Growing up I was somewhat a Daddy's girl. I always have enjoyed being outside and doing the dirty work. I used to help my Dad outside or in his garage all the time. Last night, my Dad and I were in the garage and he said he wanted to know my opinion on something. At first I thought he was going to ask me another math question I didn't have the answer for. (he does that randomly, I call it humble pie)
My Dad then told me that he had a few guys from work confront him the other day. They told him that their church fired their youth pastor, because somehow the church found out that he wasn't paying tithes. The men wanted my Dad's thought on it, and my Dad wanted mine.
I told my Dad that I disagreed with. I have always been taught the way are commanded to tithe 10%. (I agree with that) However, I am not to sure that the Bible says a tithe has to be money. I believe that there are many ways to tithe, just like there are many ways to worship. Tithing for me might giving giving my free time up, which is rare for me to get. Tithing for some one else may be volunteering some where. A tithe is suppose to go to God and the support of His work.
(That was my answer to my Dad.)
Dad said that he saw it as the right thing in a business perspective. My Dad made it clear to me that he would not have handled it in that manner, but can understand. He explained to me that when the Youth Pastor came to that church and agreed to be on their staff that he more than likely knew what was to be expected of him. This man's job was to be a youth pastor, but just like in any job there are standards. Apparently paying tithes was one of his church's standards.
I went online and did a bit of research and found these definitions of the word tithe.
Wikipedia's definition:
A tithe (pronounced /ˈtaɪð/; from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a levy or tax-like payment (technically not a tax as it is not paid to a level of government), usually to support a religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required to be paid in kind, such as agricultural products (that grown of the land, or fruit of the tree). Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes.
Pastor Eddie Cude:
The tithe principle is this; "He gives unto us, we give back to Him one-tenth of all that He has blessed us with."
http://www.letusreason.org/wf34.htm:
There were three tithes in the Old Covenant. More often tithes were the crops, the produce of the soil was to be tithed, grains, the fruit of the trees, every year new wine and oil, the firstborn of their herds and flocks (Leviticus 27:30-33). If the place the nation of Israel were to tithe and was too far away to carry their goods (such as Jerusalem), it could be exchanged for money. They were to use their money to buy anything the owner chose: cattle, sheep, wine (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). Every third year the tithe was to be reserved as a festival tithe where they brought out all the tithe, and their produce where the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town, could come and eat and be content (Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 26:12-15). You can expect not to see those who teach tithing as an obligation to practice the third year tithe.
I myself still haven't come to a solid conclusion. I do believe that God could use more Christians that are willing and have good loving attitudes than money....
1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
~Testimony~
Well, I have been having troubles sleeping here recently. I thought I would take this chance to tell you all my testimony and a little bit of why I am who I am today.
I was saved at an early age. It was May 13th 1999. I was six years old, in first grade and lived in Virginia. It was a either a Monday or Thursday, and the only reason I remember that is because I remember going to a Sunday School or Awana classes the day before. In my class I remember the teacher teaching a lesson about Heaven and Hell. We went to this little copy room, in our small group. I sat on top of the copier and she had us imagine how dark and scary hell us. She turned off the lights and everything. (I was very scared, mainly of the dark!) That night I had a horrible night mare. I remember it to this day! I woke up when I felt my stomach leave my body and I felt like I was falling. My first thoughts were I am going to hell! The next morning I went to my mom crying. She asked me what was wrong and I told her I was going to hell. I don't remember what exactly she said. I entered in my Dad's computer room, where my mom was, and sat on her lap, where she led me to the Lord. That day I knew I was saved! I do believe I was somewhat scared into salvation, but fear doesn't save you! The fear just got me to listen and pay better attention. Because I was young I really didn't see much of a difference in my life.
In 2005 I began to struggle some. It was the year we started to grow up some and my Mom professed salvation. My mom called one night while away at my church's ladies retreat. I answered the phone to hear her crying. Me being who I am thought something was wrong. She told she had gotten saved. I was very surprised! I thought wait a minute, your my mom! You've already been saved! Satan then really started playing tricks in my head! I thought if mom did the salvation plan with me and she wasn't saved then I must not be saved...I struggled for that for a few weeks.
A few weeks later I was going to Jr. Church. When I got to the doors of my class there was a big table in the middle of the door way. The first thing I did was try to move it. haha The first thing my children's pastor, Bro. Jerry said was, "Amanda! Don't you go and move my table now. I put that there for a reason." then he laughed till he was purple. (-If you know him, you know that is normal.:)-) His message that morning was on taking the path less traveled. He used that table as an example for us kids to see what path we took with out knowing. He then talked about how no one can take that path for you, it was something only you were allowed to do for yourself. Bro. Jerry explained to us that there was not one person in this whole wide world that could get us to heaven. The only way we could get there was though the grace and saving power of Jesus Christ.
John 10:27-29
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
That day I learned a lesson I will never soon forget! I apologized to the Lord that day.
A few years past and as a grew strong some weeks I back slid others. I became less personal with God and more into a routine. At the WILDS camp in 2008 I rededicated my life to the Lord.
I've had my highs and lows. I sure have seen the Lord do great things! I have been working in the children ministries since I was in them myself. I love those kids! He has been working so much in and through me. I'm glad that He is still working and isn't done yet. I know that for a fact, because when He is done, I won't be here. I will be home!
John 14:2-3
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
This Is How It Is
Many people want to know what I am going to do after I finish high school. Well, today I plan on blogging about it! Some may not agree, and I'm ok with that.
Plan:
As of now I am a high school student. In three weeks I will Lord willing graduate! The weekend of graduation I will be moving completely into the apartment above our garage. I plan on spending this summer as a nanny for twin girls in Hendersonville. After things settle down I will probably get a part time job for nights, that could carry into a full time job once the summer ends.
I do plan to continue my education! (I want to make sure people know that first) Because of some family things and money. I will be going to be staying here in the fall. I will be taking my ACT this summer/fall. When I start in the fall I will more than likely just be taking one class. When I start all the classes my major will be Human Services at Vol State. Come spring depending on where the Lord leads me I may stay at Vol State or I may transfer.
Reasoning:
Being eighteen, I have been asked many questions! Here are some of those questions: Why aren't you going to your choice of college? Why are you waiting longer to start school? Do you consider this a sacrifice? Are you going to live and take care of your family the rest of your life? You do so much at home why would you stay when you could leave? Are your parents making you do this?
When asked some of these questions I got a bit offended. Truth is I have thought about a few of these my self. At first I was upset by my school situation. My dream and what I felt my calling was, was to go to a Bible college and stay in a dorm. I'd get a Biblical Counseling Major with a Women's Ministry Minor. I will not be going to my choice of college because 1. It takes money. 2. It is pretty far away. I will be waiting longer to start school because I have to take my ACT first. It has become a bit of a sacrifice, but I know that this will help me in the future.
To the question of taking care of my family my whole life the answer is most definitely! Do I plan on living with them my whole life? No. They are my family and I love them. I'd be a horrible person and a bad Christian example if I didn't help out my family when they need it. My normal answer to this question is another question. Wouldn't you take care of your family if they needed it?
At the beginning I was upset about staying home. I'm over that now and have a different mind set. See in the Bible times girls were raised by staying with their family, learning how to provide for a family, taking care of her family, and when the time came she would leave her family once she was married. (Numbers 30:3-4) When I did some research I became ok with staying at home. Now, I am going to have my own life and do my own things. I'm just going to continue helping out. My parents are not making me and forcing me to stay! I don't know where I'm going or what exactly I will be doing, but I keep getting reminded that God does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
My parents love me very much. I haven't taken my ACT yet because my Dad knows I do not take testing well. He knows that once I start studying I will get depressed and he doesn't want to bring that on me. My Dad has been one of very few people that has told me I do not have to go to college. Just because the world says I have to do something a certain way doesn't mean its true. My Dad is also the one having me move out to the apartment. He has been encouraging me to start my own new life. I've gotten a lot of slack being a teenager and not having a life. The truth of the matter is that I am a teenager I should not have a life. The time we are given as teenagers is suppose to be used to grow. We are suppose to be laying down the foundation for the rest of our lives not having a new boy friend every week.
I love my God and I love my family. I've realized my family is so much bigger than just the seven of us. I may not have a "life" yet. But my life is filled with family. I have so many family members from Church and 4-H. I could and would never replace all my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, and uncle figures! I love all of you very much!
Plan:
As of now I am a high school student. In three weeks I will Lord willing graduate! The weekend of graduation I will be moving completely into the apartment above our garage. I plan on spending this summer as a nanny for twin girls in Hendersonville. After things settle down I will probably get a part time job for nights, that could carry into a full time job once the summer ends.
I do plan to continue my education! (I want to make sure people know that first) Because of some family things and money. I will be going to be staying here in the fall. I will be taking my ACT this summer/fall. When I start in the fall I will more than likely just be taking one class. When I start all the classes my major will be Human Services at Vol State. Come spring depending on where the Lord leads me I may stay at Vol State or I may transfer.
Reasoning:
Being eighteen, I have been asked many questions! Here are some of those questions: Why aren't you going to your choice of college? Why are you waiting longer to start school? Do you consider this a sacrifice? Are you going to live and take care of your family the rest of your life? You do so much at home why would you stay when you could leave? Are your parents making you do this?
When asked some of these questions I got a bit offended. Truth is I have thought about a few of these my self. At first I was upset by my school situation. My dream and what I felt my calling was, was to go to a Bible college and stay in a dorm. I'd get a Biblical Counseling Major with a Women's Ministry Minor. I will not be going to my choice of college because 1. It takes money. 2. It is pretty far away. I will be waiting longer to start school because I have to take my ACT first. It has become a bit of a sacrifice, but I know that this will help me in the future.
To the question of taking care of my family my whole life the answer is most definitely! Do I plan on living with them my whole life? No. They are my family and I love them. I'd be a horrible person and a bad Christian example if I didn't help out my family when they need it. My normal answer to this question is another question. Wouldn't you take care of your family if they needed it?
At the beginning I was upset about staying home. I'm over that now and have a different mind set. See in the Bible times girls were raised by staying with their family, learning how to provide for a family, taking care of her family, and when the time came she would leave her family once she was married. (Numbers 30:3-4) When I did some research I became ok with staying at home. Now, I am going to have my own life and do my own things. I'm just going to continue helping out. My parents are not making me and forcing me to stay! I don't know where I'm going or what exactly I will be doing, but I keep getting reminded that God does. (Jeremiah 29:11)
My parents love me very much. I haven't taken my ACT yet because my Dad knows I do not take testing well. He knows that once I start studying I will get depressed and he doesn't want to bring that on me. My Dad has been one of very few people that has told me I do not have to go to college. Just because the world says I have to do something a certain way doesn't mean its true. My Dad is also the one having me move out to the apartment. He has been encouraging me to start my own new life. I've gotten a lot of slack being a teenager and not having a life. The truth of the matter is that I am a teenager I should not have a life. The time we are given as teenagers is suppose to be used to grow. We are suppose to be laying down the foundation for the rest of our lives not having a new boy friend every week.
I love my God and I love my family. I've realized my family is so much bigger than just the seven of us. I may not have a "life" yet. But my life is filled with family. I have so many family members from Church and 4-H. I could and would never replace all my mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, and uncle figures! I love all of you very much!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
How are you doing?
As many may know I am a senior this year. This is "the big year" for me. I am graduating soon and will be moving to the apartment just as soon too. So much has been happening in my life. Those of you who have had a part in my life and have been walking with me and helping me along have seen those things. In this point of my life I keep getting asked, "How are you doing?" "What are you going to do?". As every one knows there are good days and bad. Everyone goes through those days. lol When asked those questions sometimes I can smile really big and say I'm great and other days I want to scream in that person's face and say, "Horrible!!""I don't know go away!!" and just cry.(to those who have seen that I am sorry and know we will laugh about it soon :))
God has really been working in my life. In more ways than you and I may ever know. I wanted to share with all of you some things He is doing.
With graduation and "moving out" just around the corner I have been struggling with many fears. Yes, the girl that Megan claims has no fears and emotions has TONS! I have feared what if my computer breaks and I can't finish school, what if I don't get my ACT done in time and I won't be allowed to graduate, what if something happens and graduation is cancelled, or what if I move out and the apartment is infested with mice, what if I can't sleep with out Timmy in the room, what if I can't sleep with out knowing my Daddy isn't in the house, what if I never find the man God has for me, what if I'm too busy with my family and church and four h that the man never finds me. This list continues! However, if you look at the list you'll notice two words over and over, WHAT IF.
While reading God loudly told me to basically "Shut up your thought process! Stop with the what ifs and look at me!" In Jeremiah 29:11 He told me He knows what He is doing. All those "what ifs" I had have pretty much already been taken care of! :) So what if my computer breaks, God gave me a very smart Dad who makes a living from his smarts on computers. My fear of the ACT, we were told I do NOT need it to graduate high school.(I will still take it eventually) That was just miscommunication. God kinda gave me a whack up side the head and said "cut it out!". The apartment is not infested with mice, that's just crazy, and my Daddy isn't going to always be there, but my heavenly Daddy will NEVER leave!
Genesis 28:15 (King James Version)
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
God knows all of my what ifs and He has a plan! I just need to stop forgetting that.
We hear so many preachers and teachers talk about how we need to give things/areas to God. What some people leave out is that we don't need to give just "things" and just give "areas" to God we need to give OURSELVES to God. That's were the dieing daily comes in. (another thing I struggle with)
I worry a lot (in my head) about what will they think or how will I be viewed by people if I do or act a certain way. I have talked about before on how Bro. Jonathan has taught us to ask Why. Well, God has been teaching me to ask, "So What?" So what if things don't go as planed? They aren't suppose to be my plans I dwell on anyways, but His. So what? The answer to that question will always be...God will provide. God is here. God loves me. Regardless of if I/we see it or not God knows what He is doing. (That's been a big/HUGE thing for me)
Those are things we all know, but God's been making those personal to me.
So, to all my face book family I want to challenge you to ask, So What? and please continue to pray for me and all the other seniors embarking on this "growing up journey".
Thank you!
Amanda
God has really been working in my life. In more ways than you and I may ever know. I wanted to share with all of you some things He is doing.
With graduation and "moving out" just around the corner I have been struggling with many fears. Yes, the girl that Megan claims has no fears and emotions has TONS! I have feared what if my computer breaks and I can't finish school, what if I don't get my ACT done in time and I won't be allowed to graduate, what if something happens and graduation is cancelled, or what if I move out and the apartment is infested with mice, what if I can't sleep with out Timmy in the room, what if I can't sleep with out knowing my Daddy isn't in the house, what if I never find the man God has for me, what if I'm too busy with my family and church and four h that the man never finds me. This list continues! However, if you look at the list you'll notice two words over and over, WHAT IF.
While reading God loudly told me to basically "Shut up your thought process! Stop with the what ifs and look at me!" In Jeremiah 29:11 He told me He knows what He is doing. All those "what ifs" I had have pretty much already been taken care of! :) So what if my computer breaks, God gave me a very smart Dad who makes a living from his smarts on computers. My fear of the ACT, we were told I do NOT need it to graduate high school.(I will still take it eventually) That was just miscommunication. God kinda gave me a whack up side the head and said "cut it out!". The apartment is not infested with mice, that's just crazy, and my Daddy isn't going to always be there, but my heavenly Daddy will NEVER leave!
Genesis 28:15 (King James Version)
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
God knows all of my what ifs and He has a plan! I just need to stop forgetting that.
We hear so many preachers and teachers talk about how we need to give things/areas to God. What some people leave out is that we don't need to give just "things" and just give "areas" to God we need to give OURSELVES to God. That's were the dieing daily comes in. (another thing I struggle with)
I worry a lot (in my head) about what will they think or how will I be viewed by people if I do or act a certain way. I have talked about before on how Bro. Jonathan has taught us to ask Why. Well, God has been teaching me to ask, "So What?" So what if things don't go as planed? They aren't suppose to be my plans I dwell on anyways, but His. So what? The answer to that question will always be...God will provide. God is here. God loves me. Regardless of if I/we see it or not God knows what He is doing. (That's been a big/HUGE thing for me)
Those are things we all know, but God's been making those personal to me.
So, to all my face book family I want to challenge you to ask, So What? and please continue to pray for me and all the other seniors embarking on this "growing up journey".
Thank you!
Amanda
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