Tag: Personal

Thankful for… Trials?

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on the last 12 months and everything that has transpired… I am thankful for trials. I know, that sounds like something delusional and maybe cynical, but hear me out. Our pastor referenced James 1:17 during our special Tuesday night service, and it got me to thinking. 

We often don’t see trials as God’s “good and perfect gifts,” but they are. According to James 1:3, the trying of our faith works patience. And patience builds completeness. I’m not a very emotional person, but I have cried more in the past 365 days than the five years prior to it. Some of it was a result my own stupidity and selfishness, some of it from the choices of others that directly affected me, some of it just life (changes), and some of it unavoidable trials.
I can honestly say, in looking back at the difficulties, heartaches, and worries I’ve lived through this past year, it’s been a good year. It’s been a hard year, but in the trials, I have seen God working in my heart to draw me closer to Him, to help me learn the Scriptures (not just what they say, but how to live them), to strengthen my relationship with my family and friends, and to strengthen me as an individual. I am not the same person I was a year ago, but that is a good thing. Because in these trials God has gifted me with, He has also used to grow me and work in me His beautiful purpose.

Happy July! | Tales of Faith 3-Month Tour

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

Happy July! This is an exciting month for me. Why? Let’s see if I can narrow it down…
Note: these are in no particular order of importance. 😉
1) It’s month two of the 3-month “Tales of Faith” tour!
I don’t know if you went through and read all of the first month’s posts, but I had a blast with all of these bloggers. The tour started out here where I reminisced the whole beginning of the “Tales of Faith” series. From there, we had reviews of “Befriending the Beast” at Wildflower Acres, Singing Librarian Books, and Tangled Up in Writing. A special excerpt at A.M. Heath’s Blog. I did an interview at Writings from a God Girl. I shared an inspirational post on waiting on We’ve Got Pockets. Two bloggers featured special behind-the-scenes posts: Maidens for Modesty (in which I share my brainstorming–never before shared publicly!!) and Drop in the Ocean (all about names and how I came up with them). On Faith Blum’s blog, I shared a historical note about castles. And last but not least, I shared three instructional writing articles on Blossoms and Blessings (on writing the perfect length), Author Abigail Harris‘s blog (on my stages of research), and Honey Rock Hills (Top 5 Tips for Christian Authors). Each of the links I just shared is a direct link to my articles, but I encourage you to browse these blogs and follow them. It doesn’t end there! 

This month is a whole new set of posts up on each of these blogs, featuring “The Secret Slipper“!! (pssst, it’s also on sale this month!) I hope you follow along.



2) I’m going to Canada to visit my sister!!!
That’s right. My sister found herself a Canadian to marry. The downside is that I haven’t seen her since January. The upside is that I now have a place to visit wayyy up north! I’m already trying to figure out which books to load on my Kindle (I have Kindle Unlimited, so suggestions are welcome!) and plan on doing a mix of reading and writing while we take this several-day-drive up there.


3) “Protecting the Poor” releases next month!!!
I can finally say it: NEXT MONTH!! This means a busy writing month for me (yep, I’ll likely be editing on our trip to Canada). Welcome, editing, formatting, promoting, and all that jazz. Yep, it will be a busy month indeed!



4) Our church has revival week!!!
Before we go to Canada, it’s revival week at our church. I absolutely love that our church still does a full Sunday-Friday revival week–but more than that, they also do morning services!!! It’s really like a week of Sundays! And I always, always need this week of revival services.
5) I get to do some book formatting!!!
Besides “Protecting the Poor,” I mean. 😉 This may sound like something minute, but I really do like book formatting and with college, it has been a long time since I’ve gotten to do it. Lord willing, this month though, I’ll be formatting three books! I’m really excited about that. I love making books look as pretty on the inside as the outside.
What’s on your July list?
I’m sure there are many more things in July that I’ll get to do, but those are the “big five.” 😉
What are you excited about this month? Have you been reading much this summer? Have you gotten to do anything new?

A Day in My Life

Published on by Amanda Tero1 Comment
On Monday (May 27), I decided to do a snapshot of my life (literally) on Instagram. Since many of my blog followers aren’t on IG, I thought I’d share it here.
Of course, each day is different for me, but right now (as in, this week–not last week, and not next week), this is kind of how a normal day looks.
What does a day in your life look like?

Have you ever done a “day in my life” post?

It’s Here! "Quest for Leviathan" release day!!

Published on by Amanda Tero7 Comments
The whole writing process never ceases to amaze me. One would think that, for a short story, there’s nothing extra exciting about “Quest for Leviathan.” But for me, it holds a powerful punch of excitement!
First… God has seen it through! I had moments of doubt as I tried writing this that it was a story I was supposed to tell. But, it was done all in His timing (more on that later) and, as with each of my publications, He has guided me and led me to do more than I thought imaginable.
Second… the idea was one that came to me while reading my Bible. Those are always fun! I thought it would be an easy-to-write idea (I mean, Leviathan! Come on!!!!). Instead, it took me the span of a few months to get beyond the first few paragraphs. I knew where I wanted to go, I knew the message God had given me for the story, but it just wasn’t coming together. Lots of prayer and patience went into this project!
Third… the timing was completely in God’s hands. As I mentioned above, “Quest for Leviathan” wasn’t a weekend project. But then and again, had I released it in the fall, I just might not have had Natalie illustrate it for me–as it wasn’t until much later that I decided I wanted to try some illustrations this go-round. There are many other exciting things related to “Quest for Leviathan’s” release (some of which I’m not at liberty to share yet) that are all happening because it’s a June release, and not a fall 2017 release.
Fourth… all of you have been so excited and supportive of my little story. For an author, that means the world (and I truly mean it). Unless you’re an author, you might not know just HOW MUCH it means to have others read your work, share about your work, and encourage you in so many ways! Thank you all to everyone who has made this such an exciting release to me!
Now… a little more fun stuff for release day…
ABOUT THE STORY

Leviathan took the life of his father.


Anath has spent three years preparing for the voyage that will end the threat of Leviathan. Yet as the Valor launches into the depths of the Mediterranean, an inward quest also begins, taking Anath to depths he is not willing to face.


Purchase an e-copy on Amazon or order a paperback.

If you would like a signed copy, email me at amandaterobooks@gmail.com
Add to your Goodreads shelf.

GIVEAWAY!
I am giving away TWO print copies of “Quest for Leviathan” to one winner — one for you, and one for your friend!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
BLOG TOUR
A shout-out to these lovely people who are helping spread the news of “Quest for Leviathan!” The bloggers are doing a diversity of things, so be sure to check them all out!
June 8 – With a Joyful Noise (Release Day Post)
               Resting Life (Spotlight, Review)
              The World of the Writer(Review)
              Authoring Arrowheads(Review)
              Purely by Faith Review(Review, Interview)
June 9 – Victoria’s Book Nook (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
              Bekah’s Books (Spotlight, Review, Interview)
June 11 – Clothed with Scarlet (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
              Reveries Reviews (Review)
June 12 – Chosen Vessels (Spotlight, Review)
              My Purple Pen (Review)
              Read Another Page (Review)
June 13 – Once Upon an Ordinary (Review)
              Maidens for Modesty (Review)
              Yahweh Sisters (Review)
June 14 – Honey Rock Hills (Review)
              Life of Heritage Corner (Spotlight, Review, Interview, Giveaway)
              Kaylee’s Kind of Writes (Review, Interview)
June 15 – The Red-Hooded Writer (Review)
              Blossoms and Blessings(Spotlight, Review, Interview, Giveaway)
              Lit Aflame (Review, Interview)
June 16 – The Left-Handed Typist (Review)
              Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review, Interview, Giveaway)
June 18 – Great Books for God’s Girls (Review, Interview)
              Peculiar Miss Darcy(Character Interview)
June 19 – Done in Love (Spotlight, Review, Interview, Giveaway)
              Creating Romance (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
June 20 – Keturah’s Korner (Review, Interview)
              Rock and Minerals 4 Him(Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
June 21 – A Baker’s Perspective (Review, Giveaway, Character Spotlight)
              Christian Author: A.M. Heath (Review, Interview)
              Views from the Window Friend(Review)
              Hunting for Truth (Spotlight, Review, Giveaway)
June 23 – Reading on the Edge (Spotlight)
              Summer Snowflakes (Review, Giveaway)
June 25 – With a Joyful Noise (Giveaway Winner Announced)

Writing Goals and Blog Break

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments

Last Friday, I posted a life update.

Life has suddenly taken a pretty crazy turn. I’m not only trying to get a whole Algebra book complete before April 23 (or, as much as I can to hopefully test out of remedial math, so I only have to take the one college Algebra required for a music major), but I’m also preparing for recital in May as well as teaching piano and violin and somewhere, in the midst of all that, dreaming about getting “Quest for Leviathan” published and “Protecting the Poor” written.
So… 
I’m going to get off pretty much all social media platforms for a month or so. Since I won’t be updating my blog with regular writing progress, I’ll just mention the goals I hope to accomplish in the next few months.
My main goal is to get “Quest for Leviathan” published! I have gotten the illustrations from my illustrator, and have reminded my final editor (aka, Mom) that the story is in her hands (my fault as much as hers that she forgot).

I would love to have it ready to hit the shelves for July.
Also for July, I want to get this other short story edited and published:
Yes, I’ve kind of forgotten about this gem, but my beta-readers have gone through it and given me wonderful feed-back. I just need to polish her up some.
And added to all of that is “Protecting the Poor,” which I still haven’t completely finished a draft for. I wrote about 75% of a first draft then decided to go back and change the beginning… and that is where I am still working. The first half of the 75% of the story.
So, those are my hopes and goals for the next few months in writing. At the same time, I realize that writing may need to go a little more on the back burner than usual, so I can’t promise that these stories will be done in that time frame. I would really appreciate your prayers as I work through this season of life and find the balance that I need!
Farewell for now! I’d still love to stay in touch, so shoot me an email at
amandaterobooks(at)gmail(dot)com if you’d like!

"Lord, are You Sure?" (Decisions and Following God | Part 3)

Published on by Amanda Tero6 Comments

In the beginning of this year, I wrote a two-part article on “Decisions and Following God” (part 1 and part 2). Since my heart-sharing today fits in with those two articles, this could almost be a completely unplanned “Part 3” of the series. Little did I know that the principles I covered in those articles would be tested in a very real way in my life. In fact, as I prepare to write this, I’m re-reading the articles and almost crying—because today I know more what it’s like to live what I wrote. Were I to write those articles today, I might add something like, “Be prepared to have your ship rocked, your world turned upside-down, your emotions a roller-coaster ride, and your heart freaking out!” Okay, so maybe not everyone responds to change the way I do. But when I wrote, “Now is a time for activesteps and changing,” my brain was gearing toward teaching piano and violin full time and becoming a “circuit teacher.” The more I prayed about those options, I sensed God honing my thoughts: I didn’t just need to pour out music, I also needed to get back into receiving music instruction so I could be better equipped to help others. The answer was completely not what I was anticipating. College.
College? Really?
As I began telling my friends and family of this decision, it made sense to them. They were all excited. Me? Oh sure, it made sense—and it excited me to so how many, many ways college was answering a lot of prayers for direction. But I was petrified. While everyone else saw all of the benefits, I highlighted all of the changes I’d have to make in my life (“I’m the girl who likes life to stay the same.”), and how many, many things I’d have to either eliminate or minimize. Because, unlike kids leaving high school and entering college, I have had ten years in which my life has been established outside of school. In fact, my world was rocked just a short four years ago, when my entire family moved from one state to another (during which, consequently, I had to leave my first set of music students behind). Two years ago we finished building our house, and since then, I had gradually been settling into a new, established life in my new location. I was finally feeling settled. So college? Now?
Even though I had written, “The first step is to save for and purchase my own vehicle. The second step may be to getsome long-distance studios set up. Or…God may change the direction after I takemy first step,” I didn’t know. College wasn’t on my radar. But, I believe without a doubt that it was on God’s. I knew change was going to happen—I just didn’t know to what extent.
In three days, my decision was made. Three days. I am not impulsive. Invite me over, and it will take me a month (or a year) to actually get there. One Saturday, I was talking to a friend casually about the college. At this point, I still wasn’t seriously thinking college, but that night, since it was all fresh on my mind, I wrote out the pros and cons to be praying about. I got on the college website to solidify a question only to see that the deadline for some paperwork was the following Friday—in six days. The next night, I talked with my parents (and found them to be fully supportive and maybe more excited than I). And on the third day, I was walking campus (a local college, just a few miles from home). That was March 5. It has taken almost the rest of March for me to actually be “okay” with the idea of college.
In this time of change, like many times before, God has brought me face-to-face with a lot of spiritual issues whose extent I didn’t even realize existed in my life. Pride has surfaced in a dozen new ways. Worry rose in my heart (Worry? I’m not a worrier! Or wasn’t…). I grappled for control of the reins. I saw the word “trust” in a new light. So many issues I thought I had victory over resurfaced (I’d gotten over being a workaholic—until I needed to do an entire Algebra book in six weeks).

In the middle of decisions and following God, life isn’t always a smooth ride. But, even in the midst of the inner turmoil I was facing, I knew. I knewthat this was what God was leading me to do in this season of life. How could I be so certain, yet have such a hard time with it?
I didn’t want to let go of my life. Reworking my entire life’s schedule cost me more than what some people can even imagine (unless you’re a big planner in a finally-established life). The reality that, instead of building my music studio, I would have to drop some students, threatened to tear my heart in two. Realizing that my writing would be even more limited than it is today overwhelmed me. Not to mention that the family-time I was learning to actively attain would be interrupted by college-work. Some people say I’m just preparing for the worst. My family knows me, though. They have seen me as I’ve struggled to overcome my work-obsession and they know the temptations that I’ll face with becoming a full-time student. Words fail to articulate the flood of thoughts that have passed through my mind in the last three weeks. It all boiled down to one thing, though: surrender.
This was a new angle of surrender that I didn’t even realize was needed in my life. In fact, I didn’t even realize that surrender was the issue until this week, when I texted all of my students’ parents to notify them of my fall plans. As soon as the last parent was texted and everyone now knew (and was wholly supportive of) the change in my schedule, I felt the calm peace that I had longed to accompany the assurance God had given me. It wasn’t the action of texting the parents that did it, though. It was because, as I was texting, I was also releasing it all to God. I had surrendered the writing-time. I had communicated with my family about my concerns about our limited time together. But until the point when I texted all of my student families, I hadn’t let them go in my heart. “Teaching is my life” was close to true for me, and I had refused to honestly acknowledge that I couldn’t do college and keep every single student. Last weekend when I was talking to my sister-in-law about it, she said, “So, you’ll just have to say, ‘God, You’ve got to work this out for me.’” I actually told her, “I’m scared to do that—what if He takes away the ones I don’t want Him to?” Yes, it was an issue of surrender.
In all of this, though, there has definitely been more than struggle and challenges. There is the assurance that where God leads, He will keep me. There is the beauty of seeing answered prayers. There is the incomparable comfort of Scripture. There is the blessing of the amazing support from everyone I know. There are the prayers of others on my behalf. There is the peace in knowing that God has clearly led me to take this step. There are so many, many things for which I’m daily grateful in this season of life. It has been hard (It would be a lie to not admit it), but it has also been a beautiful season. And, as I am going through it, I have seen others who are also experiencing this “season of change”—and it makes me grateful to know that none of us are in this alone. We have each other, but above that, we have God as our guide.
Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalm 73:23-28

– – – – –
On a personal note to my blog-readers, in saying all of this, blogging may be one of the things I need to cut out. For the next month, for sure, I’m going to be doing minimal blogging as I do have that deadline in which to get Algebra done (I’m hoping to test out of remedial math so I only have to do the one college Algebra required for a music major). 

Leviathan Art, Protecting the Poor Progress…

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Yes, it feels like it has been ages since I’ve been able to sit down to write, when in truth, it had only been about a week’s break. Last week, I was able to reach my 1,000 word goal in “Protecting the Poor!” I am still working on rewriting the beginning to strengthen the plot and characters’ goals before I finalize the ending. I didn’t get any research reading in, but this week looks a little less busy, so I may be able to do so this week.
Also, last week, my young artist friend gave me the first picture to go into “Quest for Leviathan!” Here’s a sneak-peek. It’s quite amazing!! 😀

Also with writing, I had writing day #2 of the year at our house. Do you ever have those days when you’re sitting down to write, and that was the last thing you feel like doing? Yeah, that was me on Thursday. I was able to get about 200 words in–during the three hours we had set aside. 😛 But, on the bright side, I replied to everyone’s comments here on the blog (if you commented in the last three months, go back and check 😉 ) and got the writing assignment up on Wordquill.

And THEN!!!!!!

For about two years, my cousin has been trying to get me down to Louisiana on a certain weekend to go with her to a library book sale (it’s a building specifically for this, and they open it every month). At long last, our weekends worked out, and I was able to go.

This place is dangerous, guys! 

No, those are not all for me. I promise!! I did manage to keep about half of them and the others went to my sisters and some are for reselling. 
Here is one of my favorite finds: 

And yes, I did find room on my bookshelves for all of the new books I have. 😉 I just may need to do some arranging before I get any more books…

How was your week last week?
Is there any way that I can be praying for you?

Oh, and before I forget…
This week’s goals…
– Write 1,000 words
– Read 10 pages research

Do you have goals for this week?

On the Upswing!

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
Last week’s writing went far better than I anticipated!! It was the final week of Author Olympics and that pushed me to do a lot more than I would have initially.
So, here are my goals and what really happened:
This week, I’m not anticipating such a big writing/reading week. Not only is the sick season dwindling out so I can teach again (praise the Lord!!), but I also have some busy weekend plans.
I will, however, make some goals. Because, as I’ve indicated before, if you don’t reach for something then you will get nowhere. So, my goals for this week are…
  • Write 2,500 words
  • Read 30 pages (in other words, start another research/writing book)

From My Feed

This is needful on so many levels, both spiritual and physical. 
For today, I’m thankful for a friend who challenged 
me to go above my writing goals for today. 

Why yes, I go downstairs for the evening prepared. 
By the way, this crochet bag my mom made for me 
is perfect—it fits not only my crochet, 
but also other delightful things… 
like books and kindles and notebooks… 

This series holds a special place in my heart. 
I first borrowed and read the “Love Comes Softly” 
books from my Grandma Carpenter (the classic 2-in-1 copies). 
Later, I inherited the first four books of this series 
(pictured) from my Grandma Tero when she passed away. 
So… this series connects me to both grandmothers. 
I’m not usually sentimental, but here I just may be. 
One of my goals this year is to re-read the 
“Love Comes Softly” series. Tonight, I intend to start it!

<Added note: I finished reading it and posted my review here>

Saturday reads/current review reads. It’s a lazy 
Saturday after a very long week, for 
which I’m grateful. I’m really looking forward 
to chilling out today! What are your weekend reads?

And then from my Instagram Stories… regular updates on my writing and such:

So, there’s my glorious report from last week! Next week shan’t be quite so glorious, I imagine, but that’s okay. To each week there is a purpose. 😉

What do you hope to accomplish this week in writing? 
Or… do you have some non-writing goals for the week?
Are you reading any good books? Any research books?


Author Olympics!!

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
One of my FaceBook friends has started an Author Olympics to go during the winter Olympics.
I actually don’t watch the Olympics because we don’t have TV, but… Anita’s Author Olympics have been an excellent motivator for me to do more! We get to choose our own bronze, silver, and gold goals (whether writing or researching or editing or other writing-related thing…). This has been helpful for me, as each day I’ve been able to evaluate what I’d likely have time for, and then make goals accordingly.
So, last Tuesday, I really low-bid it on the goals (that’s what I get for making goals on a not-feeling-best day 😉 ). So, I’m pleased to say that I’ve been able to surpass those goals!
Last week, I…
– wrote 5, 517 words!
– read 74 pages in research/writing craft books
This week, I hope to…
– write 3,000 words (average 500 words a day)
… or more … 😉
– read 75 pages in research/writing craft books
{for the record, I think I’ve decided that I’ve read enough of The Bowyer’s Bible to get me where I need to go. I’ve only half-finished the book and I think my reading time will be more productive elsewhere, so… *gasp!* Horror of horrors, I’m going to NOT complete a book!!!}
From my Feed
This was from last week, but I didn’t feel like digging it out. 😉 I took a trip to the library with my sister and came home with…


Personal library trip rule: 
Only get as many books as you can 
actually read before they need to be returned.
…
I think I can do this in three weeks… if not, 
I can call and renew for an extra three weeks. 
That’s not cheating, is it???

{for the record, I had to renew the books yesterday, and… I’ve only made progress in two of the books; haven’t completed any of them! 😛 }

I’ve penned ten short stories (eight published), and this is the first time I’ve actually read something exclusively for the short-story writer. 😐 Actually, I wasn’t aware of these books until I saw them on my library’s shelves earlier. I’m eagerly excited to see what great tips these books hold. I just may be getting addicted to reading books on the writing craft. They’re really good, y’all! If you’re a writer, what are the best books “on writing” that you’ve read? And if you’re a writer and have NOT read books on writing… you really need to. A doctor doesn’t become a doctor by attempting surgery, but by learning first how to do it (and we’re all grateful). Sure, we can learn a lot BY writing, but we also need some experts to give us a little guidance here and there.
*okay, stepping down from my unintentional soap-box here!

For your random enjoyment:

Do you like chicken salad with 
“all the fixings?”

Since I’ve kept y’all semi-updated about my energy levels, this was from last Monday:

Never underestimate the beauty of a completed to-do list. This one is especially beautiful for me, because it is the first real to-do list I’ve been able to complete all year! I am SO VERY THANKFUL to have energy after being weeks of low energy (due to vitamin D and iron deficiency). Praising Jesus!!!
Now for all of my daily updates. These you probably cannot see unless you are actually on Instagram, because I put these in my stories (if I get the settings right, you can only see stories if you’re following me??).

My current research-read. It’s cool and very useful!

Hang in there. If I have time this week, I just might release more information on this WIP that the Lord has been giving me so many words in! 🙂 I’ll tell you this much: last week, I hit the 20,000 word mark! My original goal was 25k, but… I just may have to tweak that a little. 😉
Your Goals
I’m going to start something this week and TRY to remember to keep it up! Link-ups!! I would obviously like to hear your goals here in a comment, BUT if you have a blog and want to start staying accountable on there, link up with your goals! (let’s hope I did this correctly 😉 ) document.write(”);

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?