My Dearest Daughter,
The bible speaks of trusting in the Lord. His thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours.
The book of Job, speaks of a story of, yes, you guessed it, a man named Job.
God describes him as, " the finest mn in all the earth, a man of complete integrity. He fears God and will have nothing to do with evil."
God had blessed him tremendously, and even after great testing from God he stayed true to God and pure. God was frustrated with his ignorant questions towards him, and teased Job about it a bit, but still said Job didn't sin, and blessed him much more than ever before.
I was reminded of what's really important to God as I read Job's chapter (Job 29) on the good old days. He spoke of how he took care of the poor, the needy, the orphans and the widows!
Jesus spoke about caring for orphans and widows. Please make it a priority in your life. For God will bless you more than you can imagine.
Make it a part of your life.
Be a foster parent, think about adopting a child, bring a widow into your home, or visit them often.
Find someone that's hungry and feed them.
Visit the lonely in the prisons, and the families they have left behind.
Doing this unto the least of these, is doing unto the Father in heaven. And he will greatly bless you.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
8. Ask and you will receive
My dearest Daughter,
I grew up thinking that my parents only told me they loved me and thought I was amazing, because I was their daughter, and they had to say that.
Now that I am grown, I see they were speaking a deep foundation for who I would see myself to be.
I see myself as a daughter of the King, a Princess in the Kingdom of God.
I believe my heavenly father can meet all of my needs, and that He is constantly looking to bless me, because I have followed after Him with a desire to please Him.
You, my dearest daughter, are too, a Princess, not just in fantasy world, but in THIS very world.
God in heaven is pleased with you, because He created you, and loves your joyful, trusting heart.
You can ask Him for Anything, and He promises, it's yours!
Your Daddy, loves you so much. He is constantly looking for ways to bless you. On Father's Day, he took you to Disneyland, because he knew it would make you happy. He usually buys you whatever you want, especially when you keep asking.
And if your earthly Father, who is bound by earthly things, desires to bless you, surely, your Father in Heaven will give you all you need and meet your hearts desires. After all, he gave you those desires!
Jesus said in John 16:24
"Until now, You have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
And in Mark 9:23
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Believe everything the bible says Dear Daughter, not just some of it.
Believe for it, and it is yours.
I grew up thinking that my parents only told me they loved me and thought I was amazing, because I was their daughter, and they had to say that.
Now that I am grown, I see they were speaking a deep foundation for who I would see myself to be.
I see myself as a daughter of the King, a Princess in the Kingdom of God.
I believe my heavenly father can meet all of my needs, and that He is constantly looking to bless me, because I have followed after Him with a desire to please Him.
You, my dearest daughter, are too, a Princess, not just in fantasy world, but in THIS very world.
God in heaven is pleased with you, because He created you, and loves your joyful, trusting heart.
You can ask Him for Anything, and He promises, it's yours!
Your Daddy, loves you so much. He is constantly looking for ways to bless you. On Father's Day, he took you to Disneyland, because he knew it would make you happy. He usually buys you whatever you want, especially when you keep asking.
And if your earthly Father, who is bound by earthly things, desires to bless you, surely, your Father in Heaven will give you all you need and meet your hearts desires. After all, he gave you those desires!
Jesus said in John 16:24
"Until now, You have asked nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
And in Mark 9:23
"If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."
Believe everything the bible says Dear Daughter, not just some of it.
Believe for it, and it is yours.
7. Joy of the Lord
"The joy of the Lord is your strength."—Nehemiah 8:10.
The joy of the Lord shines through you.
Your smile lights up your face, and gives me and everyone around you a glimpse of pure joy.
I believe God has given you this sun-shine personality, to shine "His Light" on everyone around you.
I'm so blessed by your high spirits of joy and smiles.
You are so quick to forgive, and it's something about you that I so deeply admire.
I make many mistakes, but you don't hold a grudge, you are quick to forgive, love me, and move on.
And you're a great encouragement, you're always pushing me to do better, to keep going, to get up and go.
I appreciate all of those things about you.
You have the joy of the Lord, and through your joy, He gives me strength. =)
The joy of the Lord shines through you.
Your smile lights up your face, and gives me and everyone around you a glimpse of pure joy.
I believe God has given you this sun-shine personality, to shine "His Light" on everyone around you.
I'm so blessed by your high spirits of joy and smiles.
You are so quick to forgive, and it's something about you that I so deeply admire.
I make many mistakes, but you don't hold a grudge, you are quick to forgive, love me, and move on.
And you're a great encouragement, you're always pushing me to do better, to keep going, to get up and go.
I appreciate all of those things about you.
You have the joy of the Lord, and through your joy, He gives me strength. =)
6. Trust Him
Isaiah 55:9
"For the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." Says the Lord
"For the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts." Says the Lord
2 Samuel 22:31
"As for God, his way is perfect." - David
My Dearest daughter,
Don't ever forget that God is in control and He knows what He is doing.
There may be times when you don't understand what God is doing, or why He let something happen, or why He is putting you through such a tough battle, but please stop and focus on these scriptures.
For His ways are higher than our ways.
Remember, He created the universe in 7 days! haha! Yes! His thoughts are MUCH higher than ours, and I take comfort in all areas of life, when I remember these things.
Do Not Fear.
You can trust Him.
When you can let go of the fear of the unknown, the stress of trying to understand, the insecurity of doubt, then you will be able to embrace our Savior's peace, His comfort, His strength.
You can find Rest, when you stop questioning God, and start thanking Him for His grace, provision and faithfulness, even when you can't understand.
If you ever feel like God should be handling your situation a different way, you're not alone.
Even Jesus himself when he was about to be handed over to die, he didn't like the situation - (duh!) - He was "deeply distressed and horrified" according to Mark 14:33.
He even prayed that if there was any other way for God's plan to work, to please use the other way! - Luke 22:42
But he also, in the same prayer, said to his Father,
"But even if I must go through this, it's not my will, but YOURS!"
This prayer teaches us that sometimes there might be situations that come our way, that are so horrible, we might become stressed or even horrified, but just like Jesus, we can find comfort knowing that GOD's will is being done. His ways are HIGHER than ours.
Remember, God has good things in store for your and He will always take care of you.
I love you so much.
You're such a blessing of joy to everyone you come in contact with.
=)
I'm so proud of you!
5. Go!
The reason we were created was to worship Christ, the Father, and the Spirit, and to make this choir of worshipers bigger, louder and Prouder.
What do I mean?
I mean our job is to teach others about Jesus, so that they'll have the same passion and love for Him that you and I have.
The last words I ever speak to you, especially if I know they are my last, will be very special to you. You will probably remember those words often, and if I made a request or demand, you'd probably try your best to accomplish my request.
Far more special than my last words to you, were the Last words spoken by our Savior, Christ, before leaving the earth.
"All Authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go, and preach the Good news to all creation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, and remember, I am always with you, to the very end of the age."
This was our Savior's last request, his final command to us, to GO, some versions say, "Make Disciples" and GO, teach others about Jesus and his teachings.
It is your Dad and my own passion and commitment to make disciples of the gospel. We understand that no matter how many awesome toys, trucks, houses or possessions you could own, the only thing that you can take with you to heaven, are the lives you've changed for all eternity.
Today was our 2010 Launch Graduation. It wasn't just an accomplishment for all those students, but it was something that your daddy and I were proud of as well. We have sacrificed so much, just to have these students come and be discipled for the cause of Christ's demand. I mean, we gave up our Free House and Utilities and then Rented somewhere else for 2 years for the program and student's sake (That's a lot of mullah!) along with all the hard work, the time, the energy... woah. It was a huge job, but we knew (Daddy fasted for 40 days about it!) that God called us to this, and we did it. ( Sorry to say, not without complaining, and I am sorry to you, because I probably forfeited blessings upon our lives because of my complaining spirit) but through it all, we were obedient.
I pray that you look and even create opportunities to preach the gospel to others. Not necessarily preach a sermon style message, but teach others about Christ's love. Maybe you do preach a sermon (or many) or maybe you just teach them about God's love and Jesus' commands, the same way a mother teaches a child, here and there, in everyday living, little opportunities will appear to teach God's word and Jesus' commands. We take advantage of those and preach the gospel!
I want to change the world's destination of hell, into heaven. But that can only completely happen, if we TELL them about Heaven and tell them how to get there.
It cannot happen on accident.
You cannot just be someone's best friend for 5 years, waiting for the best opportunity to tell them about heaven and how to get there, you HAVE to be bold, and just tell them. TRUST ME, they'll appreciate it! (When they're in heaven!)
I told my daddy about heaven, about following Jesus for YEARS, he would always tell me, "I'm catholic!" But, he never did anything "catholic", ever! He was just saying that, because that's what he was raised to say. But your parent's religion or relationship with Christ isn't enough for YOU. You have to have a relationship with HIM yourself.
My daddy called my mom and I, "Jesus Fanatics" and said we were crazy for our obsession with Church and serving God. He just wanted us to be "good" people.
But, NO ONE is truely good, no one. (Says the Lord.)
So, please, first, seek the Lovely relationship that I enjoy with the Lord, for yourself, and then, go, and make disciples. Please, It's all that matters!
You are my most precious and highest priority disciple. That is why I am writing this book to you. The Lord came and taught His disciples, and their words they learned from him are now OUR bible.
But my Jesus is still alive, and He still walks with me daily, and He has taught me so much, and I want to pass that on to you.
I love you.
I hope I can demonstrate my love to you, so you can understand how much I love you. You are so smart and talented. You have a sweet personality and are so thoughtful. That alone will teach others.
I know.
Because you have already taught me so much of a cheerful spirit of giving, or servant-hood and gentleness. You are so caring and thoughtful. Encouraging and uplifting.
It sounds weird I'm sure, but I hope I can be like you when I grow up.
=)
What do I mean?
I mean our job is to teach others about Jesus, so that they'll have the same passion and love for Him that you and I have.
The last words I ever speak to you, especially if I know they are my last, will be very special to you. You will probably remember those words often, and if I made a request or demand, you'd probably try your best to accomplish my request.
Far more special than my last words to you, were the Last words spoken by our Savior, Christ, before leaving the earth.
"All Authority in Heaven and Earth has been given to me. Therefore, go, and preach the Good news to all creation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you, and remember, I am always with you, to the very end of the age."
This was our Savior's last request, his final command to us, to GO, some versions say, "Make Disciples" and GO, teach others about Jesus and his teachings.
It is your Dad and my own passion and commitment to make disciples of the gospel. We understand that no matter how many awesome toys, trucks, houses or possessions you could own, the only thing that you can take with you to heaven, are the lives you've changed for all eternity.
Today was our 2010 Launch Graduation. It wasn't just an accomplishment for all those students, but it was something that your daddy and I were proud of as well. We have sacrificed so much, just to have these students come and be discipled for the cause of Christ's demand. I mean, we gave up our Free House and Utilities and then Rented somewhere else for 2 years for the program and student's sake (That's a lot of mullah!) along with all the hard work, the time, the energy... woah. It was a huge job, but we knew (Daddy fasted for 40 days about it!) that God called us to this, and we did it. ( Sorry to say, not without complaining, and I am sorry to you, because I probably forfeited blessings upon our lives because of my complaining spirit) but through it all, we were obedient.
I pray that you look and even create opportunities to preach the gospel to others. Not necessarily preach a sermon style message, but teach others about Christ's love. Maybe you do preach a sermon (or many) or maybe you just teach them about God's love and Jesus' commands, the same way a mother teaches a child, here and there, in everyday living, little opportunities will appear to teach God's word and Jesus' commands. We take advantage of those and preach the gospel!
I want to change the world's destination of hell, into heaven. But that can only completely happen, if we TELL them about Heaven and tell them how to get there.
It cannot happen on accident.
You cannot just be someone's best friend for 5 years, waiting for the best opportunity to tell them about heaven and how to get there, you HAVE to be bold, and just tell them. TRUST ME, they'll appreciate it! (When they're in heaven!)
I told my daddy about heaven, about following Jesus for YEARS, he would always tell me, "I'm catholic!" But, he never did anything "catholic", ever! He was just saying that, because that's what he was raised to say. But your parent's religion or relationship with Christ isn't enough for YOU. You have to have a relationship with HIM yourself.
My daddy called my mom and I, "Jesus Fanatics" and said we were crazy for our obsession with Church and serving God. He just wanted us to be "good" people.
But, NO ONE is truely good, no one. (Says the Lord.)
So, please, first, seek the Lovely relationship that I enjoy with the Lord, for yourself, and then, go, and make disciples. Please, It's all that matters!
You are my most precious and highest priority disciple. That is why I am writing this book to you. The Lord came and taught His disciples, and their words they learned from him are now OUR bible.
But my Jesus is still alive, and He still walks with me daily, and He has taught me so much, and I want to pass that on to you.
I love you.
I hope I can demonstrate my love to you, so you can understand how much I love you. You are so smart and talented. You have a sweet personality and are so thoughtful. That alone will teach others.
I know.
Because you have already taught me so much of a cheerful spirit of giving, or servant-hood and gentleness. You are so caring and thoughtful. Encouraging and uplifting.
It sounds weird I'm sure, but I hope I can be like you when I grow up.
=)
4. Stay True
I have always tried to teach you how important it is to tell the truth, and be an honest person in all you do. Some people will teach you that at times, it might be ok to lie in order to protect someone or yourself, but I believe that God is the only one who will truly protect us, and if we are truthful, then we carry His Blessing in our life.
Act 5:4 It's a very tough situation, because the husband has done something wrong towards the church, and asked his wife to go along with the sinful deed. Peter says to the husband, "You have not lied toward men, but to God." and ask you know, his wife was buried right beside him that day, when she lied to Peter as well.
Peter nor the people did anything to them, instead, they were struck by the Lord because of their lie. And the Lord did not protect her because she was obedient to her husband.
In Proverbs 6:16, we see a list of 7 things that the Lord hates, and TWO of them, are LYING!
- a lying tounge
- a false witness who pours out lies
I know very well that the Lord will use you to do great things, and I pray that you STAY TRUE and honest when share about the good things He is doing. Do not fall into the trap that exaggeratting a little is okay when telling a story or something that GOD did.
Is what GOD is doing in your life or your ministry not enough for us, that we need to 'spice' up the story? No! Stay true!
You can be honored by God in heaven for being honest about everything your tongue speaks, or, you can be hated by God, just to make your story sound better in front of men, or to protect yourself, so man won't think ill of you.
Who's approval do you want?
Mans? or the Lords?
To me, it's a clear answer. I don't want the Lord to have cause to hate me, or stop his annointing from flowing through me, so I stay clear from lies, even if that means I might get into some mankind trouble.
Neither do I want the Lord to have cause against you, so Stay True. You are Good enough, just stay true.
Act 5:4 It's a very tough situation, because the husband has done something wrong towards the church, and asked his wife to go along with the sinful deed. Peter says to the husband, "You have not lied toward men, but to God." and ask you know, his wife was buried right beside him that day, when she lied to Peter as well.
Peter nor the people did anything to them, instead, they were struck by the Lord because of their lie. And the Lord did not protect her because she was obedient to her husband.
In Proverbs 6:16, we see a list of 7 things that the Lord hates, and TWO of them, are LYING!
- a lying tounge
- a false witness who pours out lies
I know very well that the Lord will use you to do great things, and I pray that you STAY TRUE and honest when share about the good things He is doing. Do not fall into the trap that exaggeratting a little is okay when telling a story or something that GOD did.
Is what GOD is doing in your life or your ministry not enough for us, that we need to 'spice' up the story? No! Stay true!
You can be honored by God in heaven for being honest about everything your tongue speaks, or, you can be hated by God, just to make your story sound better in front of men, or to protect yourself, so man won't think ill of you.
Who's approval do you want?
Mans? or the Lords?
To me, it's a clear answer. I don't want the Lord to have cause to hate me, or stop his annointing from flowing through me, so I stay clear from lies, even if that means I might get into some mankind trouble.
Neither do I want the Lord to have cause against you, so Stay True. You are Good enough, just stay true.
Friday, May 20, 2011
3. It was then that I carried you
Psalm 139:16
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
This is a beautiful passage of scripture.
But sometimes, when the days get rough, it's a very hard piece of scripture to believe and hold on to.
Stay faithful to Him.
Stay strong, knowing that He is in control.
There is a poem called footprints about how Jesus "carried" us through the tough times. It's hard to believe, but sometimes, perhaps even always, God is not only "with" us, and carrying us through hard times, but walking us towards them, fully allowing the bad days to come, or even putting us in those hard situations.
Listen to the trust Joseph has in the Lord.
Because of Joseph's trust in God throughout the good days and the bad days, Joseph was able to save his family (ALL of the Israelites) from starving to death!
Just remember Baby girl, that God loves you, and has good things in store, if you just hold on and trust Him.
God put Jesus in a horrible situation to be beaten and killed, yet it was God's plan. Sometimes, God's plans for good, involve us going thru hard times first, but it doesn't stop God from being perfect, or from holding your hand.
Trust Him Baby Girl.
Trust Him Baby.
Trust Him.
Trust Him Baby.
Trust Him.
2. Faith like a Child
As a small child, a baby even, your Faith, has impacted the world.
When you were only 2 years old, you began to pray to Jesus to heal people's sicknesses and we would see them healed.
I remember one day specifically, we were all the beach, and you were having a wonderful time playing in the ocean waves. You saw your daddy way off in the distance, and what happened was amazing.....
"Come play with me Daddy!"
"Sorry Baby, I can't play right now. I have a really bad headache."
"Aww, Daddy, you have an owie? It's ok, I'll pray for you. Jesus, Thank you for my daddy's owie."
...Then you pushed your eyes shut really tight, as if you were making a wish, and then you were done.
"You feel better now Daddy?"
"Haha! Wow! Yes, I do!"
"Ok, come on, let's go play."
You're faith was solid. You knew God could heal your dad, and you acted upon that. Your prayer wasn't one of fancy words or theoretical in any way. You didn't even really pray out loud for your dad to be healed, you just said, "Thank you for my Daddy's owie."
See, it wasn't about the words you used, how long you prayed, or how loud your voice was. It wasn't about the length of your prayer, and it certainly wasn't confined by your age. It was about your solid faith - your 'without a doubt' faith. You knew that God brings healing, and your hearts desire was to see your daddy healed!
There has been many times when you laid hands on someone and they were healed. And your faith has brought encouragement to so many others.
Brother Brent Wood would call you into our prayer meetings, as a 2 year old, to pray for the sick, and build our faith.
Missionaries around the world, hear about you, and release your testimony as they pray for a miracle.
You, Alanna, have changed lives, near and far, young and old. And this is just the beginning.
God is still the same today, that he was when you first began to believe.
Don't stop.
Keep this faith, that you have as a child.
Strive for it.
Protect It.
Ask the Lord to daily renew your Child like Faith and ask Him to help you protect.
What are way you can protect your Child Like Faith?
When you were only 2 years old, you began to pray to Jesus to heal people's sicknesses and we would see them healed.
I remember one day specifically, we were all the beach, and you were having a wonderful time playing in the ocean waves. You saw your daddy way off in the distance, and what happened was amazing.....
"Come play with me Daddy!"
"Sorry Baby, I can't play right now. I have a really bad headache."
"Aww, Daddy, you have an owie? It's ok, I'll pray for you. Jesus, Thank you for my daddy's owie."
...Then you pushed your eyes shut really tight, as if you were making a wish, and then you were done.
"You feel better now Daddy?"
"Haha! Wow! Yes, I do!"
"Ok, come on, let's go play."
You're faith was solid. You knew God could heal your dad, and you acted upon that. Your prayer wasn't one of fancy words or theoretical in any way. You didn't even really pray out loud for your dad to be healed, you just said, "Thank you for my Daddy's owie."
See, it wasn't about the words you used, how long you prayed, or how loud your voice was. It wasn't about the length of your prayer, and it certainly wasn't confined by your age. It was about your solid faith - your 'without a doubt' faith. You knew that God brings healing, and your hearts desire was to see your daddy healed!
There has been many times when you laid hands on someone and they were healed. And your faith has brought encouragement to so many others.
Brother Brent Wood would call you into our prayer meetings, as a 2 year old, to pray for the sick, and build our faith.
Missionaries around the world, hear about you, and release your testimony as they pray for a miracle.
You, Alanna, have changed lives, near and far, young and old. And this is just the beginning.
God is still the same today, that he was when you first began to believe.
Don't stop.
Keep this faith, that you have as a child.
Strive for it.
Protect It.
Ask the Lord to daily renew your Child like Faith and ask Him to help you protect.
What are way you can protect your Child Like Faith?
1. My Dearest Alanna
My Dearest Alanna,
As this year's Mother's Day passes, I realize how much I have learned from my own Mothers love and care. Now I see that all her years of wisdom and guidance which she poured into me are now being tested by time. I'm the kind of girl who tries to remember, but tends to forget... and sadly, I realize as the years go on, I'll begin to forget her words and teachings, as she is no longer here for me to learn from.
I hope I have the blessing to stay and watch you grow and to also see your children grow, but even if the Lord's will differs from my own, I want to leave you with my words of wisdom, care and love, that even if time grows between us, my words will always be with you.
My hope is that I can teach you all I know and that you will grow into a woman after God's heart, seeking to serve, love and care for the world around you.
My prayer is that you always look to the Lord to be your first love, your best friend, your comfort and your Father. He has brought peace and comfort to my life in a way I can not describe. I am IN LOVE with my Savior Jesus, and I hope you experience that Love with Him too.
You are beautiful, inside and out.
I will always love you, no matter what.
You make me proud every single day.
I am so blessed to be your mother and share your life of joy with you.
I am so glad we decided to have you at such a young age. You came at the perfect time, and I am blessed to stop everything and spend my days with you.
I love you more than I can say. Thank you for bringing me joy, smiles and laughter.
My life would be lost without you.
As this year's Mother's Day passes, I realize how much I have learned from my own Mothers love and care. Now I see that all her years of wisdom and guidance which she poured into me are now being tested by time. I'm the kind of girl who tries to remember, but tends to forget... and sadly, I realize as the years go on, I'll begin to forget her words and teachings, as she is no longer here for me to learn from.
I hope I have the blessing to stay and watch you grow and to also see your children grow, but even if the Lord's will differs from my own, I want to leave you with my words of wisdom, care and love, that even if time grows between us, my words will always be with you.
My hope is that I can teach you all I know and that you will grow into a woman after God's heart, seeking to serve, love and care for the world around you.
My prayer is that you always look to the Lord to be your first love, your best friend, your comfort and your Father. He has brought peace and comfort to my life in a way I can not describe. I am IN LOVE with my Savior Jesus, and I hope you experience that Love with Him too.
You are beautiful, inside and out.
I will always love you, no matter what.
You make me proud every single day.
I am so blessed to be your mother and share your life of joy with you.
I am so glad we decided to have you at such a young age. You came at the perfect time, and I am blessed to stop everything and spend my days with you.
I love you more than I can say. Thank you for bringing me joy, smiles and laughter.
My life would be lost without you.
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