The gift of LOVE!-How often do we overlook such a priceless opportunity

The story goes that some time ago a mother punished her Five year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive Gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and she became even More upset when the child used the gold paper to Decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift box to Her mother the next morning and then said, 'This is for You, Momma.' The mother was embarrassed by her earlier over reaction, But her anger flared again when she opened the box and Found it was empty. She spoke to her daughter in a harsh Manner. 'Don't you know, young lady, when you give someone a Present there's supposed to be something inside the Package?' She had tears in her eyes and said, 'Oh, Momma, it's not Empty! I blew kisses into it until it was full.' The mother was crushed. She fell on her knees and put Her arms around her little girl, and she begged her Forgiveness for her thoughtless anger. An accident took the life of the child only a short time Later, and it is told that the mother kept that gold box By her bed for all the years of her life. Whenever she was discouraged or faced difficult problems She would open the box and take out an imaginary kiss And remember the love of the child who had put it there.

Life in the Fast lane

Have you ever felt like you were going 100 MPH with no way of slowing down? You look in the distance and its just as busy and crazy as the present! Its October 17th already! Where did the beautiful months of spring go? It seems like yesterday I was skating on a frozen Canadian lake and ringing in the new year...I can't say that this last year hasn't been eventful and exciting, but it all came so quickly! I began my schooling June 2nd of this year, and 24 weeks seemed like an eternity away, but as I sit here today, having completed my 3rd 6-week final, I can truly say it hasn't been but a moment. I am so thrilled to see all that I have learned in the last 5 months. I've climbed many mountains, and crossed many streams, I've found a new depth in Jesus and I wouldn't give up anything to change it all.

But with the rush, rush, study, study, practice, practice, I've finally collapsed-I can't go and do all that I used to do...and though I've tried, I've found myself ill the next day unable to keep up with school and work. So I will publically appologize to all I haven't emailed back, C & C events I've failed to attend and youth services I've missed out on....I've taken the advice of my elders and stayed involved as best as I could, but I needed to focus on this season of life and stay afloat.

I've come to love my evenings of doing just about nothing =) at least once a week at my parents, my house, or at a friends, I just snuggle into a chair and enjoy the hug of a blanket. I miss doing something on every night of the week, it makes me feel young, but since I've stepped down from a few things I've excelled academically. I'm top of my class and can't help but brag just a little. My whole being feels restored and I can't WAIT to get back into sunday school, bus ministry and College and Career! 6 more weeks, a HUGE State ABO testing and then....Graduation! yeah!!!(though the ceremony isn't until June, my certificate will be in hand ;-)

*For those that made it this far and are still reading, Lord Bless you =) Please say a prayer for me. I take my State ABO testing on November 16th,which is with the American Board of Opticianry. I decided to skip my NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) until next year, I only need one stressful test a year lol! I appreciate you all and pray God Blesses you richly!

sincerely yours,

arose 2008

W.O.R.D. Conference

WE JUST HAD THE MOST INCREDIBLE LADIES CONFERENCE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

Woman Of Radical Devotion! I will not waste my words on fiddle stick comments....this Ladies Retreat has CHANGED my view of God, my Prayer life, and my self respect forever. I am a WOMAN OF GOD and I am LOVED beyond words....The place I laid prostrate on my face in the carpet, with tears uncontrollably running down my face, was the moment in time that will FOREVER be imprinted into my present and my future. This weekend was my altar, laying behind the past and resisting to rely on my own understandings, and learning to TRUST 100% in MY GOD!!! We pleaded the Blood of Jesus upon our families, our homes, our futures, our finances, our lost loved ones, etc, and there is NOTHING that the devil can do, no watered down worldly confusion can wash away that anointing!

The Holy Ghost was AMAZING and you DO NOT want to miss next year,

OCTOBER 9-10th 2009!

This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too
cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. Thephaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it doesn't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht t h e frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

>>> TASTE MY JESUS<<<

At the University of Chicago Divinity School each year they have what is called "Baptist Day." On this day each one is to bring a lunch to be eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every "Baptist Day" the school would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in the theological education center.

One year they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr.Tillich spoke for two and one-half hours proving that the resurrection of Jesus was false. He quoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded that since there was no such thing as the historical resurrection the religious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo, because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in fact never rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if there were any questions.

After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head of short-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back of the auditorium. "Docta Tillich, I got one question," he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eating it. "Docta Tillich.. CRUNCH, MUNCH "My question is a simple question,... CRUNCH, MUNCH... "Now, I ain't never read them books you read..CRUNCH, MUNCH.." and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek...CRUNCH, MUNCH ..." I don't know nothin' about Niebuhr and Heidegger...CRUNCH, MUNCH...He finished the apple. "All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate, . . . . . . was it bitter or sweet?

Dr Tillich paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarly fashion: "I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven't tasted your apple." The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into his crumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, "Neither have you tasted my Jesus."

The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. The auditorium erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left the platform.

Have you tasted Jesus?

click on link above

Legend of the Cherokee Indian

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of passage?

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 ~

The lifter of my head....

"When life is the pits-reach for someone who can lift you up and walk you through!"

I have been thinking about the song, sung by many, but by far not as well as Josh Groban, " You raise me up"...A song sung for the most part to a beloved one, has not been my song of love but it has been my cry to God for the last few months. Especially yesterday....each time the song comes on the radio tears begin to stream down my face.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

When life has pulled me down, and drug me through the dirt His love lifts me up, places me above my issues, upon a mountain top-allowing me to see the purpose of this rough journey. He walks me through the rough waters, and places me on His loving shoulders away from the weariness and pain, giving me strength beyond compare.

Sincerely yours,

arose2008

Just me thinking again...

My dad has this attached as his signature and it really made me think today. A simple quote I see everyday, made me realize how privileged and thankful I am for God's love and His grace...Where would I be, if not for Grace?

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!

Sincerely yours,

a.rose 2008

Difference between Love and infatuation...

February has arrived-The Month of LOVE!! I couldn't help but remember this essay that I have been carrying around in my wallet for years. It was given to me by a friend a few years back, and every now and then I pull it out and reconsider my thoughts and feelings. I hope this helps all those who read this to recognize the meaning of True Love.

A beautiful Valentine's Essay

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

There is Sunshine in my storm!

I'm singing in the rain

Just singing in the rain

What a glorious feelin'

I'm happy again

I'm laughing at clouds

So dark up above

The son's in my heart

And I'm ready for love

Let the stormy clouds chase

Everyone from the place

Come on with the rain

I've a smile on my face

I walk down the lane

With a happy refrain

Just singin',

Singin' in the rain

.

Why am I smiling

And why do I sing?

Why does January

Seem sunny as spring?

Why do I get up

Each morning and start?

Happy and head up

With joy in my heart

Why is each new task

A trifle to do?

Because I am living

A life full of you.

Sincerely yours,

arose 2008

I can't get it out of my mind!!

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

I've been thinking....

Friendships, Relationships, and Love

Should never be based

On the quantity of the pocket

But the quality of the Heart!

-a.rose 2008

So this is Christmas.....

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.~Dr. Seuss *


Christmas is quickly approaching and the shopping malls are screaming with mothers, fathers, and procrastinating gift givers. This year there has been an unusual excitement regarding the holidays, yet an odd feeling has been lingering in my mind day in and day out. I have been shopping since October for the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. The problem has been, "What is the perfect gift that will be socially acceptable yet useful, and not thrown out by Valentine's?" Though my packages are all wrapped and long since sent out, the giving feeling still exists, but what kind of gift would be meaning full. Sunday night was answer to my question. I learned I was not the only one with this unsettled feeling of useless gifts, Bro Ben Vandiver as of December 16th still had not purchased any gifts for his family, but instead was impressed by the overwhelming need in Ugaunda. There are over 6000 orphanages ran by Bishop John and they are in desperate need of supporters. It takes $150 to feed an entire orphange for one month, housing over 150 children, mothers, and widows. Bro Ben sat down with Sis Young and calculated the estimated amount that it would take to feed, clothe, educate and provide shelter for a child for one year. I was sickened by the total...$30 a YEAR per child is all it takes. $30 dollars feeds our appetites in one fine setting, it's 5 happy meals...Tears were useless, I was sickened. So this Christmas in the name of my family members, I gave them the gift of a child's life. The 2-five club is an amazing program, and our Boston Young is one of our contact persons.

This Christmas sit back and create lasting memories with family, friends, and take a moment to recognize the importance and signifance of this blessed season.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

Sincerely yours,

a.rose 2007

*Thanks for the thought Sarah! I love the Grinch!

To Know Him is to Love Him

I was in for a bumpy ride as the year 2004 opened its doors, for this was a year of drastic change in my life. As a young child growing up in a separated home, I knew God had a plan and purpose for my life, a ministry and a deeper calling, but what that plan was I had no idea and still do not know completely. I was an early graduate of 2004 and was blessed with the opportunity to visit Jackson College of Ministries. There God touched me in a way I have never felt before; speaking into me words of strength in a voice so powerful it shook my being. I thought this is where I need to be, but in August of that same year as I was preparing to leave for Mississippi, my pastor felt led to ask me if I would be interested in being apart of Apostolic Youth Corps, AYC, and help a young home missions church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I excitedly agreed and prepared for Salt Lake City were I would be catapulted into a 10 hour daily Home Missions 101 crash course. There I would be assisting in the outreach portion of General Conference and from there I would be deployed to Pittsburgh for that life changing experience not even my pastor could have ever truly prepared me for.

Before leaving my pastors wife pulled me aside and instructed me in wisdom, warning me to be wary of simple things that would contradict my upbringing, giving me her contact information and blessing me with her prayers I arrived on the east coast ready to win the world. Loneliness soon set in a few weeks after my arrival and that was where my true challenge began. So many thoughts began to flood through my mind; it was as if I became the victim on the devils playing field. I was heavily involved in everything from painting, to outreach, secretarial work, children’s church, drama, you name it, I was in shoulder deep; but I was sinking. After many messages and failed attempts to reach my pastors wife, I sunk deeper into the grasps of loneliness. All I could hear were her words, " Call me if you need me, I will be there and will be praying for you. I want to hear from you and please, please call." Precious words that never came true were the thoughts the devil filled my mind with day and night.

Disappointment ate at me, and it seemed as if no one was there, no friends, no family and no covering of ministry. My convictions were tested and my world spun out of control, not only was my spiritual world rocked, but my health began to suffer as Lupus began to claim my body. I tried to keep the smile and hold on to what I knew was right, but days turned into gloomy nights. I would cling to my Bible and lie on the floor of my room in pain and cry as my roommate watched endless hours of television. But in the puddle of my tears laid a strength I never knew existed. I started to feel less and less sorry for myself and began to embrace the physical loneliness and let God carry me to a place in Him that had once been hidden. Psalm 91 speaks of a secret place, a place beyond the ordinary, a place of deep meditation and a relationship with the Almighty, far more precious than this world has ever felt. My Bible, a gift from my pastor’s wife, became my strength, and that secret place with God became my comfort. Each night without my friends, family or ministry I would find Him. He became my everything! I found life in Him (Proverbs 21:21), He was my strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) and as I set my affections on Him and things above (Colossians 3) I found I was complete in Him (Colossians 2:10).

It was not until I returned home and my pastor’s wife called me to her home that I realized this all was meant for a monument in my life. She embraced me and told me she had been praying for me, received every letter and every phone call, and was so proud of me. It hit me then; she had taught me the most important lesson in a Christian’s life. The references in Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8 became so precious and so real to me in that moment, He never left me nor forsook me. He was closer than a brother as promised in Proverbs 18:24. I had to come to a place where I had to find Him on my own, not just because mommy and daddy loved him, not because my pastor knew Him, but because my existence and future relied on knowing Him for myself. James 2:19 confirmed. It is much like the ten virgins, five wise and five foolish spoken of in Matthew 25. The wise knew the bride groom, talked with him, felt his love, experienced his faithfulness, but the foolish only knew of him. They never had the opportunity to lavish in his fullness, ridding them of the eagerness and excitement the others felt. We can not be as the foolish; we have to be ready, excited and continually seeking for His coming. He seeks a spotless and whole bride, rid of bitterness and confusion. Many nights I have let my mind drift back to those amazing evenings, just me and Jesus, the realness of His love and the words of promise. He strengthened me, and in the doctors amazement He healed me completely. I plead with you; get to know him for yourself, Trust Him. I can not express in words how important it is to find Him for you, experience all the knowing Him can bring.

Jesus, You are my Peace...My Everything

"Worry is an outward expression displaying

a lack of an inward, complete Trust in HIM!" a.rose2007

Sincerely,
a.rose 2007

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'." I'm whispering " I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.

"When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace,...somehow!

Sincerely,
a.rose

Feeling a little under the weather? Get a fire in your bones and let the Holy Ghost blow in you and through you...WIND AND FIRE- An insirational and a must read!

Autumn has arrived...

Well, not officially until the 23rd, but close enough! Bring on the sweaters, boots, scarves, and yes, the umbrellas!

It's raining, it pouring

The old man is snoring

Went to bed and bumped his head

And couldn't get up in the morning

Never have gotten the ending of this little tune, but its true for today! I awoke at 5:45a to find the sky a deep dark void. An unusually darkeness for the hour, but the mystery soon revealed itself, It was raining! The leaves are turning, school bells have wistled the return of their fans, the temperature is dropping, and smiles are arising as the thought of a new season approaches.

Life in the spiritual realm has new seasons as well. We love the summers' heat waves, but long for the coolness of evening before the fire that winter brings. The summer days are drifing away, leaving us with lessons learned, and battles fought. The rains of autumn wash away the dried tears of heated pain, and refresh and renew our thirsting spirits! A new season brings change, and change brings new adventure. God knew what He was doing when He created the seasons both in the physical and the spiritual! Don't think of the battles still to fight, put a smile on your face and greet this new season with JOY! You never know what blessings HE has in store for you!

Sincerely,

a.rose

9-11 We Remember

Today, Tuesday September 11t, marks the 6th anniversary of the 09/11/01 attacks. Though many may have carried on today with no care, I along with many have been taken back to that morning that changed our lives forever. It felt as if my innocence had been stripped away , my freedom questioned, my future threatened , and my present grasped in the clutches of fear. But I am thankful for a God who sees all and knows all. For in 2 Cor. 10:4-5 it says, "I do not fight with merely human weapons. No, the weapons with which I war are not weapons of mere flesh and blood, but, in the strength of the Lord, they are mighty enough to raze all strongholds of our foes. I can batter down bulwarks of human reason; I can scale every crag-fortress that towers up bidding defiance to the true knowledge of God. I can make each rebel purpose my prisoner of war and bow it into submission to Messiah." In HIM, do I put my trust.....9-11.....I REMEMBER!
God Bless America!

http://mission242blog.blogspot.com/

"There She Stands"
A tribute to 9-11 victims

Sincerely,
a.rose

LABOR DAY!!! Patience day! Roll eyes

What a weekend!! 22 years ago I was supposed to be born, but no those drs decided to make me wait, their reasoning, " She is too little, she'll have to wait"! Well, once again I have learned that valuable lesson of waiting. Patience is a virtue the Bible does say. I had some fabulous plans to go to the mall with Courtney, I cooked dinner, and waited, and waited and waited. At around 8 she finally showed up and the fun began, 2 hours late, but it began. The evening carried on, feeding turtles, rabbits, dogs, a cat, doves, and watering plants in the dark in 36% humidity, and 90 degrees! That was quite an experience! Around 10p we got the idea to drive to Auburn about 45 min away to meet up with my family who had hooked up our trailer and camped out in this fabulous campground with a fishing lake, a boating area, and even a built in pool! After a "quick" packing experience for overnight, which consisted of pjs and a swim shirt, and a Starbucks run we made it on the road at 12a! Did I mention that it was a quick pack, just making sure! We were up till 2, or at least I was, 10 people crammed in a travel trailer! It was great! We crawled out of bed around 10 ish and the fun began. That was a complete overstatement! The lake became a pond, the fish shriveled up to the size of a dollar tree sardine, the boating area disappeared, along with my favorite flip flop! =( sob sob....Or shall I say the prior campground never existed in its glory. Several bruises, at least 5 splinters and half a million scrapes later, I made it through the afternoon with a smile on my face, well kind of half a smile. Saturday evening a few of us celebrated Maria's 23rd Birthday with a bicycle progression dinner! Now that was fun, despite the heat. Sunday was church, AWESOME! I had only 20 students in class, my average is anywhere between 45-50, so the Lord gave me a break on my spending for snack, Thank you Jesus! Though out of about 1100 there was only a good 300, we still had church. Monday was lazy day! 103 degrees and in my pj's till 4pm! What a day! I was able to relax, sleep in and even sew a bit. My family once again decided to hit the water and try out for some more fish! I was not in the mood for fishing another day, and even the boat didn't sound like much fun! I did not need another pentecostal farmer burn. So my sister, my roommate Tammi, and I loaded up and headed to Thrift Town. Woo Hoo! It was waiting for us, 50% off all clothing! Let's just say I have my winters wardrobe for 2007!
All in all I learned alot this weekend! Your best times are often made out of your worst experiences turned positive! Let me clarify, sometimes we look at a situation and think, "You have got to be crazy, I am going to be so bored!" or "Why me?" but if you simple apply a positive twist the humid heat of September and trickling 5 foot wide stream begins to look and feel more and more like The Underground Railroad(thanks Derrell, I love you), adventure, excitement, and the best time of your life! Surrounded by some great deals! $$ Though I was bored silly, surrounded by at least a dozen or more people, I found that my attitude was making my day. I no longer became lost in the crowd, but became the crowd and found a fashion show, a laugh, a smile and fond memories that will last me at least a million Labor days to come! Waiting wasn't so bad, I got a few surprises out of it! ;) Crocs!! Thanks mum! I guess the whole phrase, "RUN with patience" actual makes sense!