Who Are We Fooling?

I love the art of biting my tongue
I'm tired of trying to guess what was wrong
Both agreed on where we should go
But not how to get there

We tried and tried to loosen the knots
Thinking once we're untangled we'll be better off
But it's these failures and faults that hold us together

Better or worse
But what else can we do?
And better or worse
I am tethered to you
If it's not either of us
Tell me who are we fooling?

This beautiful tangle that's bruising us blue
It's a beautiful knot that we just can't undo
Together we're one but apart tell me
Who are we fooling?

Open Doors

=)

On Families

IF, AND ONLY IF, IT WILL EVEN BE RELEVANT TO ASK GOD BY THEN

When I finally die and meet God face to face, and if I can still manage to do this in His presence when that happens, I’d like to ask Him why He made family to be such an important part of one’s life and tell me the reason why He has made it to be deeply embedded in the core of your soul. ☂

(reposting from mrscarbonated.tumblr.com)

The Rearview Mirror Of Life

When I was younger, I worked for a year as a driver for a company in southern California. I delivered parts from our company to other companies in the area. This involved relying on maps and addresses, as I was often driving through unfamiliar territory.

Invariably I would be driving down a street at the speed limit of thirty-five or forty miles per hour, trying to spot the address on the side of a building or street curb. If I slowed down to see better, the traffic behind me would slow down and I would be the object of blaring horns. I always went as slow as I dared, but occasionally I would realize, after looking back and forth from one side of the street to the other, that I had actually passed my destination.When that happened I had to quickly glance in my rearview mirror and try to spot the building.

I have come to the conclusion that this is often the only way we can correctly perceive some aspects of God’s will—in the rearview mirror of life.

I was thinking about this recently when we invited some Christian friends over for dinner. As we finished dinner we began talking about our backgrounds, and some of the traumatic and difficult experiences we had encountered in life.

As we shared experiences we had lived through twenty and thirty years ago, and how hard and unwanted they had been at the time, we began to realize how significantly these experiences had impacted our lives in a positive way.What we couldn’t begin to see at the time was our immaturity, wrong ideas about God and life, and attitudes that desperately needed to be changed. At the time the experiences seemed overwhelming and designed to destroy us. There was no way, we realized years later, that we could have expected to understand what God was doing through these events.

But in retrospect it made sense to us. Though none of us would want to repeat those moments again, we all agreed that they had been necessary for our growth. The pain and difficulty had transformed us in a way nothing else could. But only from the rearview mirror of life could we see that. The will of God had involved pain, but not for pain’s sake. There was a loving, caring, and wise purpose behind it all.

Paul Tournier wrote, “God leads us step by step, from event to event. Only afterwards, as we look back over the way we have come and reconsider certain important moments in our lives in the light of all that has followed them, or when we survey the whole progress of our lives, do we experience the feeling of having been led without knowing it, the feeling that God has mysteriously guided us."


(An excerpt from the book "When Faith and Decisions Collide" by Daniel Schaeffer)

Triple-Braided Cord

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Light

We bounce back. We persevere. We fight this good fight of unbelief.

For the times I've been busy, for the times I chose what I want, the times I've brought judgment to others, the times I thought I was doing what He wants or being completely ignorant of my 'respectable sins', those are the moments where His grace is abound.

Forgiveness and second chances are sweet.

My song will only be for the one who accompanies me as the tears flow in.

The light heart that comes with entrusting God with everything is my reward. Thank you for an open heaven tonight. Indeed, you know every prayer of our silent hearts. May we be more and more desperate of you, Father.

Thank you for breaking me.

Thank you, most of all, for dying on the cross for me.

I pray this with a wounded and filthy heart.

And we pray in Jesus' holy name, amen.

Why, Hello There.

He sees every situation in which he finds himself as the means of obtaining a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ, and he has an attitude of unrestrained abandon and total surrender about him. The Holy Spirit is determined that we will have the realization of Jesus Christ in every area of our lives, and He will bring us back to the same point over and over again until we do.

(check full post here.)

Not trying to be too spiritual here but ok, let's simply think of it this way. If you found yourself stuck at the same situation you're trying to get out of over and over again for the past, what, idk, few months, years? then point is, most probably, a lesson is being taught here. And one doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to come to that point.

Guts, patience, the right perspective. I need that to move beyond feelings. Sprinkled with utmost confidence that life was made both hard and wonderful for everyone. Yea? YEA.

Hosea's Wife

“But then I will win her back once again.

I will lead her into the desert

and speak tenderly to her there.

I will return her vineyards to her

and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.

She will give herself to me there,

as she did long ago when she was young,

when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.

When that day comes,” says the Lord,

“you will call me ‘my husband’

instead of ‘my master.’

O Israel, I will wipe the many names of Baal from your lips,

and you will never mention them again.

On that day I will make a covenant

with all the wild animals and the birds of the sky

and the animals that scurry along the ground

so they will not harm you.

I will remove all weapons of war from the land,

all swords and bows,

so you can live unafraid

in peace and safety.

I will make you my wife forever,

showing you righteousness and justice,

unfailing love and compassion.

I will be faithful to you and make you mine,

and you will finally know me as the Lord."

(Hosea 2:14-20)

When I prayed for peace and inexhaustible love, I was pointed out the story of Hosea. It's amazing how God used this man to save Israel. God told him to marry a prostitute - and that's got to be something. An odd situation to be in but God used his life to illustrate His love for the Israelites, that even if they chose to worship other gods, He remained faithful. Indeed, we have somehow been an 'Israelite' for a while. We get distracted by other things that keeps us on on our toes, that takes our eyes away from him. But the beauty of God's love is it invites us and sustains us.

My faithfulness is required. :)

The Road to Jericho

I lay down and slept,

yet I woke up in safety,

for the Lord was watching over me.

I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies

who surround me on every side.

Yuppies? Nah.

God's delay is not a denial. He's working it out for you're good. Have faith and be thankful.

Has been seriously thinking about getting a full-time corporate job, sending out resumes here and there, fingers crossed without appearing too cocky in front of the panel. With the limited time that I have in accessing the web, I have resorted to sending batches of online cvs with the hope that at least one of them would call or send a message. And someone did but I found out I have to work for seven straight days per week, which is not acceptable for me because I AM NOT A ROBOT. I know my limitations - physically and mentally - and I know it is not God's best. So here I am waiting, enjoying the free time that I have left, fervently praying for his will, while making sure that I am still being productive at the same time. There would be a lot of things - and people - to miss once I got a job: been there, done that. Priorities are still being set, catching up with people, praying that ties will not be broken by time and distance. Thank You for the things you've been teaching me lately, and I do hope I would be more teachable and self-controlled with my decisions.

"For I know the plans I have for you..." says He.

Blameless, When All Comes To An End

If everything is Yours, I can let it go...it was never mine to hold. (Psalm 24:1)

To whom much is given, much is expected. When blessings pour out, one can't help but look up to the heavens and say our own amens. But do we lift them up for offerings or do we keep them as our own? Do we pray for the gifts then forget about the giver?

If to live a blameless life is not our end, then what is the point of calling out to God?

Praying for more grace to hate sin.

Born alongside Shakespeare, I guess

Hm. Nice.

"Our primary calling as followers of Christ is by him, to him, and for him. First and foremost we are called to Someone (God), not to something (such as motherhood, politics, or teaching) or to somewhere (such as the inner city or Outer Mongolia)."

-O.S. Guiness

Humility Is, Um, Is...

Reposting from a blog. Something worth sharing, I think.

Humility is one of those “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it” kind of things…..and it’s often wielded as a club in the hands of people who refuse to endure sound doctrine, who are quick to accuse others, who stand firmly on God’s written Word, of being Pharisees. So this morning, I’ve done a word study of the Greek word #5013tapeinoo, which is found in the New Testament verses listed below. Per Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. The Complete Word Study New Testament, it means to depress; fig. To humiliate (in condition or heart):--abase, bring low, humble (self). It is from the base word #5011, tapeinos, tap-i-nos’; of uncert. Der.; depressed, i.e. (fig) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition):--base, cast down, humble, of low degree (estate), lowly.

Several things stand out to me as I read these verses:
(1) Humility is a vertical relational concept, with the humble viewing the other as being higher than himself, and not demanding his "rights".
(2) Our proper attitude of such relationship is first and foremost, to recognize that God is higher than ourselves. The key proof of walking humbly with God is obedience to His commandments, as was modeled by Jesus Himself when He became obedient unto death on the cross.
(3) Humility is also to be shown in our relationships with our brethren (“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2.), and obedience to the servant leaders in the church, who must themselves know how to humble themselves so as to not lord it over the flock.
(4) We are instructed to humble ourselves, of our own volition. This is not a “holy suggestion", but a requirement for entering the kingdom of heaven.
(5) Our attitude is to be that of little children, who trust their parents and intuitively recognize the power differentiation between themselves and adults. The hymn “Trust and Obey” pretty much sums it up.
(6) If we will humble ourselves, God will lift us up. Voluntary humility is proof that we believe Him, and are yielding to His indwelling Spirit, to do the good works that distinguish Christians as lights on a hill in this dark world.
(7) Believing God's Word and proclaiming it in lieu of one's "honest opinion" is a humble exercise, if the Word is rightly divided and the goal is to seek the other's best interests, rejoicing in the truth. Because this is the way a child demonstrates trust in what his parent has said.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10 NASB)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NASB)

“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” (Matthew 18:2-5 KJV)

“The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:11-14 NASB)

“Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?” (2 Corinthians 11:7 KJV)

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” (2 Corinthians 12:21 KJV)

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8 KJV)

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:12 KJV)

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:1-7 NASB)

“Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;” (Luke 3:5 KJV)

If by Amy Carmichael

If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvarylove.

If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my worried self when troublesome things occur, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I can rebuke without a pang, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me; if I say, "Just what I expected" if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If my interest in the work of others is cool; if I think in terms of my own special work; if the burdens of others are not my burdens too, and their joys mine, then I know nothing of Calvary love...

If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I covet any place on earth but the dust at the foot of the Cross, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If.

119. 9. 11.

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Let's Take This To The Streets

They called me 'ineng' and asked for their picture to be taken so the mistress of the guy on the right could receive a copy.

Waiting for their parents to arrive.

They said that the best time to catch fish is the day after rainfall. They caught a whole net full of tilapia afterwards.

I'm not really a fan of Harbor Square and salty air. But this one reminds me of a sweaty afternoon spent with fellow photographers, all huddling their tripods in an almost view-less area of the bay, where friendly fishermen, vendors and security guards abound. Thank You for an overcast sky and a beautiful day.

Week 5. Photojournalism and Landscape Photography. Hello to Arlene Briones and Aldrich Lim who taught us today.

The Staggering Question

Taken from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

"...Do I really believe that God will do in me what I cannot do? The degree of hopelessness I have for others comes from never realizing that God has done anything for me. Is my own personal experience such a wonderful realization of God’s power and might that I can never have a sense of hopelessness for anyone else I see?..."

His grace sustains.

A good question for a good - and drizzle-filled - morning.

Mark Mancina Is A Genius

Freddie Highmore, you made me cry. Great movie, greater soundtrack.

Track Listing:
1. Main Title - Mark Mancina 2. Bach / Break - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers 3. Moondance - Featuring Jonathan Rhys Meyers 4. This Time - Jonathan Rhys Meyers 5. Bari Improv - Kaki King 6. Ritual Dance - Kaki King 7. Raise It Up - Jamia Simone Nash and Impact Repertory Theater 8. Dueling Guitars - Heitor Pereira and Doug Smith 9. Elgar / Something Inside - Steve Erdody and Jonathan Rhys Meyers 10. August's Rhapsody - Featuring Freddie Highmore - Mark Mancina 11. Someday - John Legend 12. King Of The Earth - John Ondrasik 13. God Bless The Child - Chris Botti and Paula Cole 14. La Bamba - Leon Thomas III 15. Moondance - Chris Botti

We Have A Map Of The Piano

One of the best songs ever. From Wicker Park's official soundtrack.

Kitlens + Pat + Angel's Burger + A Bit Of Photoshop and Bam!

Portrait shots, first hand. Might go back to street but I like this set. Thanks Pat!

I Was Like, Suuuure. *wink*

I'm an offspring to a dysfunctional family. I love it. And that's my mom and tita, by the way.

It's A Triple Double Celebration (Not a typo)

Nins and Abby so happy. Oh, it rhymed. Cool.

The Crew, with a budget of P100 each, not necessarily limited to burgers but of course some overate. I think this is the first 'stopover' for the night. (When you're with these people, you would find yourself stopping over somewhere for at least 3-4 times, for no particular reason. Trust me, I know.)

Have no idea what they're talking about. With the look in Jethro's face and Janu's pout, I don't think I want to know. And that's Jiggy and Queenie on the other end.

Me, Sammy and Nins. The camera focuses too slow for some reason so I opted to just stay on ground. The two hit the jackpot and jumped on time. Lucky.

They're Oreos. And they're wicked. Thank you for the Sisons who welcome us into their beautiful house and offered us with wonderful treats (ok i'm being generous now with my words but it was definitely a night well spent).

May 22, 2010. Dinner time. Still El Niño.

It was a grand night of food, laughter, and randomness. In celebration of Jiggy's upcoming birthday, my birthday and graduation that occurred weeks ago, and Janu's graduation as well, the three of us decided to spend our time and not-so-well-earned money on our friends, who by the way we missed hanging out with for the last few months. Awesome? yea.

Franz offers this ridiculously big burger - which costs ridiculously pricey as well - but every bite was worth it, based from experience. The girls headed first to the place, then ate our dinner as we waited for the guys. To see us together again was great, and I definitely missed those moments where we could only eat pancit canton and isaw and watch bootlegs of End of the Spear and Up. I miss pokerslap, Pretty Woman, videoke, pizza, late-night conversations, the post-late-night conversations, the prayers and other things that I associated with this group. I pray that as we all begin another chapter of our lives, no matter how small or big it is, we would all stick together all for His glory. That times like this may not be as often anymore but I believe God will find ways and time for our fellowship.

Samantha Anne Muriel Danguilan
Johanna Mignon Santos
Queenie Joy Rebucas
Johanna Lise Silva
Marianne Aleli Danguilan
Abby Sison
Roy Antonio
BJ Saavedra
Jethro Peñaloza
Jan Wilfred dela Cruz
Pat dela Torre
AJ Gonzales
and whoever name is not mentioned here but deserves to be here,

i love you and i hope i'll see you soon. God bless. =)

Imagine Native

Luckily that day, I was able to 'hang out' (technically you don't really hang out with senior photographers. It's just a term I use to sound cool. What you do is listen - or pretend to, if you're not in the mood to learn.) with one of my favorite live photographers, Toto Villaruel. And he's just a year older than I am. Great.

Oasis garden and resort. This is just a glimpse of it.

Hello, bride. You must be feeling really lucky right now. I'm happy for you. I don't know you but God bless your life.

That's Kuya and Jason DeG. Yeah, The Jason Deg. Thanks for having me test your reflector, it sure was a blast.

Week 4 of my Imagine Nation - Purpose Driven Photographer Workshop and so far, everything is running smoothly. I haven't learned this much since college algebra, but yeah, I understand that once in a while human brain must be exercised. Terms like flash compensation, broad lighting, Kelvin haven't reached my vocabulary until this class. There's so much to learn, so much to explore, in the world of photography: it's up to you if you want to remain in the safety of studio lights or discover the harsh reality of the streets (that is, without any help from your trusted gears). I still don't know which category I see myself in in the future, though glimpses of glamour, events and street photography has been a comfort zone for me lately. I trust God will lead me where He would find me useful, and right now I am confident that it is His will for me to pursue this passion of mine. Lord lead the way. Let me capture Your grace. I might now know things now but all will be revealed in Your time. My finger is ready for the shutter.

An Encounter

No, they're not doing the Illuminati sign. They're just praying for prosperity and wealth.

Pastor Pabs praying over the participants.

Pastor Paul with Aivan, Jasper and Kim. Spotted at Trinoma after the event.

My favorite ates: Roanne, Roselle and Jiggy.

Me, Leons, Jigs and Pat.


Photos taken during the Encounter God Retreat last May 14 - 15.

Glad Like Gladi

I super idolized this girl, young and free and principled. Oh, she’s a lot, actually, and this page isn’t enough to brag about her awe-inspiring self. She has taught me so much about life and I am always thankful to GOD for giving me a friend like her. i always tell her that she has inspired me so much and that she has made me appreciate life's imperfection, i love how she termed it "dysfunctional". i am waiting (and very much excited) to see her name in the bookshelves of National Bookstore (or sa fully-booked) because i know she has what i takes to affect people's lives. Thank you for singing Alanis’ songs for me, I love your voice. I love everything about you!

Dearest Gladi,
I was surprised to know that i'm included in that list of yours, of people who have somehow made an impression (whether good or bad) in your life. Yes, life is dysfunctional, and the more God's grace is magnified. I hope I could see you again in the future, maybe visit you in your hometown, take a tour of the nearby beaches (Laiya and Virgin Beach is good, I heard). I miss those long conversations on random days, just sharing our dreams and our hearts. Life, for me, has changed a lot since those times and it's all for the best. I bet you still pine for Og Mandino's and Paulo Coelho's books. I'm thinking of crazy haircuts i want to try and i want you to see it haha. I miss Cindy, Ajames, Kuya Li, Anto, Kuya Wei, Alvin, Gabo, and all those people we used to hang out with. We all moved on, I guess. But thank you blogspot for making it seem as if you're still here. love you and God bless. =)


check out Gladi's blog here.

Stargirl

I Miss You.

A Dash of Imagination and A Pinch of Life

Damn Pretty

"ms rica do u have any beauty tips? :))

Eat right, sleep well at night, exercise, laugh, love, be yourself and be confident about it, and all these are only achievable by the grace of God."

...which just reminds me of this passage...

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

from Mrs. Bonifacio's Tumblr account.

Unbearable Lightness Of Being

Life can really be so random sometimes, eh?

and i mean random.

So this is what it meant when it was said one has to 'die' in order to live again? To basically rock the boat, walk on water, take the risk and go for it? Even when I know hearts will be broken, words will be spoken, piercing one unconsciously, the faith that the healing comes after - healing that comes only through Christ our Lord - will prevail.

When one feels abandoned yet continues to trust him, he worships him in the deepest way. God may kill me but still I will trust Him, Job said. And no matter how I feel, God is real. Hebrews 13:5.

One only sees what he is ready to see.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hebrews 3:12-14

So watch your step, friends. Make sure there's no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it's still God's Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn't slow down your reflexes. If we can only keep our grip on the sure thing we started out with, we're in this with Christ for the long haul.

These words keep ringing in our ears:

Today, please listen;
don't turn a deaf ear as in the bitter uprising.

______________________________________________________________

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

_______________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 6

As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says,
"In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you."I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul's Hardships

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

¹¹We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. ¹³As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 John 4:13:18

We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.





Is this the whole picture
Or is it just the start?
Is this the way you love me?
You're capturing my heart
I used to try and walk alone
But I've begun to grow
And when you tell me just to rest
I'm finally letting go
I let go

And I'm here to stay
Nothing can separate us
And I know, I'm ok
You cradle me gently
Wrapped in your arms.... I'm home

I'm seeing so much clearer
Looking through your eyes
I could never find a safer place
Even if I tried
All the times I've needed you
You've never left my side
I'm clinging to your every word
Don't ever let me go
Don't let go