Did you know?...

The body has 70,000 miles of blood vessels! The heart pumps through this labyrinth and back again once every minute!

In a circle of friends....

"A circle is round it has no end, that's how long I want to be your friend!" - Anonymous

"A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart!"

Sincerely yours,

a.rose 2008

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 I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes, or low vision.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

Pics from Easter 08!

Putting our best foot forward

Me and Tamsen-Cookie Monsters

DONE

Ready to be baked

Cookie Creators

Post Time

Okay so its been awhile since I've last posted...sorry!!! Life is crazy...but I'll update something a little more interesting in a few days!!

A day to celebrate!

Two years ago I was privileged to meet the Holmes family. From that day my life has been changed. I now have a family and a home away from home. And today I am blessed to wish a beautiful Godly woman-Katrina Holmes-Momma Holmes-CM-whatever you have chosen to call her a very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I love you CM!

Love always,

Your PBP =0)

And a great big thank you to Mindy Gill for picking up the flowers and delivering them for me!

Its Birthday month~

Just wanted to wish my bestest bud KARISSA JEAN HORTON a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I love you dearly!

**********************************************************************************

Also, to my lil Princess CARISSE BUTTS! Auntie Angel adores you and can not believe you are 2 years old now! =) I love you lil one!

On the Road Again!!

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!

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 ~

My eyes look much higher....

So often when we are in a struggle or have lost something, whether it time or someone dear to us, we as humans tend to focus on what we are MISSING...

But to be Christ like I believe we have to refocus our eyes and come to the realization of His goodness and focus on what we are intended to LEARN!

Falling in Love again with my 1st Love!

Sincerely yours,

arose 2008

It's that time again!

Whether we are ready or not its here...NO LIMITS the conference! An amazing time of renewal, growth, and an experience beyond words! Click the link below to learn more!

NO LIMITS THE CONFERENCE

***view it LIVE***

Where would we be without FRIENDS?.....

Bored!!!

Just a few random pics from Angie's last visit to Cali!

Its Friday!

The "JOY" of the Lord is my strength.....

Got a smile of my face =0).......

Have you shined a little light today?

Just SMILE-

"Life's best possibilities are yours to fulfill. Get busy, take action, and make it happen. Make it a Great Day!"

Sincerely yours,

arose 2008

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

What a sweet day!

Who cares about a Valentine when you have such thoughtful brothers and a College and Career group with crazy ideas!

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, a day when "love" and cupid join forces and change the thought process of individuals for 24 hours! Everyone is on cloud nine! But for those that the arrow missed are at times left out of the heavenly aroma of flowers and chocolates, BUT WHO CARES! =) The day was beautiful and sun was shining with a slight breeze! A smile was on my face knowing I was thought of and loved by the most incredible individual of all, Jesus! The day was long, but eventful. Potlucks at work, a bag of candy, and 8 hours later I was on my way home. After a quick brownie at a friends, I headed off to C&C's Singles Awareness Day-Unvalentine's Party. I went on my FIRST Blind Date! What an experience! lol I was hooked up with my cousin so it wasn't half bad, except for the fact that he, along with the rest of the guys seemed to disappeared within 5 min....oh well! The poor guy was embarrassed!

The evening was fun, we dined on Mac-n-cheese, heart shaped Peanut Butter and jelly sandwiches, some Asian chicken salad with Ramon noodles, blue jello, oreos, coffee, and blue cool aide with crazy straws! Truly a single college student cuisine! My bestest friend gave me a card and a Tulip! It is so pretty! We played some games and then James spoke to us about the seasons of Singleness and the value of this season! It was good!

I left around 10:30 and went to my parents where I was presented with flowers and cards, a headband and the cutest Eiffel Tower soap dispenser for my new bathroom!

My daddy had us all gather around and we prayed and then I went home, took a shower and went to dream land! Whoo-What a day! =)

Today I have some State Testing for an Office Assistant position! I'm scared out of my shoes, but I know I've got God's favor!

Sincerely yours,

a.rose2008

A toast to Singlehood!

Regardless of what people say, being single has gotten bad press. Being in love isn't half bad, but being single is NOT terrible! It’s hardly unbearable. And in fact, it’s rather fun! To prove my point, I set out to pinpoint ten solid reasons to substantiate my claim. I got carried away! =)

1. You can bring home Sara Lee cake for two and eat both portions
2. You can rip out anything you want from the newspaper.
3. No one will criticize your painting, writing, cooking, or if your room is messy.
4. You can vacuum and dust whenever you want, or not at all.
5. You don’t have to make excuses if you dent your car.
6. You don’t have to worry about anyone drinking your contact lenses when you leave them in a glass overnight!
7. You can use all the hot water!
8. You don’t have to make your bed every morning if you don’t feel like it.
9. You never have to fight about the covers or turning down the electric blanket.
10. You can talk to yourself as much as you want.
11. You can make as much noise as you want when you eat.
12. You don’t have to worry about earning more money than anyone else
13. You can play the same song over and over and over again.
14. You can change the radio station without asking.
15. When you get a box of chocolate you can stick your fingers in all the pieces to see which one is the best!
16. You can rearrange the furniture in your apartment in the middle of the night.
17. You can decide on a Friday afternoon to head out for the weekend or stay out all night, and not have to tell anyone why you were late!

18. You don't have to worry about anyone leaving the toilet seat up, or turning the tissue in the wrong direction.

19. You can win a Truffel tree and not have to worry about sharing it with anyone!!! ;) Unless you really want to and just leave it for your best friend to eat- Love you Ang!

**My Favorite!!
20. You don’t need a sensible reason to buy a new pair of shoes, a dress to go with it, a handbag, and of course hair accessories!

.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

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