs of the day (note: some of these Christian songs are Biblically solid).
My reasoning for doing any of these would be one thing: they will likely get sales.
Which leads me to a third evaluation:
– Am I working to get sales… or to present truth?
Just a few seconds evaluating my heart, and I realize where I’ve slid.
I’m looking at money, not ministry.
I’m looking at popular, not prayer.
I’m looking at cash, not Christ.
And I am reminded of all of the lessons that God taught me these past years in my businesses: my eyes must — at ALL times — be fully fixed on Him.

In my entire life, He has provided for my EVERY need. When I need the money, it’s there. When I need the work, it’s there. And sometimes, He even goes a step further and gives me an extra-special blessing, something that I don’t even need — just because He’s good like that.
Above and beyond that, God has blessed me more times than I can begin to count by the encouraging words of others. Hearts are being reached… and I’m worried about money?!
At the conclusion of this heart-searching and reminders, I am brought back to the place I needed to be the whole time: my knees. I can cast my every care upon Him, for He cares for me.
So my computer’s basically dead.
My website needs renewal.
My piano studio needs to be finished.
Books are more expensive.
Postage is more expensive.
Sure, I have these cares. But am I thinking about these things which will one day fade away? Or am I looking at the things of God:
Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Patience
Meekness
Because when it’s all said and done, this is what God has promised me: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33, emphasis added)
So yeah, I can work double-time to promote my businesses, but it will be at the expense of my spiritual walk. What is really more important for me? What kind of blessings does God have in store for my businesses — if only I will get my perspective right?
– – – –
What lessons has God been teaching you recently?

Historical Hints

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
Historical fiction. It has to be my favorite genre! Not only do I enjoy reading it, I also enjoy writing it. And as I have read and written it, there have been a lot of things that I’ve noticed. Sometimes it is simple things that will make or break your story.
Characters
1800 – You have this kid who says cool.
Actually, it wouldn’t be a kid at all — it would be a child. And “cool” is totally out of his century.
1750 – All of the families have 2-3 children.
Depending on the culture, some of the families would have had 2-3 children, but that was probably due to deaths of children (during childbirth, as infants). Otherwise, if you’re speaking English culture, families would have had larger families.
1550 – “I’m just kidding.”
What? Your character is having a baby goat? Nay. He would be in jest.
980 – “This is my dad.”
The first known use of “dad” is 15th century (how do I know that? Simple online search). He would most likely be “Father.”
How does your character dress? How do they speak? How do they interact with others? What do they call their grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles? How do they spend their days? What is their occupation? The answers to all of these questions help set the tone of your historical fiction novel.
Setting
What is the terrain? What do the houses look like? Are the streets crowded and dirty or clean and free of clutter? The more you describe, the more the reader “feels at home” in your story.
Food
What did they eat? Did they have crackers then? Soup? Bread bowls? Salads? Dressing? You could omit these details, or you could do a little research and make your story authentic.
Items
She looked around the parlor.
What did she see? Were there couches (or were they called sofas or settees)? Did the windows have curtains or drapes? What were the colors? The ambience?  Going from the parlor, what is in the kitchen? A butter churn? What about the barn? Are the walls lined with tack?
Things to Remember
Don’t assume. Do not assume that a published fictional book is accurate. It might be a good place to start with research, but don’t use it as the encyclopedia.
Research pays off. But be sure that you’re researching in the right places. The internet has great sources and the library has great books, but anyone today can have a website or publish a book. Check your information — if you find 2-3 places that say the same thing, chances are you’re pretty accurate. And remember: the best place to find solid information is in original documents, newspapers, etc.
Read books that were published in your era. If you’re writing in the 19th century, you have a world of books you can obtain that were written in the 19th century! And who would better know their century than those authors?
Writing historical fiction is the best tool to learning history — and you will unearth some pretty amazing treasures as you research! Don’t let the magnitude of work discourage you from writing. Learn as you go, and be willing to test your historical authenticity.
What makes a historical fiction novel authentic to you? 
What hints do you have for writing historical fiction?

"Wherever You Lead … but There…."

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
There is something alluring about sharing the Gospel with the heathen in Africa (or Europe or South America, etc.), smuggling Bibles, working in closed countries, boldly standing in courtrooms, translating God’s Word, preaching to thousands, seeing souls changed by hundreds.
But what about washing dishes, praying, loving our family, serving our church, ministering where we cannot be seen? Even as I write this list, I feel my heart deflating a little. Washing dishes? What is that compared to handing a Bible to a hungry soul? Staying with my family? What about being a “mom” to some orphans out there in a remote orphanage?
We say, “Lord, I’ll follow You wherever You lead,” but do we truly mean it?
Africa – “Yes, Lord, I’ll go there.”
Stay home – “Um, I think You got things wrong here. That’s not ministry.”
China – “Ah! Yes, Lord, I’ll go there.”
Pray – “Pray? Really. That’s not doing something for Christ’s kingdom!”
And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, 
and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: 
but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 
(Luke 9:23-24)
“Oh yes, Lord, I’ll do that … but the cross must look like ministry in my eyes. If I am to lose my life, it must be burying myself in some foreign country, not in piles of laundry.”
How do we view “taking up our cross?” Does it really mean following Christ — or following our preconceived ideas of “what this cross looks like?”
If the cross leads somewhere exciting … somewhere “going” … somewhere “doing” … yes, we’re willing to go, to follow. But what if that path leads somewhere that looks very un-ministry? Are we submitted to God’s guidance — or the guidance of our ideals?
We can spiritualize the paths we want to take. Desiring to be a missionary, pastor, orphanage worker, or participating in some other visible ministry is not bad — in fact, they are all Scriptural. But just because we want to do it does not mean we’re following God, taking up our cross, and denying selves. For some people, staying home and washing dishes takes more self-denial than the excitement of going out of country for ministry. Following God will not always look like some grand adventure, because God doesn’t measure our service by actions but by obedience and submission.
I am not trying to be anti-missions/ministry here. I am all about mission-work. I love the missionaries and ministries I know and fully support them, whether they be home or abroad. Jesus said to pray for more harvest workers, He said to “go ye therefore.” But He also says simply, “Follow Me.”
If any man serve me, let him follow Me; 
and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve Me, 
him will My Father honour. 
John 12:26
I don’t notice any specific ministries or mission-points mentioned in this verse. For some, “Follow Me” will mean “Go to the Philippines” or “Go to Iraq.” For others, “Follow Me” will mean, “Be an orphanage worker” or “Reach out to those unloved and hurting.” For yet others, “Follow Me” just might mean, “Stay single and serve with your family” or “Get a job and be a light there.”
When Jesus says, “Follow Me,” are we willing to give up our ideals of where the path may lead? Are we really willing to go wherever and do whatever?

Biblially Speaking – adultery (whoredom, remarriage after defilement)

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Part 6 in my study on what is abomination in the sight of God.
Recap:
Many believers have fallen into accepting that which is abomination in the sight of God. Unless we study God’s Word to learn His Mind on what is abominable, how will we know to purge ourselves from abomination? Lord willing, I will be posting the fruits of my study on the word “abomination,” but feel free to leap ahead of me and study it for yourself. What is an abomination to God?

The Hire of a Whore
Deuteronomy 23:18 Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.
God will not accept a monetary offering from funds gained by adultery.
Remarriage after Defilement
Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

For a woman to be divorced, remarried, divorced again, then come back to her first husband, is abomination in God’s eyes.