by Amanda Barnard | Dec 4, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
I was going to start this post with – are you a reader? Then I realized the frivolous context of the question, given the fact that you are currently reading, by viewing this post. So scratch that.
A real question would be, do you like to read? This is definitely an ok question to pose, I think. Just because you scroll through your phone or surf the internet, coming across miles and miles of information does not mean that you like to read.
Books are such a wealth of information. Before Google existed, published literature is what we had. Have you ever seen a real dictionary?
BETTER THAN TIKTOK?!
Yes I know, I know! It is hard to believe there was life before Google or even now as we see all of the recipes in video form on TikTok, how in the world?!?!
Everyone probably has had a list of books to read over the course of this year, but I didn’t start with the list I had made (insert facepalm here)! Nor do I even know where the list has gone.
So maybe some recommendations would be in order. My favorite book is the Bible! It is so full of information for our daily lives!
What is RICH?
One of my favorite verses is John 10:10, which tells us that Jesus came to give us a rich and satisfying life! Wow! A RICH and SATISFYING life!
Jesus came to give us a life full of blessings! But the first part of that verse warns us that the thief is coming to try and steal the Word from us, so he can kill and destroy us. So we know he is coming, we must stay on guard.
The Bible also tells us to guard our hearts above all things, yet it also says to love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and now I feel like a whirlwind or maybe I am in a tug-of-war. BUT WAIT! Thats it! This is war!
Ok, don’t get spooked about it because we are the winners! We have to put on the Armor of God as noted in Ephesians 6:11-18.
Let’s go back to the satisfying life! What may be gratifying to you, could look very different to me. Even the word “rich” could have many diverse definitions.
GOING BEYOND
But regardless, let’s imagine and dream! God plans are SO MUCH bigger than ours and if it can be accomplished by us, why would we need God? HE wants us to have a vision that there is NO WAY we could achieve on our own!
My goal is to win as many souls for the Kingdom, as is humanly possible! I want to use every avenue available! I WANT TO GO BEYOND ALL!!!
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 4, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
Do you think accountability as a blessing? Let’s look, together, at the meaning of the word. Merriam-Webster‘s dictionary defines “accountability” as –especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.
Now truly, there are some people that may look at having someone to be accountable to as a curse. But the reality is, to be a productive member of society requires us to not go about life freely with no boundaries. We need guidelines to live by.
HAVE YOU FALLEN INTO THE TRAP?
I believe we all have an obligation to ourselves and those around us to be responsible. But, oh! How easy it is to fall into the traps of lazy or being undisciplined. I was complaining to myself about me last night regarding this very thing!
Colossians 3:23 says, “Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.” Now I don’t know about you, but I sure do not want to be accused of ‘putting my heart and soul’ into being lazy!
And Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us to do everything with all of our might! Regarding this scripture, I sure don’t want to be lazy nor undisciplined with ‘all my might’. If I am going to work at something, I sure want it to accomplish something amazing!
Isn’t it interesting how being accountable encourages us to be the best version of ourselves? I don’t want anyone viewing me as lazy, especially Jesus who has done so much for me! I want to be the person that the Bible talks about. The one that Jesus is proud of!
STAND OUT
I want my adoration and honor for Him to show! Not just to others, but to Jesus. And it isn’t because of what HE does for me. But because of who HE is!
Being accountable, also means being correctable. An irresponsible person many times will get disgruntled at the mere mention of reformation. But the Word of God tells us that God corrects and disciplines those HE loves! (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:6)
So while it may not feel like it is our good fortune at the moment, having accountability is such a blessing. Because it is for HIS great love for us!
What are some benefits you have experienced by having someone (or something) to hold you accountable? Drop me a line! I would love to hear from you!
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 3, 2022 | Faith, Family, Motivation
Yesterday, I met with frustration. This meeting was completely unpleasant. Of course, I’m not sure who would enjoy such an encounter.
It happened on my pursuit of being intentional with family. Defining expectations can be a daunting feat, unless nipped in the beginning. A wise person once told me that it was much easier to tighten reins than it is to loosen them.
LIKE A SHIP WITHOUT A SAIL…..
What a profound statement?! If the requirements are known ahead of time, boundaries have a place. With the unknown, chaos rules.
There is no God in chaos. The Bible tells us that God isn’t part of disorder, but he is all about peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33) Additionally, Proverbs 11:14 says, “People lose their way without wise leadership.”
So today, prayer thrives. Growing up, I was always intrigued with the story of Solomon. This man that asked God for wisdom. God granted his request and gave him riches untold.
I don’t need the riches untold, but I sure need the wisdom!
So pray and agree with me, that I will handle all things well and with much wisdom. What can I agree in prayer for you about? Let me know!
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 2, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
I started reading the Book of Revelation from the Bible. To be honest, there is a lot of it that I haven’t understood. That hasn’t stopped me, as I continue reading.
The interesting part for me, is the stuff I do understand. Some of it seems like such a mystery. Yet, much more of it doesn’t.
Regardless, on my quest of being intentional, I will stay persistent to the course. I am determined to put good things into my mind and heart!
THE NERVE!!
I have been accused of being “too positive”. Wait, what? How can this be? Imagine! Being too positive! How dare?!
It’s really kind of funny! Like how is that even a thing? As opposed to being too negative? THANKS!! I’ll take it!
What goes in, will come out! So I will keep reading. Whether it be Revelation or Proverbs or any part of the Bible. Maybe some other uplifting book or article or quite possibly something to learn from.
What are you being intentional about today?
by Amanda Barnard | Jan 1, 2022 | Everything Else, Faith, Motivation
HELLO 2022! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As we embark into this new year, I want to post a word of encouragement to you all! I have been pondering and praying about many things going forward. Through the years, several plans have been made and haven’t followed through, but only I can make things different.
We cannot keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results. Have you heard that is the same thing as insanity? Not sure if it is true, but we could decide it could be one of them.
ONE WORD
I am clinging to one word for this year. My word is – INTENTIONAL. I have so many areas that I can apply this, as I am sure you do as well. I am going to try to start with this blog, to make myself accountable.
Not in any particular order, but some ways that I am determined to implement this application are:
- be INTENTIONAL with my relationship with Jesus.
- be INTENTIONAL with family.
- be INTENTIONAL with healthy living.
- be INTENTIONAL in finances.
There are so many more that I could add. However, we all know that it is not a good idea to overwhelm ourselves. The world is filled with too much anxiety as it is.
Finding the determination to stay the course or make this year better than the last few have been might be a task. At the end of 2022, I want to say it has been the BEST year of my life! Therefore, the challenges will have been worth it!
Also, the big 5-0 will happen for me this year and I intend to celebrate in some ways for the entire year! I have some amazing plans! If they play out the way I want, I will be visiting family, going to Disney, attending some other important events.
We also have more grandbabies on the way, which is EXTREMELY exciting! In just a few short days, we will meet our first grandson! We have anticipated his arrival for many years!
I would love for you to share in this journey with me! If you don’t have a word for this year, I hope this inspires you to come up with one! And if you do have one, would you comment?
Thanks in advance for sharing!
by Amanda Barnard | Dec 31, 2021 | Everything Else, Motivation
Do you ever just feel overwhelmed by it all? I mean the everyday. I know it may sound silly, but just everything and yet nothing. And yet, there is no way to pin point that one thing that makes you feel frustrated.
Today, mine is a reflection of the past year. 2020 sure had challenges, but 2021 has been altogether different and here we are at the end of it. I saw a cute picture meme with the character “Disgust” from the Pixar movie, Inside Out. The notation read – “Before I agree to 2022, I will need to see the terms and conditions.”
While in some respects, I do feel that way. However, we all know that is never an option. So today, I am going to move forward. I am going to do some reflecting and I am going to be determined to be intentional with choices in my life.
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Each day, is the first day of the rest of your life. Whichever day that it may be. That is it. I am going to make plans on purpose. I will achieve my dreams and goals.
But first, I must decide what those are. Mine will alter from yours. No two are the same. I am married and it is important that we align with one another, yet it is essential that we have individuality.
I am starting simple. One word that resonates with me is – INTENTIONAL. I know I already mentioned it earlier, but my desire is to take it seriously, today and moving into this next year of 2022.
So I am going to leave with this today. What is “one word” that you might cling to this coming year?
