Amanda N.

I am so excited to introduce you to Amanda. Doing interviews with so many incredible women is so exciting. It’s like a #girlboss series. Amanda is a talented baker and food artist. Today, she shares with us thoughts on being intentional, her unique bond with Jesus and what it has meant to her, the impact of community, what it means to “be still” and her passion for boba. She has shared some valuable resources, which, of course, are linked below. Check out her Instagram for extra inspiration!

Amanda N.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Right now, I’m focusing on how to glorify God through my marriage and my business.  I’m also trying to learn what it means to “be still” in His presence, and listen to what He wants for me.  I’ve had this bad habit of doing things just to “be busy”, and it has affected my relationship with others and with God in a negative way.  I want to be intentional in every aspect of my life, and I want God to be way more involved than I allow Him to be.

“I want to be intentional in every aspect of my life, and I want God to be way more involved than I allow Him to be.”

Profession: Baker, Educator.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m a boba obsessed baker, who loves to educate others and inspire them to use baking as not only a form of therapy, but also as a way to foster authentic communities.

When did you first encounter God? I’m a PK, so I’ve known about God my whole life, but I would say my first authentic encounter was probably in college.  I used to have very vivid and graphic visions of Jesus dying on the cross.  Because I am extremely empathetic, I would physically become weak, having pain especially in my hands, and it would usually get so bad to the point where I would faint.

I always thought it was a form of punishment– like Jesus wanted me to feel His pain, to be reminded that I was the reason for Him dying.  The more I cried out to God and spoke about it with my community, I realized that I actually had a unique and intimate bond with Him. My perspective on seeing images of Him and feeling pain is now a reminder of how much He loves me.  (By the way, if any of you reading this can relate, please reach out to me, because I would love to hear about any one else’s experience!)

“My perspective on seeing images of Him and feeling pain is now a reminder of how much He loves me.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Being in community has helped so much.  To know that I am not alone, and there are individuals cheering me on and keeping me accountable has helped me grow and understand who I am in Christ.  It’s so powerful to feel safe and be open with my community!

Just read/currently reading: I’m currently reading: Called To Create.  This is definitely a great read for entrepreneurs!

Top three essentials: Boba, Dessert, and Ultra Boosts.

How did God speak to you recently? My husband and I were recently praying and actively listening to God, to hear and see how I can glorify Him through my business. I think so often we cry out to God and pray to Him about our worries and fears, but we rarely sit in silence and actively listen to what He wants to tell us.

“I think so often we cry out to God and pray to Him about our worries and fears, but we rarely sit in silence and actively listen to what He wants to tell us.”

Hobby: Watching movies at the theater with my husband, and trying new boba places– I’m obsessed if you can’t tell.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: 

Create community and accountability.  It doesn’t need to be a large group– even one person is fine!  Be intentional, and meet/talk consistently.

Journal. You can also purchase this amazing Prayer Lettering Journal by Krystal Whitten!

Listen to sermons/podcasts while you’re driving/exercising/etc.

Favorite person in scripture?  Ruth is definitely one of my favorites.  I love her courage, and how faithful and humble she was.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you?  I want people to know that God can still use you even if you think you are broken, not good enough, or unqualified.

Favorite season? My favorite season is winter.  I love hot chocolate, all the baked goods, plus I got married in December!

Favorite holiday? Definitely Christmas!

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: My husband and I have a scrapbook filled with old letters and fun memories, and I definitely want to keep doing this, especially when we have children!

Question you will ask when you get to heaven?  Is there boba?

Thing you want to raise awareness about:  I want to remind and encourage women and young girls that the way we talk to and about ourselves really makes a big impact.  We need to be more loving to ourselves, and also give ourselves more grace.

“We need to be more loving to ourselves, and also give ourselves more grace.”

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? I love taking my time in the mornings and having it be as relaxing as possible.  I will usually lay in bed for a while, and just go over what I need to get done for the day.

I like to read my daily “She Reads Truth” devotional email or listen to a podcast (Goal Digger podcast by Jenna Kutcher is my current favorite).

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is having a relationship with Jesus, knowing that He died for our sins to save us and set us free, and that He loves us, unconditionally!

For more Amanda:

Insta: @justbakecause 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO