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!!
I love you and appreciate you so much! Love you worser ;-)
Saige's horse
David and Jolene
Dad and John working on the bike
B Ang, Me and John
Me and Momma Holmes
Party at Aydin's
Jael, Drea,and Angie
Dad giving his best at a game of pool
I am having a wonderful visit. The weather has been at like -10degrees C. Everyone just laughs at me, but its just sounds so cool! Christmas was so much fun and the gifts I recieved were priceless...We have gone skating on a lagoon, sat in a spa when it is was snowing, what an experience and have just had a splendid time. I will be returning to Sacramento the 1st of January =( I mean =)....Sincerely yours,
a.rose 2007
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
Uncle Jeff, the good ole turkey, and Daddy
Poor Dad, he's tired....
Thank you Lord for our link-n-log mansion!
The boys were a little "tied" up outside...lol
Joey and Tamsen jump roping in the living room for Jesus!
The ride of my life...oh wow!
Daniel thinks he's the hottest guitar player in Sacto...too bad he doesn't know how to play!
Woo...Tammi after a long night of shopping!
Lil Hairy Cutie! These hats were great-considering how cold it was outside at 5a!
