Amanda

Amanda is one of my good friends from college, and one of the most genuine, kindest souls I have ever met. She is someone who speaks so much truth and is full of wisdom. She truly is someone who models what it looks like to love others like Jesus.

What does life look like and mean to you when you are fully remaining in Jesus?

Fully remaining in Jesus means knowing God is for me, not against me and He is with me wherever I go. It’s simple to say, but there are times when I find myself at the end of a day and I realize I never touched my Bible and other times when I didn’t even think of God throughout the whole day. The enemy wants to fill me with shame and condemnation for this, but I have to speak Truth over myself knowing that I can still go to God, sit at His feet and be blessed. I don’t have to wait until I’ve read my Bible or prayed or served in the community before I am welcomed into Jesus’ presence.

Jesus never leaves. Jesus never gets tired of us making mistakes. Jesus doesn’t look at us and see sin and missed opportunities. Jesus is waiting for us to turn to Him. Even when we feel the most broken, we can turn to Him and receive all we need. 

In what ways do you connect with God on a daily basis?

I love to play worship music in the background, no matter what I’m doing because subconsciously it’s filling my head with thoughts of Jesus and aligning my heart with the truth. I’ll notice myself singing those songs later in the day and it really lifts my spirits! “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe is so so good :)

Resting in God’s presence and praying for friends and family by name is a special time during the day. (Sometimes I’ll accidentally fall asleep while praying and I always fall into the sweetest sleep.) Taking time to listen to God and acknowledge that I am in His presence helps me see the world through God’s eyes. I ask God questions to reconcile my emotions with His thoughts or ask Him what He is saying to me in my life today. God always has thoughts, we just have to ask him!!  

What are you currently doing to connect with God in the midst of what’s going on in the world and having to stay at home?

One thing I have just recently started is called the 1-1-1 daily Bible reading. You read one Psalm, one Proverb, and one chapter of the Bible. Say today is April 22, so you would read Psalm 22, Proverb 22, and I’ve started going through the book of Ephesians, one chapter a day. My pastor suggested this and it has really helped me be consistent during quarantine when all the days blend together and it becomes easy to put scripture aside.

I have recently loved laying on the couch and listening to worship music loudly, letting myself soak in God’s Presence. I used to think that I had to sing the song in order to praise God because it stemmed from a false thought that I had to do something in order to be good enough for God. But, that’s the miracle of the Gospel, that I could never do anything that would make me good enough for God, so He gave His Son who was more than good enough. I can lay in the Presence of Jesus and put my thoughts into alignment with His. I am covered by peace and love and grace in a instant because that’s God’s character and He is faithful to His promises.   

Oh and sidewalk chalk is fun! When the weather is nice it has been so sweet to bless my neighbors by writing Bible verses in front of their houses. Christian or not, my neighbors have started asking for Bible verses to be written specifically in front of their house! Our God is creative and it’s sweet to see how He uses us in difficult times! My favorite verses to write is: “The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6: 24-26)

Favorite Bible verse right now

“Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.”

Ephesians 3: 20!! 

(reminding me that when I feel weak, God is strong enough to carry me through the toughest battle) 

&

Psalm 20!! 

(helping me lean into trusting God, even though I don’t know what the future holds)

♡ Amanda

Amanda is 20 years old. She is a thrifting queen, obsessed with kombucha and a loves picnics! You can find her somewhere in the sun with a coffee in hand and wildflowers in her pocket.

Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandakeelin