Tag: Love
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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Nicholas DiCarlo- My Father, My Hero
I’ve loved one person unconditionally. He’s the most caring, and generous, and charming and flat out the funniest guy I’ll ever know…he’s my father.
-NL
My dad has never failed at being the most amazing father a girl could ask for.
I have been through so much in my life, especially over the last 10 years, and there is not a single person who has continued to love me the way he loves me.
MARGARET TRUMAN-
It’s only when you grow up and step back from him–or leave him for your own home–it’s only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it.
My dad has remained the one person I trust with not only my heart, but with my brokenness. He has seen me at my worst, yet he always sees the best in me. If ever I am in trouble, he willingly holds his hand out for me to grab to return to safety.
There are things in life which have caused me to lose most of my hope in men and even wonder if good men really exist?! When I look at my dad, all of that doubt disappears.
He truly is all of the proof I need….
My heart was broken; he was there to mend it.
My purpose was lost; he was there to help me recover it.
My past had destroyed my spirit; he helped me rekindle it.
My friends and family gave up on me; he wouldn’t even imagine it.
FANNY FERN-
To her, the name of father was another name for love.
Dad,
This Father’s Day I couldn’t buy you a gift or even see you so I could tell you how much I love you… But I do.
I love you so very much that I wanted
the world to know.
This blog post barely touches on the impact you have had on my growth, on my heart, and in my life.
I thank God for you every day, but I am especially grateful on this one.
May you be blessed, know that I admire you, and be sure that there is no one I appreciate more in my life than you.
You are amazing Daddio.
– Love,
Erica
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Saying I’m Sorry: Relentless Repentance
“Let us be very gentle with our neighbors’ failings, and forgive our friends their debts as we hope ourselves to be forgiven.” -William Makepeace Thackeray
The song featured below, Luck by American Authors, beautifully expresses the art of saying I am sorry.
Personally, the lyrics hit so close to home in regards to my testimony that I wanted to share them with all of you!
When I finally accepted accountability for my horrible behavior as an addict, the next step of recovery was to try and rectify the relationships I had destroyed because of my actions.
I was awful to my family, my friends, myself and to God.
I had so much to apologize for and for the first time in a long time, I sincerely sought to be forgiven.
Unfortunately, some things cannot be repaired after so much damage has been done, but that has not stopped me from relentless repentance.
We are not always forgiven by the people we have done harm to, but by grace we are always forgiven when seeking God’s forgiveness.
Although my days of destruction and addiction are over, I now make it a priority to tell God I am sorry when I am wrong every single day.
Please listen to this inspiring song to get more of a glimpse of how I said I’m sorry then, why I say I’m sorry now, and why I am forgiven by God forever!
I have provided the lyrics for you to read!
God bless you all and be forgiven! Say your sorry and mean it! That’s all it takes.
I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord GOD. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.” (Ezekiel 34:15-16 NKJV)
LUCK– lyrics by
American Authors
How can we make amends when we said all we said?
I call and you don’t pick up
How can I say instead that I hope it’s for the best?
I won’t, and I won’t give up
I’m sorry, Mother
I know I let you down
I’m sorry for how I up and left this town
How can we push aside all the bad and make it right
Now you got me all choked up
I’m sorry, brother
I know I let you down
I’m sorry for how I up and left this town
Please just listen cause I don’t ask for much
I am my own man
I make my own luck
How can we both pick sides when we know nothing’s right?
Open up the door that’s shut
How can I have my pride and drink away my soul tonight?
Sorrow’s filling up my cup
I’m sorry, Father
I know I let you down
I’m sorry for how I up and left this town
Please just listen cause I don’t ask for much
I am my own man
I make my own luck
Well some birds aren’t meant to be caged
And I just can’t see the light of day
Please forgive me
I can’t remember
Please forgive me
no one is calling
Please forgive me
I can’t believe it
No…
Gonna pick myself up, so I don’t let this ever grow
Even if I mess up, I won’t let this ever go
It’s hard to stay
It’s hard to stay
Cause some birds aren’t meant to be caged
How can I set us free?
I’m what you taught me to be
Shouldn’t that be enough?
It’s time that we make amends
Let’s forget the things we said
You know we were all just talk
I’m sorry, Mother
I know I let you down
I’m sorry, Father
I didn’t stick around
Please just listen cause I don’t ask for much
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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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Lori Sheridan: More Than Just My Mother
“A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” -Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Many times I have felt motivated to write to my mother and tell her all the things I have tucked away in my heart in regards to my love for her.
Days turn in to months, opportunities to sit and begin writing turn in to bittersweet busyness, and all the while the constant admiration I wish to express to her remains waiting to be shared.
This Mother’s Day, I have quieted the chatter of my mind and the clanging of the rest of the world in order to finally let my mother know exactly how much I love and admire her.
Although I have made many mistakes in the past which have caused her to be disappointed in me, I continually pray that my mom is aware of the woman I have become because of those mistakes and that she is proud of the woman I am today.
“I thank God for my handicaps, for, through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God.” -Helen Keller
“Family love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.” -Friedrich Nietzsche
Mom,
Thank you for all of the things, both privately and publicly, that you have suffered because of me.
Thank you for being the strong woman you are and for not allowing the things that I put you though to break your beautiful spirit.
My mess of a past has become my Message of hope to other families broken by the selfishness of addiction and that message, this message, has reached 130 counties in my attempts to help them avoid the heartache I caused you and our family myself.
“A child’s hand in yours-what tenderness it arouses, what power it conjures. You are instantly the very touchstone of wisdom and strength.” -Marjorie Holmes
“A father may turn his back on his child, brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies, husbands may desert their wives, wives their husbands. But a mother’s love endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world’s condemnation, a mother still loves on, and still hopes that her child may turn from his evil ways, and repent; still she remembers the infant smiles that once filled her bosom with rapture, the merry laugh, the joyful shout of his childhood, the opening promise of his youth; and she can never be brought to think him all unworthy.” -Washington Irving
You are a leader; You envelope all of what I could possibly hope to become as a woman. As a mother, you have fearlessly done and continue to do whatever it takes to ensure the very best for your daughters and their future.
You are fierce, but you are kind.
You are beautiful, but you are not a fool.
You are helpful, but you do not enable.
You are unyielding, but you are human.
You stand tall in the face of chaos, but you do not welcome a mess.
You are smarter than any woman I know, but your heart rules your world.
“Of course if you like your kids, if you love them from the moment they begin, you yourself begin all over again, in them, with them, and so there is something more to the world again.” -William Saroyan
Nana gave the world the greatest gift when she had you; You are very precious to me.
She instilled in you the values and the characteristics which have made you the exemplary woman and mother you are and you continue to do the same in the raising of your own girls!
“A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” -Tenneva Jordan
I love you very much and no matter how bratty I am, how long it sometimes takes me to say it, you are my hero.
Happy Mothers Day and THANK YOU FOR BEING MY MOM.
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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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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.
