Tag: Personal

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.


Slow and Steady

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
In usual life, I’m the hare. I don’t mean to say that proudly (cause we all know, the tortoise won the race 😉 ), but truly. I like to do things in a jiffy. Just… get them done already. 

But, as I indicated last week, there are weeks to slow down. And for some reason, the whole month of January has been that “week(s) of slowing down.” I may write an article about it someday, but it’s actually been a good month. God’s grace has been sufficient for a more relaxed pace, and I have gotten work accomplished. I’ve just also had days when I had energy to do literally nothing. But that’s okay. Still taking life one day at a time–and I have a new sympathy for people who struggle with chronic fatigue, and am grateful that this is but a season of life!

That being said… I did get my goal accomplished from last week, praise God!

Goals from Last Week
  • Write 1,000 words
    • Wrote 1,370! (does that make up for being a little short my goal last week? ;))
  • Read 30 pages in The Bowyer’s Bible
    • See images below, but yep! Check!!
  • Received beta-reader notes back for “Quest for Leviathan!”
I was also able to do some unexpected projects:
  • Wrote a 4k-word article (being posted this week)
  • Edited and scheduled a writing post for Wordquill (will link to that on Saturday)
Goals for This Week
This week looks a little busy for me. I’ll pretty much only be home with a clear schedule for 1 1/2 days. And, given that the other days are extremely busy, I may need to use a good portion of time to just relax and rest up (that “tortoise” part I don’t know how to do very well–anyone with me here? 😉 ). But! I’m going to try for some goals!
  • Edit “Quest for Leviathan”
  • Write 1,000 words
  • Read 20 more pages in The Bowyer’s Bible
  • Start another research book
    • (hopefully one that is easier to read and understand than the bow book 😉 )

From my Feed
Glimpses of those 30 pages I had to read…
And the one day in which I made significant progress:

(Yes, I got my goal in just one day, and only 200 words in another day… was that cheating??)
And other writerly/readerly posts…

Finally! My most-anticipated-read of January 2018 came in the mail! 
Courtesy of Bethany House for review. 

One of Thursday’s projects: getting an interview schedule for my the blog! 
Author Vicki Watson sent me her charming children’s series to review. 
Sonrise Stable books were a delight to read and I highly recommend them for children!
{look for these on Friday!}

Writing sometimes takes a very personal turn. 
Friday, I worked on an article about following God’s direction—
and the lessons I’ve been learning there. 
It required some reflection, a lot of Scripture look-ups, and transparent sharing. 
I’m eager to share the truths I’ve learned (and am trying to learn)! 
Proverbs 3:5-7 has been my anchor through SO MANY 
decision-making times. What passage do you turn to in these tricky times?
{being posted tomorrow/Thursday!}

Just for my brother… 
because he accuses me of posting “nothing but books.” 
Here! A picture of ME—and… a book… 

Now, from you!
What are some praises you have from last week?
What are some projects you’re anticipating this week?
What’s one of your most-anticipated read for 2018?
Do you find research books tough to read?

Looking Backward, Looking Forward

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments
2017 was definitely not the writing year that I had expected, but when I look back over 2017, it was a good writing year. I didn’t get near as many words in as I had hoped, I’m not as far along in my writing projects as I had hoped, but I did make progress–and that’s what counts, right?
Looking back at 2017, I was able to…
  • Publish “Hartly Manor” (short story)
  • Publish “The Secret Slipper” (book 2 of Tales of Faith series)
  • Read 5 books on the writing craft (links to my reviews: The 12 Key Pillars to Novel Construction, Plot, The Story Cure, Creating Character Arcs, Write Well)
  • Start hosting writing days at our house
  • Finish second draft (major rewrite) of Nat’s story and place it in the hands of beta readers
  • Meet several new author friends
  • Read 9 Civil War books (fiction and non-fiction)
  • Read 2 medieval research books
  • Purchase a couple (few?) dozen Civil War books (hey, thrift stores have amazing deals, okay?)
  • Encourage others in their writing
  • Begin keeping you all semi-regularly updated with my writing progress (and hearing you all comment–that has been a big highlight of my blogging/writing year!)
  • Write some articles for Wordquill
  • Start at least a half dozen short stories and novellas still unfinished 😛
I’m sure there are plenty more writing blessings of 2017, but I’m coming off a week of sick-brain, which is fuzzy at best. 😉 That at least gives you a glimpse.

Now, we get into 2018. I’ll admit, I have some writing dreams and goals. All of these, I understand, will be carefully prayed through week by week. But you can’t hit a target if you don’t at least aim. I’m taking a challenge here–cause I usually am not one for big goals. So, with God’s guidance and direction, I shall attempt to:
  • FINISH NAT’S STORY!!! (yeah, that kinda has to be #1 with everyone breathing on my neck ;))
  • Write book 3 of the Tales of Faith series
  • Finish and publish 3 short stories that I began in 2017
  • Start book 2 of Nat’s journey
  • Read 10 books on the writing craft (any suggestions?)
  • Read 10 non-fiction/research books
Now, I’ll admit, these look like crazy lofty goals for me because I realize how little writing time I usually have. So, while these are my goals, I’m also considering what I had asked y’all to be praying for a few weeks back: a balanced schedule. It is always possible that my teaching schedule will expand, and I’m going to try my best to keep an opening for family time. But when writing time happens, Lord willing those will be my goals.
What about you? What were you able to accomplish in writing 2017? Are you satisfied with those goals? Do they help you to make different goals for 2018?

At the End of the Year…

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
When I look back at 2017, our family sure had its share of difficult days, weeks, and months. On paper, 2017 dealt us several harder blows than 2016. That is why, when I think back to 2017, I am amazed—because, for me, it was a much better year.
In 2016, I was a rebel fighter. I fought change. I fought schedule conflicts. I fought my little circle being turned inside out. I clung desperately to the way things had been and blamed people for changing everything that I was comfortable with.
 

via


Then 2017 came along. Our family faced far more changes (in 2017 alone, our family singing group changed its main singers and repertoire three times completely—that usually happens about once every four years). We faced a magnitude of heartache and trials like never before. But somewhere in between ‘16 and ‘17, the fight left me. The God Who continually works in me (Psalm 138:8, Philippians 1:6) didn’t give up on the “me” of 2016. Instead, He was patient. He never stopped speaking to me from His Word. He never stopped giving me “just the sermon I needed to hear.” He never took away godly family and friends who prayed for and counseled me. Over and over again, He would point me in the direction I should walk. He extended to me grace like I refused to extend to those around me. Oh yes, there were days in 2017 when I audibly declared, “I give up! I just give up!” The pressure was too hard. The change was too close. The hurt was too real. But you know what? No matter what God allowed our way, He held me close. He gave me the comfort I needed. He convicted me where I needed to be convicted. And He has used it all to continually mold, shape, grow, and mature me.
So when I examine my life, the biggest difference I see from 2016 and 2017 is me. In 2016 I was on the verge of being bitter, crushed, and critical. God’s grace opened my eyes to that and helped me to forgive, heal, refocus, and surrender.
I’m not saying all of this to at all exalt myself, but to exalt my Savior. My family can testify that there were many days this year where my attitude was pathetic, my focus awry, and my time mismanaged. But at the end of the year, the Lord and Savior I serve brought me through another year of ups and downs. Yes, we go through hard days. Yes, life is difficult. Yes, some years are more trying than others. Our God never changes. And, if we will let Him, He will use the merciless storms of life to show us a broader measure of His grace and mercy.

Therefore… give thanks.

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments
Our family has adopted a memo for this year: “This has been THE year.” It seems like life has thrown so very much our way—a lot of hard things, difficult choices, sad days…yet also joy and blessings. On a day like Thanksgiving, we all think, “What can we be thankful for?” Today, I decided to do a quick Bible study about why we should “Give thanks.” I didn’t get past the first verse: “Therefor I will give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto Thy Name.” (2 Samuel 22:50) Of course, I had to see what the “therefore” was there for. For what cause was David giving thanks? Hang on, because this “quick study” took a little time as I read through the chapter and listed out reasons that we ALL can be thankful to God.


– He is my rock, fortress, and deliverer (vs. 2)
– The Lord is my shield, my salvation, my high tower, my refuge, my Savior (vs. 3)
– The Lord hears me in my distress (vs. 7) and moves on my behalf (vs. 8)
– He sends from above, and draws me out of many waters (vs. 7)
– He delivers me from my strong enemy, and that which is too strong for me (vs. 18)
– He is my stay/support (vs. 19)
– He delivers me and delights in me (vs. 20)
– He rewards and recompenses (vs. 21)
– He shows us mercy and uprightness and purity (vs. 26-27)
– He is my light in darkness (vs. 29)
– By Him, we leap over a wall (vs. 30)
– His way is perfect, His Word is tried (vs. 31)
– He is a buckler to all who trust in Him (vs. 31)
– He is God, our rock (vs. 32)
– He is my strength and power; He makes my way perfect (vs. 33)
– He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, sets me on high places (vs. 34)
– He teaches my hands and gives me strength (vs. 35)
– He has given me His shield of salvation (vs. 36)
– His gentleness has makes me great (vs. 36)
– He enlarged His steps so we wouldn’t slip (vs. 37)
– He gives us power over the enemy (vs. 38)
– He gives us strength for battle (vs. 40)
– He delivers us from the striving of people (vs. 44)
– The Lord lives, He is the rock of our salvation (vs. 47)
– He avenges for us (vs. 48)
– He brings us forth and delivers us (vs. 49)
– He is our tower of salvation and shows us mercy (vs. 51)

THEREFORE we can give thanks go Him.
On days like Thanksgiving, we often face things that have been hard for us in the year, and struggle to be thankful around them. Only God knows what each of us are going through, but if you’re struggling to focus your eyes on your blessings, why not take a look into God’s Word and see why we CAN be thankful?

When Life Happens…

Published on by Amanda Tero4 Comments
Last week was a pretty insane week. One of my sisters is going through a hard point in life, so she and I decided to trek down to Louisiana for a weekend off (she had some other things to do, I visited cousins, friends, and grandparents). One of my brother’s girlfriend’s mom discovered that she has pretty serious breast cancer (please pray for Mrs. Linda!), and my dad got some negative health news as well. Add teaching 2 days plus a houseful of colds/fever going around and yeah… that’s how my week went. Writing was wayyyy on the bottom of things.
But you know what? As each new piece of news struck us, all I could do was give a little grin.  And it wasn’t a sardonic grin. It was just… “Really? Wow… just how much news could a family handle in one week? What will we hear next?” 
It was also amazing. It could have easily been a very depressing week, but instead, all I could see was God’s hand and His miraculous blessings on our lives. I really think that God had prepared my heart with listening to Choosing Gratitude. The hardships of life look different when you’re looking at them through eyes grateful to God of all the blessings He has bestowed upon our lives! Yeah, it’s been a tough week–more-so for certain family members than for myself–but God’s grace is still sufficient, and He is good. All the time.
Oh, and guess what the week of bad news ended with? A nephew!! Yep. God saw fit to make the week end with happiness (my sister-in-law took the all-natural route so no induction). Sorry, I can’t share pictures publicly, but trust me: Adam is the cutest, most adorable little infant there is! (And I’m not wholly prejudiced; many of our family and friends say the same thing) After waiting for what seems years and year for “our life to move on” (i.e. siblings getting married and having babies), here we are! And it truly seems like it all happened quickly–not after a decade of waiting. God’s timing is perfect, and seriously, it is wholly worth the wait. My siblings are all striving to follow God in their relationships, and so far, God has spared our family from much of the heartache that happens when people get impatient and try to take matters in their own hands.
So, writing week? No. But is it a week I’d live without? No, not really. Because in weeks like the one I just lived, it reminds me more and more of the great God that I serve and His hand over anything that happens in our lives. There is really nothing better I can ask for in life.

A Little About Me

Published on by Amanda Tero5 Comments

A few days ago, I shared my personal testimony on Instagram and Facebook. For those who aren’t there, I’d love to share it here… and hear your own testimonies of how you came to Christ!


I was born and raised in a Baptist preacher’s home. I knew all of the rules, and overall, I was the “good kid.” I rarely sneaked behind my parents’ back–and if I did, ​trust me, my conscience would beat me up! When I was about five or six, I was part of a church sign language class with a very zealous teacher. In one session, she asked who wanted to accept Christ as their Savior. I remember raising my hand. Since my parents were Christians, she told me to talk with my parents that night. I was all bubbly as I bounded up to my parents with, “I want to be saved!” 

I remember talking to them that night, but that’s all (in my parents’ words: my siblings were wondering why in the world they didn’t lead me in “the sinner’s prayer” — thank God for wise parents; they knew that I had childish curiosity, but not Christ-given conviction). However, when I was about seven, I vividly remember December 3. During Bible time for school, I had to read a few verses then jot down my thoughts. For at least two days, my answer was, “They need to be saved.” That day, however, God hit my heart on a personal level: *I* needed to be saved. 

That night, when my parents talked to me about Jesus Christ, His sacrifice for my sins, and that He is the only way to salvation, I understood and prayed, repenting of my sins. This, for me, was just the start. I was a good kid, and at seven, there is only so much “wicked” that a kid could do in action. Salvation goes much further than that, for me. 

God has continued to mold me and shape me to become more like Him, and as I have gotten older, I am struck with the grim reality of everything my life has been spared because I came to Christ as a young child. No, my life isn’t perfect, but my God is. What’s more, there is nothing like the certainty that He will never leave nor forsake me!!

I would love to hear your salvation testimony!




"Reflections of the Cross" album update

Published on by Amanda TeroLeave a comment
After a few months at a stand-still with “Reflections of the Cross” piano solo album (you may remember the announcement trailer here), I kind of had a “duh” moment. The stand-still was that my brother couldn’t find a certain key to his program (yeah, fancy equipment stuff and all)… but why not me try and use a free program to enhance (aka, “master”) the music myself? So far, with the help of YouTube and my brother’s fancy speakers, things have commenced.

I’m not sure why I didn’t attempt mastering audio before (actually, I think it always intimidated me.).. but so far, it’s gone much more smoothly than I would have imagined! Still continue to pray for this project though! God’s timing is perfect, I fully realize that. I have a lot on my plate, and I don’t want to try to force something to happen if it’s not God’s timing.


What’s something new you learned this week?
What is your favorite hymn about the cross?


If a Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words…

Published on by Amanda Tero3 Comments
Well, then, I shall fill this post of pictures. 😉 Because last week was not one of the word-heavy type. Now, before I complain too loudly, the Lord blessed me with an excellent start of the week. Last Monday, I loaded myself up and trekked out under the magnolia tree to do some writing.

In the nice, cool, quietness of Monday, I was able to add about 2,000 words to Nat.

I had to pull out my 18th Missouri book to get some details straight before I progressed in the story. Thanks to all who prayed last week. The ending is looking a little clearer. What do you think… cliff-hanger or sorts?? Not like a huge one, but… just a wee one? Do you like cliff-hangers for the end of a book?

Oh, oh, oh!!! Guess what I got in???

Yeah, no… it’s not going to be for me. 😉 Doesn’t quite fit. But! I’m working on getting things moving for a cover picture!! I can’t believe I’m actually thinking about this aspect of my book!
And one last thing: I’m really considering changing the series titles. You see, I have “Orphan Journeys” as the title under which I published “Journey to Love.” I have that convenient “Orphan Journeys novellas” and had considered that Nat’s story would be the first of the novel series. However, as it’s looking now, it looks like Nat (or people associated with him) will have a trilogy. And then I’ll have a completely different, disconnected series of individual novellas. Yeah. Just a little confusing. So… I’m considering changing the series title. Which, in turn, will mean that I’m changing the title from Journey of Choice to… well, that will have to wait. After all, I just have ideas. Nothing concrete yet. I’d really appreciate your honest thoughts on the series title change. Do you think it would be a world less confusing to have two different series entirely, even though they’re both about orphans?

I Want to be Writing…

Published on by Amanda Tero2 Comments
This has been my thought almost every day the last week. Truth be told, I’ve only had one day in which I even had time to write, between company for four days, teaching two days, a homeschool craft day at our house, and a bridal shower at our house (yep, all in a week’s time). So this post will be short, and not much of an update. 
In that time I was able to write, though, the Lord allowed me to finish editing the chapter I spliced in from rough draft, and I was able to get some brain-work done toward the ending (is it just me, or is half the battle figuring out in the brain what one must do?). I’m really praying that next week, Lord willing, I’ll be able to sit down and do some active writing.
As a side-note, on Instagram, I’m doing a “book cover” challenge (even if you’re not on Instagram, my account is public, so you can still see what covers I’ve had so far this month). One of the days, the word was “soldier.” Oh that got me all excited!! I pulled out just a few of my Civil War books because I couldn’t settle on just one cover. 😉

I haven’t read all of these yet (actually, I’ve read most of the non-fiction, but none of the fiction). My CW collection is currently my biggest era on my bookshelf. What about you? What era do you have the most books on (fiction or non-fiction)?

Just because this week was another not-so-great writing week for me (which, so far, this week looks better!), doesn’t mean you all were in the same boat. So comment and share! What were you able to work on in the past week? Any major breakthroughs in your writing?

Before I sign off, a quote from Journey of Choice WIP:

Quick question: how many of you know the gist of what Journey of Choice is about? I keep talking about it, but have I shared enough to where you know the general “back cover blurb” idea? I’m considering sharing that soon!