Tag: God
Painting The Roses Red
“As much as we thirst for approval we dread condemnation.” -Hans Selye
God has really put it on my heart to write on the subject of honesty.
While witnessing to several people over this past month, I noticed that the majority of them seemed to share the same feelings of unworthiness and regret.
Worse however, they all seem to be in the same season of denial in regards to their situations.
In one way or another, each person had expressed to me that they were feeling lost. That they could not seem to find one glimmer of hope. Absent of faith and out of patience.
Immediately a familiar song, “Painting The Roses Red” , from Lewis Carroll’s Alice and Wonderland popped into my head.
(Click the link above to view lyrics)
Many people claim to be living a happy life, but in actuality they are only hiding behind the walls of what they believe happiness should look like to others.
If we are living only on the outside, but dying on the inside, that kind of suffering can only remain undetected for so long.
When we try to paint our hearts red (full of love, God, goodness and purpose) but can’t even feel them beating in our chests, we set ourselves up for inevitable damage.
When our lives become more like lies then we need to be aware that God eventually will expect us to reveal our true colors.
If we do not get honest with ourselves and others willingly, God will most definitely allow circumstances in our lives to do it for us.
“The white rose is the symbol of purity and innocence. However, if everyone were to be a white rose, none would truly be white. We grow, we make mistakes, and who doesn’t bleed nor have a scar? Painting the roses red is our cycle of life in all it’s mystery.
Everyday of life is another day towards deaths arms…Are you living or dying?
Reality: Life is the ONLY most contradicting phenomena ever.
How good of a painter are you?”- Philosophy by MKR
James 4:6 – God shows favor to the humble and oppressed
The reason our faith grows grey and our hearts lose their beat is not because God has forgotten about us or because we are not useful to Him any longer.
Faith fades when we suffocate our spirit and live to serve our flesh.
If we lose hope in God then that means we have put too much of it in the world.
We cannot be two shades of ourselves in this life. If we are on fire for God and trust in His plans for us, the embers of that fire should burn brightly for the world to see!
If we refuse to be the color God needs us to be in a black and white world, we cannot be surprised when we are left feeling dull, inadequate, or bored while others beautifully color the pages.
“The absence of flaw in beauty is itself a flaw.” -Havelock Ellis
God knows your heart, your desires, and your priorities.
He created us all with beautiful flaws, each of us a unique shade of who He is, and collectively we are breathtaking by His design.
“Lean too much on the approval of people, and it becomes a bed of thorns.” -Tehyi Hsieh
If your heart is hurting, don’t paint a coat of denial over it thinking nobody will notice.
God knows what is underneath.
Be sure you remain true to what’s right; remain true to the truth.
Short cuts to happiness will only leave you with short term happiness.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -Maryanne Williamson
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
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Metamorphosis
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead let the spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy”
-Ephesians 4:21-24
I try to catch my breath, but the silence comes to steal it. I try to hear my heart beat, but the pain won’t let me feel it.
Darkness surrounds me and the pressure closes in. I pray for relief, only with The Lord will I win.
This battle with my mind and my ever breaking heart. Why does it seem as though my entire world is coming apart?
On my own I am not able. By myself I am weak. I try so hard to be strong as these tears roll down my cheeks.
Change is intimidating and the walls look too high. Metamorphosis is the only way I’ll see the wings I need to fly. Over these mountains of sorrow and the roaring sea of confusion. God again reminds me of the truth and that fear is just an illusion.
I must endure suffocation in order to appreciate the air. I must be lonely for a moment if I am to one day meet you there.
On the other side of empty, on the other end of ending. My heart feels like it is breaking, but I know it’s only bending.
I’m learning to love both the darkness and the light. I’m learning love is preparing me and there is no need to fight.
When loss has overtaken me and I am all alone. I look to The Lord as He keeps calling me home.
To a place without sufferning, a place without tears. Where life is not limited by months, by years.
As I walk through this season, I will trust you when you say. Though I am a caterpillar now, I will be a beautiful butterfly some day.
Christian Advice and Counseling
Turning Your Mess Into Your Message
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad – for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world (1 Peter 4:12 – 4:13 NLT)
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. (1 Peter 4:19 NLT)
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It is Finished!
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, “as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was (John 17:1 – 17:5 NKJV)
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield (Psalm 5:11 – 5:12 NKJV)
5 Truths About God’s Unconditional Love
“God on our side, doubt not of victory.” -William Shakespeare
“By yielding you may obtain victory.” -Ovid
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:24 NKJV)
“Defeat may serve as well as victory to shake the soul and let the glory out.” -Edwin Markham
When The Lord said “It is finished” I believe He meant it!
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No Fear
Join me live this Sunday, 6/8/14, at 3:30pm PST for an all episode of new My Message Radio!
This week’s show will surround the topic of overcoming fear, anxiety, insecurity, and overthinking in terms of romantic relationships.
Host, Erica DiCarlo, will be reading her post A Truth, A Reminder, A Victory from her blog My Message and taking live calls in the studio at 646-595-3870
Please visit My Message Radio for more details and to follow the station!
God Bless! 
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The Meaning Behind The Mean
We are all tired. We are all in the same war fighting different battles. We are all fragile. There is nothing that is right about a world that is filled with so much that is wrong.
The reason people are mean is because they are mad. They are mad because they are tired. They are tired because they are hurt. They are hurt because someone else was mean, the world is mean, and this life is mean.
Next time someone is mean to you think that far back into the reason instead of assuming it is about you.
Treat the problem with the proper medicine and healing begins. Kindness, compassion, humility and the Holy Spirit can lead all the broken to the healer if we allow ourselves to step out of the vicious cycle of defeat.
Jesus is the only One who can cure the disease mankind spreads to one another daily. He is the only peace that can calm the chaos this world creates on the daily. He is the only truth in world that lies.
Don’t run from the adversity in your life. Run at it. Don’t turn your back on those who hurt you, but give them back to the One who can help them and you
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In All Seasons
We worry, fear, stress, and feel alone. If we are in the hands of God, creator of Heaven and Earth, why then wouldn’t we trust He knows our needs?
God loves us so very much, we are included His workmanship.
Next time you feel like you have no purpose, consider the One who gave you one. Consider the power, the wisdom, and love of God. He is always the same, never changing. Although we may change, our circumstances may change, and as the seasons change, God orchestrated it all from the beginning. We need to trust Him not our own understanding.
We may be small, but our God is bigger than our problems!
For more inspirational photography visit my photography blog, My Moments
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. (Genesis 1:5 NKJV)
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20 – 3:21 NKJV)
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The Harvest
It is so very important for us to remember who we are and why are here. Many people are so lost and unable to see that we are not here by accident or for no reason at all. We are part of God’s very powerful, very purposeful and very real design.
The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
(Isaiah 9:2-7)
Just as the farmer sows seeds, tends to his crops with care, and in time reaps a bountiful harvest, our time here should be taken very seriously.
God has placed us here to tend to the work of Lord who is the Lord of the Harvest.
As we go through the various seasons of our lives we can rest easy knowing that He has given us the promise of reaping an eternal reward for our efforts in the Lord’s absence and in His Name. We all have a place in service for Him, we all have the opportunity to partake in the harvest, but there are many people who will refuse to work.
We are each seeds planted here by God:
We are to nourish ourselves with the Word, grow in our faith and spiritual maturity in order to bear the fruits of the Spirit. Like the seasons of the year to the seed, our lives should repetitively consist of growing, maturing, enduring, and bearing fruit in Jesus Name.
MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR TAKE IT FOR GRANTED
THE ONES WHO ARE IN THE FIELD WILL PARTAKE IN THE FEAST WHEN IT IS TIME FOR THE HARVEST. THE ONES WHO REFUSE TO WORK WILL BE LEFT WITH NOTHING TO EAT
-BRANDON HEATH- THE HARVESTER
“But when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,
“so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ “
And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? “
The sower sows the word. “And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
“These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.
Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. But these are the ones sown on good ground, those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.”
(Mark 4:10-20)
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Cabbages and Kings
I have been a fan of Author, Lewis Carroll my entire life. In fact, his work has played a major part in my wanting to become a writer myself.
Lewis Carroll not only captivates his readers, but also literally takes them captive through his use of mind twisting allegory and his play on words.
Jesus, much like the poems and writings of Carroll, also used parables as means of ministering to groups of people because it made His teachings easier for them to understand. Ironically, many fail to see the meaning behind the story and only take away from the lesson just that… A story.
Behind every fable there is a fact.
Behind every parable there is a point.
I thought it would be interesting to demonstrate how, if we learn to read beyond the words we read or hear, we
can find invaluable wisdom and moral guidance.
Many do not know the very real story behind Lewis Carroll’s Alice In Wonderland. Many do not know his personal connection to each character and in turn they see it merely as a children’s book.
The Walrus And The Carpenter brilliantly shows us the heart of the arrogant man and the nativity of the innocent. It warns us not to trust what man says and what happens when we follow our own advice.
God will never tempt you away from safety and allow the wilderness to devour you. The enemy on the other hand will lead you right into his dining room and have you as his main course!
Do not be arrogant. Do not follow fools.
Seek God in all situations. Let the Bible be your tool.
Man thinks he has it all, but without God he has nothing. No king, president, or ruler can ever eradicate sickness or suffering, yet God willingly does so.
God is the sovereign ruler of the universe and His kingdom shall reign forever. Don’t build castles in the sand and expect them to stand.
God is God. Man is just man.
THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER
Tweedle Dum:
The sun was shining on the sea
Shining with all his mightTweedle Dee:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and brightTweedle Dum:
And this was odd because it wasBoth: The middle of the night
Tweedle Dee:
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Were walking close at handTweedle Dum:
The beach was wide
From side to side
But much too full of sandCarpenter:
Mr. Walrus!Tweedle Dee:
Said the CarpenterCarpenter:
My brain begins to perk
We’ll sweep this clear
In ‘alf a year
If you don’t mind the work
Walrus: Work?!
The time has come…Tweedle Dee: The Walrus said
Walrus:
To talk of other things
Of shoes and ships and sealing wax
Of cabbages and kings
And why the sea is boiling hot
And whether pigs have wings
Calloo-Callay
No work today!
We’re cabbages and kings
Oh, uh, Oysters, come and walk with us
The day is warm and bright
A pleasant walk
A pleasant talk
Would be a sheer delightCarpenter:
Yes, should we get hungry on the way
We’ll stop and, uh, have a biteWalrus: Ahem!
Tweedle Dum:
But Mother Oyster winked her eye
And shook her heavy head
She knew too well this was no time
To leave her Oyster bed
Mother Oyster:
The sea is nice,
Take my advice
And stay right hereTweedle Dee:
Mum saidWalrus: Yes, yes, of course, of course, but, uh, ha, ha!
The time has come, my little friends
To talk of other things
Of shoes and ships and sealing wax
Cabbages and kings
And why the sea is boiling hot
And whether pigs have wings, ha ha
Callo-Callay
Come, run away
With cabbages and kings!Well, now, uh, let me see
Ah, a loaf of bread is what we chiefly need!Carpenter:
Listen, how ’bout some pepper and salt and vinegar, eh?Walrus:
Well, yes, yes, splendid idea, ha ha!
Very good, indeed
Now, if you’re ready, Oysters, dear
We can begin the feed
Oysters: Feed??!
Walrus: Oh, yes…
The time has come, my little friends
To talk of food and thingsCarpenter:
Of peppercorns and mustard seeds
And other seasonings!
We’ll mix ’em all together
In a sauce that’s fit for kings
Calloo-Callay
We’ll eat today
Like cabbages and kings!Walrus: I, uh…
I, I weep for you. I (hic), oh excuse me
I deeply sympathize
For I’ve enjoyed your company, oh much more
Than you realizeCarpenter:
Little Oysters? Little Oysters?Tweedle Dee:
But answer, there came noneTweedle Dum:
And this was scarcely odd becauseBoth:
They’d been eaten
Every one!Walrus: Hm… Well, uh… Ha, ha. Ha, ha. Ha, ha. Ahem, uh… The time has come!
Tweedle Dee and Dum: With cabbages and kings!
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The War of Winter
“Maturity is: The ability to stick with a job until it’s finished; The ability to do a job without being supervised; The ability to carry money without spending it; and The ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.” -Abigail Van Buren
When the path grows dark and the wind blows cold,
when our bodies ache and we feel so old.
When our way is lost and we begin to fear,
when we want to just give up and run right out of here.
When we can’t find the strength to keep walking,
when the tears burn our eyes.
When we pray for a way out of our trials,
when Jesus hears our cries.O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come. Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You? You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness,
And comfort me on every sides (Psalms 71:17-21)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-6)
“They who sing through the summer must dance in the winter.” -Unknown
When winter surrounds you,
when you are longing for spring.
When you feel like it is hopeless,
when you’ve lost everything.
God sees you in this season,
He knows what you need to grow.
God loves you for this reason,
He is teaching you things you did not know.
We have to trust the Lord at all times, even during the war of winter in our lives.
We will be victorious in all battles and in all seasons.
Keep walking, you will get there. In God’s timing.
