**********************************************************************************
First and foremost, I will will begin this post with an apology for the lack of enthusiasm I have been applying to my posts in the few weeks. Life has been a roller coaster ride of unexpected twists and turns....Easter came and went so quickly (update of events to come soon), but it was marked by unbelievable and unforgettable services. Thank you Jesus!
Well, I am off to the SPRING BREAK THROUGH Conference in Calgary, Canada for the next week! Hosted by the Truth Church, Pastored by Rev Johnny King-Guest speaker Psalmist C. Myles Young! Get ready for a Holy Ghost Party!!!! I'll admit I have waited till the last minute to pack this time-I just can't pull myself together and escape this beautiful Cali weather ranging in the pleasant 70s to pack for the snow! Its so odd! But the task is completed and I have even rummaged through my endless closet of clothes and storage to uncover my ski gear! =)
Well, more posting to come and pics of our Italian Easter cookie night! =)
God Bless-and don't forget to SMILE!
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm. We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.
'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7 ~
Infatuation is instant desire-one set of glands calling to another.
Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, one day at a time.
Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager, but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.
Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It gives you strength and grows beyond you-to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by their presence, even when they are away. Miles do not separate you. You have so many wonderful little films in you head that you keep replaying. But near or far, you know they are yours and you can wait.
Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing them."
Love says, "Be patient. Don't panic. Plan your future with confidence."
Infatuation has an element of physical excitement. Whenever you are together you hope it will end in a closer touch, or embrace.
Love is not based on sexual desires. It is the maturation of friendship which makes that physical touch so much sweeter. You must be friends before you are lovers.
Infatuation lacks confidence. When they are away, you wonder if they are cheating. Sometimes you check.
Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. They feel your trust, and it makes them even more trustworthy.
Infatuation might lead you to do things you will regret, but Love never steers you in the wrong direction.
Love is elevating. It lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person than you were before. Always reaching for a new level in HIM-together!
Sincerely yours,
a.rose 2008
*some portions of this essay have been changed
I'm singing in the rain
The thought keeps coming to me...over and over it rings in my mind, my heart, the core of my being....WHAT is the PURPOSE of living for God?....WHY did God save you or me?....but most of all WHAT is it that keeps you running? Especially when everyone else gives up?....I know why I keep pressing, why I keep striving...I got it for myself...
Tell me what was the defining moment in your life or the reason you made up in your mind, no matter the storm, the climb, the depressing situation, I will cling to His hand and say "above all else, I must be saved!"
Sincerely yours,
a.rose 2008
STOP telling God how big your storm is....
After a year of absence and criticism from my peers and pastor I finally picked my lazy self up and rejoined our mass choir! Go ahead and say it, "FINALLY!!!" That is all I have heard for the last week! =) To tell you the truth I really don't know why I took a break...but I am now more excited than ever and am looking forward to what 2008 has in store for the TRC choir!!
