Christmas Eve 2008

Well, I have alot to fill in from my last post till now, but I'll only go over the demanding details ;)!

I flew out of Calgary on Monday, Dec 22nd and arrived in Springfield, Missouri late that evening. Wednesday afternoon everyone, which included Joey's parents-Alvy and Norah, Joey's brother and sister in law-Ben and Lauren and their two children-Sariya and lil Josh, and Joey's sister- Sarah, went to Jordan Valley Ice Park to ice skate. We skated around a few times and then Joey got off the ice. I waited for him but he continued to stand and talk with his dad, so I miss impatient just turned around and decided to continue skating without him.

Moments later he was behind me.

Joey: "I'm so sorry everyone is so stressed."

Me: "Its okay."

Joey: "My parents are really stressed, I'm sorry."

Me: "Joey, its okay, I understand, It's Christmas, don't worry."

Joey: "Well they are stressed for a good reason."

Me: Sarcasticly "Oh really and why is that?"

Joey: Grabbed my arm and spun me around " Cause I wanna ask you to marry me!"

Me: "WHAT???!!!???!!!"

Joey: Hands me the below locket

Me: "Oh my word, are you serious Jo?!"

Joey: with tears forming in his eyes, flips the locket over "Will you Marry Me?!"

I began to cry and then laughed and then just hugged him and cried/laughed some more.

Joey: "Well.........."

Me: "Yes, Yes!"

Everyone was watching from the side, so when we skated over the family said, "Welcome to the family Angel!" And I just cried! =)

Front of locket

Back of Locket

Inside of Locket-I opened it on the ice and the picture dropped

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!

IMPACT MINISTRIES

Saturday evening our drama team had the privilege to minister in Rancho Cordova @ Rock Tabernacle with Pastor Deathridge.

Click on this link for a video recap of " I Believe"

The Calling

April 28th changed my life...10 year old DaVoughn Dow, a young boy in my Sunday School class, tragically passed away. An intelligent kid with an imagination out of this world. His death struck me like a load of bricks. Life comes at you fast, and before you know it, it passes you by and all you're left with are precious memories. Our children's pastor sent this letter to me this afternoon and it touched me. This is my mission statement: This is why I'm here-for others just like DaVoughn.

I am a minister. I minister to the largest mission field in the world. I
minister to children.
My calling is sure. My challenge is big. My vision is clear. My desire is
strong. My influence is eternal. My impact is critical. My values are solid. My faith is tough. My mission is urgent. My purpose is unmistakable. My direction is forward. My heart is genuine. My strength is supernatural. My reward is promised. And my God is real.

In a world of cynicism, I offer hope. In a world of confusion, I offer truth. In a world of immorality, I offer values. In a world of neglect, I offer attention. In a world of abuse, I offer safety. In a world of ridicule, I offer affirmation. In a world of division, I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness, I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin, I offer salvation. In a world of hate, I offer God’s love.

I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged, or
distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back, or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature, or veneration. I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes, or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit or surrender.

I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down.

My calling is to reach boys and girls for God. It is too serious to be taken lightly, too urgent to be postponed, too vital to be ignored, too relevant to be overlooked, too significant to be trivialized, too eternal to be fleeting, and too passionate to be quenched.

I know my mission. I know my challenge. I also know my limitations, my weaknesses, my fears, and my problems. And I know my God. Let others get the praise. Let the church get the blessing. Let God get the glory. I am a minister. I minister to children. This is who I am. This is what I do.
by Roger Fields

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

Introducing....

Musings of the Minstrel

By: Pastor C. Myles Young

(click on the link above)

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

Because of you....

~I laugh a little harder

~Cry a whole lot less

~And Smile a whole lot more!

To all those who have made such an impact upon my life, Thank you and I love you from the bottom of my heart! I do not know where I would be if it had not been for your dedication, friendship and love!

The numerical refernce 7 is for completion, while 8 is the number for new beginnings!

May 2008 be your year of new and fresh beginnings!

Sincerely yours,

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!

The "W" in Christmas

My daddy came across this story the other day and I thought it was too cute and too true to keep to myself.

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Still I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's Winter Pageant. I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production, unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation, all parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come at that time. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for hristmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "C H R I S T W A S L O V E" And, I truly believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence....humbled by His love.
Sincerely yours,
a.rose 2007

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.

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!

An inspiring post!

This tree has been standing here growing bigger and stronger for approximately 46 years and within a few short hours it was totally gone. All that is left is a few stumps that will be burned for firewood and some mulch which can be used for some good in a garden. This got me to thinking about Reputation. We can work all of our life to build a good reputation,, one of character, and in a moment of temptation or anger or whatever, it can be stripped away and we are left with just a few stumps and some mulch. We are ground down to nothing! Guard your reputation. It is worth everything! You worked too hard and long to let it be stripped away from you in a moment. Your reputations defines who you are. It dictates where you are going and where you will end up! It is the very essence of 'you"!...... You do not want to miss the rest of this post, it is a GREAT 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

Worship- Chiefly British word...

....with a powerful meaning!
Worshipe: worthiness, respect, reverence paid to a divine being...
extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem

Once again the doors of The Rock Church will be open for yet another "Evening of Worship" An annual event intended to express our sincere and honorable God the praise and adoration he deserves.

Come join us as The Rock Church Mass Choir along with Psalmist C. Myles Young lift their voices in song. Click on the link below for more information! Hope to see you there! God Bless!

http://www.therockchurch.org/worship

Are you Ready for REVIVAL...

The most incredible conference on the west coast is only 2 days away! Are you ready for Revival, Truth, Revelation, Refreshing and the most unbelieveable Experience in a lifetime? No Limits the conference is the a highly motivating gathering for leaders and saints alike to glean from World Class Leaders in our Apostolic movement. Come join us March 7th-9th and then again on the 11th for the dedication of The Rock Church newest and Elk Grove's largest Sanctuary. You will be empowered from the teachings of Bro Sam Emery, Revivalist Cody Marks, Dr Nathaniel Wilson, Psalmist C. Myles Young, and many many more! Come expecting the unexpectable, for there are NO Limits in God!

*Please visit http://therockchurch.org for more exciting and informative information!

Hope to see YOU there!

Sincerely Yours,
a.rose