Amy's topics cover a wide range of issues that affect women today. They include:
Authentic Joy
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
Most of us have days when we have a hard time finding things to be happy about. That’s because happiness is a feeling, not a promise – God never told us life would be easy! But the wonderful news is that there’s something better out there than fleeting moments of happiness. It’s called joy – and that is God’s promise to us when we choose to live the life he wants for us. Amy presents us with the four “P’s” for finding joy – Provision, Protection, Presence, and Praise. And in addition to this useful information, this talk comes with a full minute of “laughter therapy” that will surely lift your spirits.
The Believer's New Clothes
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12
Dress codes are common in schools and jobs these days – but did you know that Jesus established a dress code for believers, too? We’re not talking fabric and buttons, though. Jesus’ clothing included compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Col. 3:12-14). In this talk, Amy focuses on compassion as a desired quality for a believer. She walks us through several examples during Jesus’ ministry when he modeled extraordinary compassion for others, and then challenges us to follow Jesus’ lead.
Pursuing Purity
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
I Corinthians 6:19-20
Sex is more common among teens today than ever before. Society bombards them with images, thoughts, and misconceptions about the intrigue of premarital sex. But teens don’t often hear the whole story – that God created sex and intended it to be a beautiful, holy and intimate part of marriage. Honoring God’s intentions will lead to a healthy, loving marriage. But giving in to temptation can lead to disease, heartache, and lack of self-respect. Amy has designed this talk based on her own experiences as a teen, and shares three key steps to sexual purity that will encourage and enlighten high school and youth groups.
If Mama Ain’t Happy...
Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34b
As believers in Christ, we have a responsibility to shine a positive, encouraging light for those around us. But honestly, who doesn’t get the complaining bug now and then? We don’t often realize the magnitude of the impact a negative attitude has on others. So what about you? Is your glass usually half empty or half full? And what’s the best way to cultivate a positive lifestyle? In this talk, Amy highlights two kinds of people – VDP’s (Very Draining People) and VIP’s (Very Inspiring People) – and suggests ways that each of us can take on an attitude that others admire.
The Heart of the Matter
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
I Timothy 4:8
The world may say that looking beautiful is extremely important, but God tells us that true beauty comes when we prepare our hearts – not just our bodies – to receive him. This sounds like a great idea. But just how do we “train for godliness”? How do we give our hearts the kind of makeover that promises “benefits in this life and the next”? Amy applies a catchy acronym – L.O.V.E. – to help us remember the essential elements for keeping Jesus at the center, as Lord of our lives.
Truth or Bare
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3
One of the first things we do when we get up in the morning is choose our clothing for the day. We don’t always think about the impact what we wear will have on those around us. But our clothing can send very powerful messages. And one of the most powerful messages is what a girl’s clothing choices tell a guy. Ladies, we don’t always think about how influential a strip of bare skin can be to the opposite sex. Guys are already wired to notice us, so when we choose revealing, short, or skimpy clothing, we’re essentially welcoming them to think and act impurely toward us. Tune in as Amy reminds us girls of the power we hold in the wardrobe choices we make every day. She explains what triggers in a guy’s brain are extra-sensitive to how we dress, and she gives us tips on living lives of purity. This talk is excellent for youth groups and young women’s conferences.
For Better or Worse - Did I Really Commit To That?
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Think of love, and your mind may be filled with images of champagne and firelight, long walks on the beach, and strains of Barry White from the stereo. Sure, many romantic relationships begin with this sort of idealistic feeling. But what happens when a few years have passed, a few arguments have happened, and the glow of new love seems to have sputtered and died? Listen as Amy shares the common misconceptions about love that often leads to torn marriages and broken families. Then learn about the three types of love according to God's Word, and what you can do to show love to your husband and children, despite what you may feel.
Good News Ambassador
We are therefore Christ's ambassador's, as though God were making His appeal through us.
II Corinthians 5:20
Great movies, good books, favorite restaurants -- we usually can't wait to share good news like this with friends and family. So WHY do we get so uncomfortable when it comes to talking about Jesus? Sharing our faith is not only a matter of being honest about who we are, but it could also make an eternal difference for those around us. Yet we so often keep our faith to ourselves. In this message Amy addresses our fears and comfort levels, explains the importance of witnessing to God's eternal Plan, and demonstrates that sharing your faith with someone may not be as scary as it seems. Good News Ambassador will equip you with a better understanding of witnessing, and the tools you need to make it a part of your life.
Are You Dancing With Demons?
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Deuteronomy 18:10-11
Psychic networks and horoscopes are everywhere today. People play their lucky numbers on weekly lottery tickets, or sit on the edge of their seats as 'mediums' channel their loved ones through television sets. Even the Ouija board has surpassed Monopoly in board game sales. What are people looking for? The answers? The future? The 'other side'? Well, while we're searching elsewhere, God is waiting for us to come to Him for answers, peace, knowledge, comfort, and truth. Follow along as Amy takes us through the dark world of the occult: What it is, what it isn't, and what God has to say about it. She will conclude with practical life applications on how to guard yourself from the dangers of the dark side.
Lost and Not Found
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves.
II Peter 2:1
Cults are more than a small group of radicals who commit mass suicide, more than a wilderness commune, more than the strange news stories that pop up every once in a while. You might be surprised at which modern institutions fit within the definition of a cult. You might also find yourself frighteningly unequipped, once you learn how close to home these groups come. Allow Amy to define a cult and identify some of the larger ones -- Mormonism and Jehovah's Witness, for example -- and then equip you with the Truth regarding these groups. You'll leave this message with a better understanding of your role in battling cult lies.
Living Victoriously
Put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:11
If you were drafted today, would you be ready to go to war? Most of us would balk at the idea of putting on battle gear and leading out to fight the enemy without training or guidance. But we are at war. Every day we go out onto the spiritual battlefield against Satan and our own fleshly desires. The good news is, God loves us too much to send us out without the battle gear and training we need. Ephesians 6:10-20 outlines the tools and knowledge with which God has equipped us -- and in this message, Amy walks us through the duties we have as believers to fight the spiritual warfare in our lives -- and emerge victorious!
It's a Bird! It's a Plane!
Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Deuteronomy 4:9
There are hundreds of characters on T.V., in comic books, and in movies -- with hundreds of "supernatural" powers -- that are vying for your childrens' attention. But of all the 'heroes' out there for your children to idolize, there's one superhero whose power is real! The omnipotent Creator of the universe is the best hero you could ask for your kids to admire. You'll not want to miss Amy's list of biblical principles for making Jesus Christ a superhero in your childrens' eyes. Amy will illustrate these principles by sharing stories of how she and Mike have applied these principles in their own home.
God, Can You Hear Me Now?
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:8a
The best way to grow your relationship with God is through prayer. But do you ever wonder if God is listening? Do you wish your prayer life were stronger and healthier? Amy discusses some of the ways that we set up barriers that can hinder both our prayers and our relationship with God, describes the importance of a healthy prayer life, and shares examples of just how powerful prayer is. No, prayer is not a magical formula for getting what we want - but the more we pray, the closer we'll get to God - and as our relationship grows, our hearts (and our desires) will become more like His.
Amy can also customize topics for your group's specific needs. Contact her for more information.