This is Janette and I checking out God's creation!
Philippians 3:13-14 No dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing my energies on one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God through Christ Jesus is calling us up to heaven.
About Me
- Amanda
- I am fully and wholeheartedly committed to God and my husband! I have been a Christian since I was nine and have been married to my wonderful husband for nearly seven years. We just welcomed our son into the world- Matthew and feel so unbelievably blessed!
31 comments:
tattoos are an abuse to your body young lady. it just disgusts me how young people nowadays are decorating their body with this "art". it is filth. you look like a circus act.
and furthermore I do NOT like these blog things that you people from Harvest have. It gives us a bad reputation. Your crazy hair colors are ridiculous.
Each to their own, Anonymous. God love us all!!
Dear Anonymous-
I am sorry to hear that you are displeased with my blog. I do, however, applaud your honesty and willingness to speak frankly about your convictions. Too many people are not sure what they bvelieve in or who they stand for in today's day and age. Allow me to comment respectfully on your responses. First of all, we read in Luke 6:45 that whatever comes from our mouths in what is in our hearts. Based on that knowledge I must say that my heart goes out to you because you must be very sad to have said those hurtful things. Allow me to also say that man looks on the outside but God looks at the heart. He knows my heart. God doesn't care what we look like. He loves us as we are. It's not about the external but the internal. I know the Lord knows my heart and that's enough for me. As far as the comment about Harvest, I will say that Harvest prides itself in being a church where you can come as you are and not be judged. After all, who are we to judge when we have all fallen so short of His glory. The Lord blesses us all so much more than we deserve. Take care and may you feel the hand of the Lord in your life this week.
Anonymous, Why don't you get off of your self-righteous, judgmental high horse. Do you even know this blogger? I doubt it. Yet you judge her simply because she has tattoos. Are you a Christian? If so, can you please show me in the Scriptures where tattoos are filth or abuse or sin? And what is the big deal about people having a blog? And how exactly does it give "us a bad reputation?" You are obviously using a blog to post your judgmental comments. But yet you come off as though you are somehow more righteous than "us." What's up with you? I suppose you only use the KJV as well.
Janice said
As darin said - "do you even know this blogger???? - you obviously don't. She is one of the most caring and nonjudgemental people I have met in my 50 years who witnesses and professes her love for the Lord openly.
Amen, Darin! Where is it in the Scriptures about tattoos being sin?? Or where in the Scriptures do you misinterpret about tattoos? I am curious as to your opinions about having a blog (and I do) gives Harvest a bad rep? Harvest has an awesome reputation because of GOD. But if anything gives Christians a bad rap it is judgmental people who have PREFERENCES that they try to force on others. Look inside YOURSELF before you throw stones at Amanda.
you all truly are headed for hell. you need to straighten up. the time is now and tomorrow is too late. darin i do not use kjv and furthermore here is a website for you. http://www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.com/
margie i suggest you shut down your blog immediately and so should your husband. it promotes nothing good.
http://www.faithinamerica.info/pdf/FIA-bigotry-4.pdf
http://www.faithinamerica.info/pdf/FIA-choices-5.pdf
http://www.coming-out-coming-in.net/
Anonymous, Apparently you go to Harvest. I gather this from you saying "It gives US a bad reputation". So if you ask me you are the one who gives Harvest, as well as all Christians a bad name. How do you think you can witness to people if you have such contempt for them for something so simple? And as far as blogs I assume you don't like them because you can see that we are sinners. We aren't perfect and don't try to act like we are. I'm sorry this bothers you, my recommendation to you is to stop visiting them.
Wow!! I have to assume there are 2 different anonymous' here. surely the one who started this string wouldn't post those links. They are nothing but gay propoganda. And anonymous, why does it even matter if you are born that way, though I believe you arn't. If I am born with a desire to rape women is that ok? After all I was born with it right? Or what about animals? It is all sexual perversion and it's all wrong according to scripture, not fundamentalist christians.
I agree with Scott. Why view blogs if you feel they are stupid? And as far as the comment that "we are all going to hell", I suggest reading Matthew 7:1 which says "stop judging others and you will not be judged." It is not OUR place to pass judgement on others. We are ALL unworthy of the gift of God's grace and salvation and we are all equally as sinful because to the Lord, who shows no favoritism, a sin is a sin. Also, might I say that the verse above is written in RED. The Lord spoke those words. All I have to say is that it's a good thing that the Lord is patient and abounding in love because I don't know how He stands for things like this.
might I also add that if one has such strong convictions, they should not be fearful of revealing their identity. It says in Timothy 2:12 that if we deny the Lord, He will deny us. Are you so ashamed of your beliefs that you feel like you need to hide behind "anonymous"?
why do i look at blogs? because i see so much need for therapy and change in you people. and i pity each and every one of you.
You know what, you are being ridiculous...I mean honestly. I don't believe you go to Harvest. I don't believe you are who you say you are {a Christian}. I believe you are just someone out there trying to get a rise out of people who want nothing to do with that type of chaos. It's sad to think you get thrill out of making people feel like they are worthless. Are you trying to elicit anger in me because of the comments you made? I am not angry. I am sad that you are filled with so much hate. And if you feel that this is such a "cause", I revert back to a previous remark and inquire why you are so fearful about revealing who you are? Also I have one more question, your initial post referred to "us" and the last one said "you people". Are you even sure where you stand? I want you to know that I am praying for you even as I type this. Also, I want you to know that you need to be nice or we will no longer be able to continue this conversation. There is no need to attack or lash out at others. There are enough people out there that will make life difficult who I have no choice about having a relationship with. I therefor refuse to have a relationship that is hurtful and negative of my own volition. Have a nice night.
Anonymous, I'm convinced you are an imposter. You simply can't be serious writing the things you wrote. What you have written is the most illogical nonsense I've read in a long time. You rant and rail against someone having tattoos and blogs and then you proceed to post a pro-homosexual web site. That makes absolutely no sense at all. Especially when homosexuality is CLEARLY forbidden in Scriptures while tattoos are not. Again I ask you, "What's up with you?" Seriously, as Amanda stated, "Why hide behind the anonymous cover?" I created an account just to reveal who I was and take on your harsh criticism. Finally, just as I thought, there was no Scripture given to support your view but yet the Harvest people have given you plenty of Scriptures in return. I'm extremely proud to be part of Harvest where people understand Grace and the Scriptures are taught correctly.
Leviticus 19:28 says “Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
I just don't agree with tattoos either. I think they look trashy and make a woman appear easy. I don't agree with the colored hair either. A woman should look like a woman, not a circus clown! I don't want any wife of mine to look like trash OR a clown!!! God didn't put a tattoo/birthmark all over your back or arms (or who knows where else you have them) and neither should you! You are to present yourself feminine and beautiful and lovely--not trashy, smutty and looking like you are a circus side show! Get some dignity and respect for yourself. I, personally, do not think you should be on stage representing Harvest either. Not a good role model. Just my opinions
sweetheart I left a message on everyone else's blogs too, letting them know exactly what I thought. Good luck to you.
you may not agree with tattoos, but you don't need to pass judgement on those who have them. Do you even know me? If you did, you would realize that I am not someone who fits into the categories you mistakely associate with tattoos. This really hurts my feelings because I am a strong woman who is a strong Christian who is not only very committed to God but very committed to my husband and our marriage. I am a good wife. I am not trashy at all. Your comments "T" are hurtful. You really need to get to know someone before you make such harsh criticisms. We may not be alike. We may not like similar things, but the Lord made us all different. Isn't it more important that we try to focus on God and not our differences? After all, in light of eternity, does the way I color my hair really matter?
First of all to "T", being one of the founders of Harvest I can tell you that Amanda is exactly who should be on stage representing our church. One reason Harvest was started was to reach out to people who other churches have looked down their noses at and judged them, just like you are doing to Amanda. Do you attend Harvest? If so, maybe it is really not the church for you. Perhaps you would do better in a church where everyone looks like you, acts like you, and thinks just like you do. I'm here to tell you that's not Harvest! I'm proud to take the stage with a fellow believer like Amanda because I've taken the time to get to know her and I know how much she loves Christ. Unlike you T, you sit back and look at her appearance, and because it's not right FOR YOU, you judge her. Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Please come talk to me or a member of the E-team about your concerns. Don't hide behind a blog.
Anonymous, Just as I expected, you listed Lev 19:28 as "proof" that tattoos are wrong. Did you happen to read the entire passage? Are you a woman? Do you have pierced ears? I'm thinking that would be a cut in your body. Do you still keep all the Lord's sabbaths? If you are a man, do you cut the side growth of your head or harm the edges of your beard? See the problem is, you can't take an OT passage that wasn't, nor is it today, for Christians. Let me give you a few from the NT (Of course you can start with the one listed above). Rev 19:16 is interesting to me. Jesus has a tattoo on his thigh! Furthermore, Rev 22:4 states that His name will be on believers foreheads! (By the way, that includes Amanda, myself and all other believers with tattoos) Finally, take a look at Romans 14 which talks about Christian liberty and "regarding your brother with contempt" just because they don't think, act, and look like you do. That's all.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!!!!
Dear Amanda,
This is from your highly illustrated friend. I too have expierienced these cowardly character assinations via the web. This person is extremely misinformed & misguided, not to mention selfish in thinking they will have eternity all to themselves. They need to ask themselves what Christian purpose does attacking other brothers & sisters serve? Does it spread the gospel, promote fellowship,trust,love or build the body? God created all people differntly each to add their own uniquely colorful,vibrant thread to his grand tapestry of creation for if all the threads were the same it would be blank & lifeless
The only sins I see here belong to ANONYMOUS. People do not go to hell because of others judgement only God has that right! It has nothing to do with the cut of their hair, who they have as friends or if they are tattooed. God does not care how you are upholstered but rather what's in your heart.
Dear Anonymous we love & forgive you. We will pray for God to heal your heart and soul from this stumbling block satan has put in your path, but in order to be truly forgiven that's something you will have to ask God.
In closing let me say that Amanda is an extremely wonderful & gifted Christian & that I am proud to know her.
Now I am about to do something ANONYMOUS seems uncomfortable to do.
"Signed,"
Robert Mc Cluskey
thanks :) It's nice to hear kind words from encouraging brothers and sisters who actually know me personally. YOU guys are the reason I go to Harvest and I am blessed to have you in my life. By the way, I have missed you at church these past few weeks there Mr McCluskey!!!!
Wow Amanda 24 comments! I just wanted to tell you that I love you tattoos, crazy hair and all! I also love to see you up on the stage singing your heart out to the Lord. No one sings with the emotion that you do. Also, if you ever want to join a circus, come to my house any day of the week!
I also want to say that I love blogging and I'm glad you didn't take yours down. I also think Scott and Margie have great blogs as well!
I think "T" and anonymous should read Galatians 5:15.
All the anonymous people out there: HI! May God bless you.
I want to declare that I have tattooed every inch of my skin. I did it all in flesh colored. So, I kind of look the same. Oh well.
Seriously, I have no tattoos. nevertheless, I do like Nascar. go figure.
Darin, I'm not sure the text supports Jesus having a tattoo. But that's okay. The argument regarding tattoos doesn't depend on that.
I don't think vitriolic arguments on a comment board accomplish much.
bottom line on tattoos come down to a matter of conscience and love. Studying Romans 14 and 15 would be wise for all Christians who either get tattoos, or are bothered by them. Let each be convinced in his own mind, and let each love his neighbor.
What is the best way to show Christ? It is by our love.
Hey Amanda!
Shawn and I ( Emily Crossley) just read these blogs. I can't believe it! We love you and know your love in Christ. Regardless of the tattoo argument, we know you are a wonderful person, friend, sister, daughter, and wife and that is what truly matters. I don't have a tattoo, but I don't think anything poorly of you because you have one. I think you are great!
Anonymous and "T"- I will pray for you. Remember, we are to love each other. Jesus loves all of us, regardless of what we look like.
Love,
Emily
Well who would like to be my roomie in hell? I guess because I color my hair and have tattoo's that I'll be on the bus. If anonymous would put as much energy into doing something positive for the world as they are in writing rude and disrespectful comments to people they could really make a difference. But no,they have to hide behind a silly name to conceal their identity. My name is Jill Strong, I also am a singer in the Harvest Worship team. I have 3 tattoo's and 7 ear piercings. I ride a motorcycle with my husband who also has tattoo's. We are also members of Christian Motorcycle Association. But I guess that makes us BAD people. It's a shame to think that people so discriminating as you still exist. My grandmothers are 87 and 85 years old and they think that my tattoo's are very nice. One of the major reasons that I left my previous church and have stayed at Harvest is the acceptance from everyone there. My old church reminds me of your opinions. I was the black sheep of the flock and I moved onto a bigger pasture and have settled in with my long lost black sheep brothers and sisters. That is the big draw of Harvest is to accept the unaccepted. As Darin previously stated "Get off your high horse". Don't be telling Margie that her blog is promoting nothing good. We (as christians) need to do nothing to look good in the eyes of each other, only to look good in the eyes of GOD. Now I feel better.
I have to say something here to those being harshly critical. I personally think that Leviticus 29 still applies, but I think there are bigger issues than context of specific verses in Leviticus to go nuts over, especially with people who love God, possibly more then I do. I also find tatoos not to my personal liking. But I know Amanda, Darin, Rob, and the other tatooed posters on this board and I am honored to call them my friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. They do things I don't do, and there are scriptures that we disagree about, but they are honest disagreements, or else they wouldn't be disagreements. I can say that because I know them, and know that they love God, and would not intentionaly violate his Word. You miss the chance to see the heart of a dear sister by reading Amanda's posts with a critical eye.
Actually, it's fun to see what color Amanda's hair will be in church each week, because you just never know until you see her. I'll bet it opens some doors to talk to people about Jesus too.
I just wanted to say, I am a die hard christian. I walked away from my faith when I was about 15 when my parents got divorced. I got tattoos during the time when I was no longer walking the path, and if said "anonymous" person was correct in their thinking, even when I came back to my faith, I would be royally out of luck. Have I gotten more tattoos since then, of course, and I will continue to get them. I have a celtic cross on my chest, and actually as of later this evening I am starting a half-sleeve of the seven days of creation wrapped around my forearm. My hope is that it will arouse questions. I'm glad to see that others stand up for what they believe as well.
thanks for commenting! Good luck with your sleeve. It sounds awesome!
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