Dearest Alanna,
I pray that you wear Honesty as a necklace around your neck, and purity as a belt around your waist - that you may be able to stand up when tests and trials come, and remain pure and honest.
That you would wear integrity as a head band around your head, that you will always do what is right, even when no one around you is looking or would ever know...
Because it is by the way you act in Secret, by the way you think, in your mind, where your thoughts are hidden, that God is truly blessed by us.
And when God is truly blessed with us, he can truly BLESS us.
Being honest, pure, and holding your integrity high, while in your youth, will ensure a fabulous lifetime of blessing from the Lord- and being like that all our life, I'm sure will ensure a fabulous eternity.
Psalm 25:21
May integrity and honor protect me, for I put my hope in you.
Monday, July 11, 2011
31: Compensation
Alanna,
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
I realize it might be difficult for you to keep yourself pure, it was hard for me too. But I believe I am belssed by the Lord now, because I did choose the pure life, as the Psalm from David says:
Psalm 18:20
The Lord rewarded me for doing right. He compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. For all His laws are constantly before me; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight.
I love how it says the Lord will "compensate" us.
So many times, I had the opportunity to do something that was wrong and impure, but I did not, I held myself back, and now, he has compensated me.
All those times I could have gone with someone, mainly, I'm reffering to those "nasty", noughty, or impure things I could have down with a boy - God gave me a husband, in my youth, who has physcially blessed me so much more than any of those boys ever could have.
Many times, I simply sacrificed a good friend, because I knew that God did not see (nor myself0 Our relationship going anywhere healthy, and all those times I forfeited a boyfriend, and especially when I forfeited the idea of having a boyfriend, and told God HE was enough for me.
That is when God compensated me and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
Psalm: 25:4
Show me the path where I should walk oh Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. lead me by your truth and teach me, for your are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you.
When you're doubtful if you're doing to right thing, or the wrong thing - chances are you're doing what's wrong if you feel doubtful of yourself)
Then go to God, he'll give you the right direction to go.
Because you trust in him with all you are and do not lean to the left or the right.
30: Worship : Music
Music can be used to worship God. Exodus 15:1
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
Music is useful to focus our attention on God. Psalm 81:1-2
We should make music for the glory of God. Col 3:16
I love you Lord, for you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior. My savior my God is my Rock in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.
Sound Familiar?
You are my shelter in the Storm,
Delieverer, comforter, my shield and defense.
You are my fortress my mighty King,
You're the creator of everything.
My salvation you are my rock
You lift my head when my hope is gone.
When I am weak, you make me strong.
Hmm...
Well, I've written and recorded this song twice, but can't seem to remember it.
I encourage you to continue to write your own songs unto the Lord, because you are ALREADY so good at it, and if you continue, you're gonna really make a great album one day soon!
29: Smile
My Dearest Princess,
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
Thank you for making me a better person.
You are always encouraging me to smile- "Smile your LAUGHING smile mommy!" you say whenever you hear good music, whether it's at home, at the store, at church or in an elevator! "Let's Go!" mommy, you also say, constantly keeping me on my toes to try new things, go new places, explore and have fun.
You truly have the joy of the Lord within you and you make it shine for us all to see.
Today was a very long, hectic day, (traveling to Hawaii with you and your Brother Dec 2010) - yet I can honestly say that unless I was catching come zzz's on the plane, I was Smiling!!
And it wasn't just on the outside, or a "show" but I was smiling on the inside as well!
Because of your constant encouragement to turn ordinary into extraordinary or dull into exciting, I have learned to sincerely have an amazing day, to do things I wouldn't have done, try new things, meet new people! Thank you!
Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!
Smile! Don't stop.
Smile while you talk
Smile while you walk
Smile while you listen.
Be the Smile of God.
A man threw himself off the golden gate bridge in San Fransisco. He killed himself Alanna. Reporters looked through his house and found a journal that he had written in on the day he killed himself. The journal entry for that day he had written, " I'm walking to the golden gate bridge to kill myself, if ONE person smiles at me along the way, I won't do it."
28: The Climb
1 Corinthians 13
Only faith, hope and Love will Last
And the greatest of these is LOVE.
Only faith, hope and Love will Last
And the greatest of these is LOVE.
Nov. 22, 2010
Dearest Daughter,
As I write this, you are sleeping safely next to me. You are holding your favorite bear, whom you have named "Beary", your first true teddy.
I am sitting in my car, in front of a beautiful scene, I'm sitting out front of a georgeous home and across the street, is a children's park equipped with a new playground and swings. The house, and the spot I sit at, overlooks the West end of the Murrieta Valley, a long range of rolling mountains, with scattered new homes, and a sky filled with gorgeous clouds that the Sun is beaming through.
This is the kind of home I'd love to raise you in.
A home large enough, that you'll stop complaining about it's size. (not your fault we lived in our Del Torino, 3500 sq ft home) and a safe enjoyable park just across the street, with a beautiful neighborhood, good neighbors and friends to love.
That is my dream for you. And I hope I can make it happen for you. There's no reason you can't have everything you desire, we are blessed beyond measure, and our hope remains in the Lord.
Why do I tell you these things?
Because I want to let you know. I am telling you my dreams outloud, not fearful that they won't happen, but confident that it will!
This morning you told me,
"My dreams will never come true."
"...why?"
"Because I always tell them."
The Disney movie, Cinderella has it wrong.
She says if you tell your dreams , they won't come true. - Maybe she felt that way, because she had such a horrible step-mother and step-sisters, but not you Alanna.
Darling,
You can be confident that when you share your dreams with me, I will do my best to support you, and encourage you.
Most of all, tell the Lord your dreams.
Tell him your desires, your hopes, your vision.
All good things come from Him.
If that is true, then He will be proud of you for trusting Him.
Trusting Him to come through for you, to complete what he has begun in you.
You say as a 4 year old, that you want to be a doctor. Because you want to help people feel better. Whether you become a pediatrician, a physiologist, or a mommy putting a bandage on your baby's boo-boo I know if you want it, you'll be the best you can be at it.
(my good friend Linda Evans always dreamed of being a physical therapist, and after she graduated, she got her PhD in 5 1/2 years)
Growing up, I was good at things I tried, and so because, I was already good without trying very hard, I was satisfied with myself, with my "good" job done, despite my effortless attempts.
Darling, please don't be like me!
I always did a "good" job but not my "best" job.
GOOD is the opposite of GREAT.
Imagine if I had actually tried!!
How much more knowledge I'd have!!
How much more wisdom I'd have!
I'd have more talent and skills. I'd be Fit, play the piano like a master artist... most of all, I'd be able to say I gave it my best.
Sometimes, others might tell you "Great job!" "awesome work" "100% A+"
But inside, do you feel you gave it your best?
I believe your Father, Joseph, is one thee hardest persons to please, and also the best person to please.
He won't ever give you an "awesome job!" if you don't deserve it. He might crust you and tell you how horrible it was, but only because he knows how much BETTER you CAN do.
To reach your dreams, your goals, TELL THEM!
DECLARE THEM!
Make them known and do your best to get them done.
Pray. Pray. Pray. And seek God's help, wisdom and counsel.
Put yourself around people like your dad, that will honestly encourage you, tell you "You Can do better!" and push you for greater things.
You might hate these people in the moment, because sometimes, it hurts to hear the truth, but only if you've been believing a lie. So appreciate them, and keep them close in your life.
Keep those great encouragers close too. You need a balance of both. Just cuz some people, and friends, might say everything you do is awesome. It doesn't mean they're a bad person, it's because they honestly believe you're awesome. And believe me, this WILL be the majority of people!! You'll need them around to encourage you too!
And most of all, do YOUR best.
Don't do someone else's best. Don't grade yourself by someone elses's standards. Be the Best YOU can be. Don't lie to yourself about it.
Run farther
Swim harder
Sing Stronger
Read Longer
Study Harder
Love Stronger
You can jump as high as you can. But if you try, you can jump higher.
Don't say "someday" do it today.
"I've got one life to live this life.
I've got one chance to get it Right.
I've got one chance to change a life.
I've got one life, one life.
My someday's have come and gone.
My someday's before me now.
My today's while I'm alive, I've got one life, One life!"
-PressPlay LA Dream Center"
Miley Cirus:
You got in my head the clouds
You got me thinking out loud
The more you dream about me the more that I believe
That nothing's ever out of reach
So dream, dream, dream
Keep dreamers close to you Alanna
Daddy's favorite song right now is "The Climb"
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
I love you darling.
I can only hope that you have faith in the Lord, and in the blessings He's given you, to dream digger, strive for more, and aim for greatness.
Don't get lost on the way to your dream, those are the moments that make you who you are.
It's about the climb.
I love you.
Have a good climb.
27: Can't change alone
James 4:7-8
Resist the devil and He will flee. Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you.
Cleanse your Hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This passage was written by Paul to James, and the church with James. He was frustrated with their sin and their double-minded hearts and He told them to purify their hearts and to cleanse their hands.
Now as your nother, I have a different story to tell you, because I can go to the sink, grab the soap, and cleanse my hands. I can put them under the water and wipe the soap and water away, and have pure hands. However, there's no way to take my heart out and clean it.
I cannot put my soul into the washing machine, the same way I do with dirty jeans. No, I have no way to cleanse or purify my heart. I can know how filthy it is, and I can think of the ways I've been unpure.
But I have no pwer to cleanse my heart.
Neither do you.
The only way to have a pure and clean heart is to get on your knees (physically or spiritually) and ask the Lord to come in and cleanse your heart.
You can try to change on your own, but on your own, you will fail.
Because you have been born a sinner and will stay a sinner without Christ.
I have tried so many times to change my heart. Sometimes I can see what's happening, wrong in my life, and on my own, I try to change. I try to change wrong attitudes, I try to change bad habits, but no matter how frustrated I am with myself, I just become more frustrated when I try to change, and cant. I could never change because I was trying to change on my own.
GOD... desires for you to be a better person.
For you to loose the attitudes and change your old ways.
But you need to call on Him!
And remember to open up and let him change you.
Don't fight it. Obey his commands of your life. His blessings will always go beyond your sacrifice, and always stay thankful!!
Resist the devil and He will flee. Draw nearer to God and He will draw nearer to you.
Cleanse your Hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
This passage was written by Paul to James, and the church with James. He was frustrated with their sin and their double-minded hearts and He told them to purify their hearts and to cleanse their hands.
Now as your nother, I have a different story to tell you, because I can go to the sink, grab the soap, and cleanse my hands. I can put them under the water and wipe the soap and water away, and have pure hands. However, there's no way to take my heart out and clean it.
I cannot put my soul into the washing machine, the same way I do with dirty jeans. No, I have no way to cleanse or purify my heart. I can know how filthy it is, and I can think of the ways I've been unpure.
But I have no pwer to cleanse my heart.
Neither do you.
The only way to have a pure and clean heart is to get on your knees (physically or spiritually) and ask the Lord to come in and cleanse your heart.
You can try to change on your own, but on your own, you will fail.
Because you have been born a sinner and will stay a sinner without Christ.
I have tried so many times to change my heart. Sometimes I can see what's happening, wrong in my life, and on my own, I try to change. I try to change wrong attitudes, I try to change bad habits, but no matter how frustrated I am with myself, I just become more frustrated when I try to change, and cant. I could never change because I was trying to change on my own.
GOD... desires for you to be a better person.
For you to loose the attitudes and change your old ways.
But you need to call on Him!
And remember to open up and let him change you.
Don't fight it. Obey his commands of your life. His blessings will always go beyond your sacrifice, and always stay thankful!!
26: Love
Love, and the greatest example of love is this, one who lays down his life for a friend.
Maybe when you read this, you picture someone actually giving their physical self up, for their friend....
maybe it's a train coming and out of love you push them out of the way, and you're hit instead. ...
Maybe it's taking the blame for their crime and getting the death penalty instead.
Something you might be a little more familiar with is a story from your favorite Disney Princess.
Maybe it's that picture of Bell, giving her life as a ransom for her dad to be set free from the beast's prison...
but perhaps we can also look at it on a smaller scale, a much more difficult one.
You see, all 3 of those scenarios are 1 time decisions, that are made in the midst of the action and you jump to be the hero...
but what about the daily trails, of pride and selfishness, that are so much harder to submit too, when it comes to laying down yourself for a friend.
And lets say it doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a brother or sister, a mom or dad, or your own husband.
As I've grown up, I've realized that so many times I have the choice to do what "I" want to do, or to do what "others" want to do... or , to do what's best for others.
I've had the choice to serve my own needs and desires, or to serve others.
It's harder to serve others, because I've got a selfish voice inside that wants to look out for me. But I must be cautious, and realize the GODLY choice, is to serve.
Some people will warn you against this, but the only thing I'd warn you of, is to not feed "pearls to the swine."
Otherwise, if it is wise, Serve!
Love others by putting their needs before your own. Listen to their stories, and hear what they have to say instead of talking all the time.
Play the games THEY like to play, go places they want to go. Be humble, don't think you're better than them. Don't argue to have the last word. Consider their feelings.
Don't be selfish, arrogant or boastful or rude. Don't try to be better than everyone else, instead, just be your best, and encourage them to do the same. Look for opportunities to serve. Bless others whenever you have the chance. Rejoice with them, and mourn with them (don't avoid them in their mourning!)
Be there for a friend in their time of need. (again, don't avoid them in this time, they need you. If you don't know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to do the right thing, but please, don't avoid the situation, you're friendship will grow stronger working through hard life situations together.)
Remember the fruits of the spirit. Pray for them, encourage them. Be quick to forgive.
Love.
Maybe when you read this, you picture someone actually giving their physical self up, for their friend....
maybe it's a train coming and out of love you push them out of the way, and you're hit instead. ...
Maybe it's taking the blame for their crime and getting the death penalty instead.
Something you might be a little more familiar with is a story from your favorite Disney Princess.
Maybe it's that picture of Bell, giving her life as a ransom for her dad to be set free from the beast's prison...
but perhaps we can also look at it on a smaller scale, a much more difficult one.
You see, all 3 of those scenarios are 1 time decisions, that are made in the midst of the action and you jump to be the hero...
but what about the daily trails, of pride and selfishness, that are so much harder to submit too, when it comes to laying down yourself for a friend.
And lets say it doesn't have to be a friend, it could be a brother or sister, a mom or dad, or your own husband.
As I've grown up, I've realized that so many times I have the choice to do what "I" want to do, or to do what "others" want to do... or , to do what's best for others.
I've had the choice to serve my own needs and desires, or to serve others.
It's harder to serve others, because I've got a selfish voice inside that wants to look out for me. But I must be cautious, and realize the GODLY choice, is to serve.
Some people will warn you against this, but the only thing I'd warn you of, is to not feed "pearls to the swine."
Otherwise, if it is wise, Serve!
Love others by putting their needs before your own. Listen to their stories, and hear what they have to say instead of talking all the time.
Play the games THEY like to play, go places they want to go. Be humble, don't think you're better than them. Don't argue to have the last word. Consider their feelings.
Don't be selfish, arrogant or boastful or rude. Don't try to be better than everyone else, instead, just be your best, and encourage them to do the same. Look for opportunities to serve. Bless others whenever you have the chance. Rejoice with them, and mourn with them (don't avoid them in their mourning!)
Be there for a friend in their time of need. (again, don't avoid them in this time, they need you. If you don't know what to do, ask the Holy Spirit to help guide you to do the right thing, but please, don't avoid the situation, you're friendship will grow stronger working through hard life situations together.)
Remember the fruits of the spirit. Pray for them, encourage them. Be quick to forgive.
Love.
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