sometimes, when I think of you
my heart skips a beat
I can't imagine what I'll do
if I never have
one chance
to look into your eyes
to softly touch your face
to feel your hand in mine
to be in your embrace

Recently I heard a sermon based on Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice."

How could Paul ask us to always rejoice? Knowing that life can be so challenging, how can I, as a Christian, always have the attitude of joy?
I suppose I could start by knowing the difference between rejoicing, praising, and giving thanks...
I praise God for who He is.
I give thanks to God for what He does.
I WILL rejoice to God for the expectation of good.

The promises God made are ALWAYS greater than any problem that I might encounter.
Rejoicing doesn't equal accepting the bad, it is equal to realizing that God is greater than any circumstance.

If I choose to focus on the expectation of God's good promises, rather than of anything or anyone that disappoints or challenges me, than I can live with an attitude of joy and experience peace--the peace that only comes from God.
No longer do I need to look to another person to meet my expectations of being less alone...no longer do I need to look at my plight in life to consider myself a success or failure...no longer do I need to focus on the 'have nots'...but on the Good that I will experience.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." ~Luke 10:20

and James...
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trail, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those that love Him.
~James 1:12

Your Inner Color is Blue

Your Personality: Your natural warmth and intuition nurtures those around you. You are accepting and always follow your heart. You in Love: Relationships are your top priority, and this includes love. You are most happy when you are serious with someone. Your Career: You need to help others in your job to feel satisfied. You would be a great nurse, psychologist, or counselor.

What's Your Inner Color?

Zoe asked me if I would still love her when she grew up...

Zoe asked me if I would still love her when she grew up...
Originally uploaded by mel's place

Zoe doesn’t respond well to change…well, most children don’t…but her response can be very dramatic. Once, upon discovering that she would not always remain a little girl, she burst into tears, lamenting that she didn’t want to grow up. No amount of reasoning or assurance could comfort her and she cried almost all the rest of the night. She would manage to be ok for a bit and then, out of the blue, would be crying again. Thankfully, it only lasted the one night…since, as a four-year old, her memory and attention span is short-lived.

So it didn’t come as a surprise when she asked me, “will you still love me when I grown up?” But it did melt my heart.

Oh to have the innocence and security of a four-year old that lives for being a princess child and relishes in the love of her mommy.

You Are 81% Creative

You are an incredibly creative person. For you, there are no bounds or limits to your creativity. Your next creation could be something very great... Or at least very cool!

How Creative Are You?

of all the things
You could provide
of all the desires
You could fulfill
I would like
nothing more
than just to hear
You speak my name

of all the heartbreak
You could heal
of all the joy
You could bring
I would like
nothing more
than just to feel
Your arms around me

of all the wishes
my heart could make
of all the dreams
my mind could think
I would like
nothing more
than to see You smile

to see You smile
for me