Love IS.

"love doesn't get canceled"...x

Well, since it is February I decided to write about love. But what is love, exactly? The word in itself is interesting. We often throw it around like it is nothing, when in reality it IS everything. We will say things like... I love you, I love music, I love sports, I love my dogs, I love to write, I love pizza, etc. But do we really know what love is?  

If I say "I love chocolate," isn't that a lot different than me saying, "I love you?" Sometimes I wish there were different expressions we could use or a checklist to describe LOVE, because I think all of us may be a little bit confused?!

I'm sure you've heard this expression before or maybe you've even said it to someone... "I love you but I am no longer IN love with you." WHAT??? What exactly does that mean? How do you love someone and then no longer love them? Yes, I understand that FEELINGS change and people change but does that mean love STOPS? If so, were we ever really IN love in the first place?

Hmm... something to think about?! 

I started asking God a million questions, as I often do..."What is love? How do we know what is real? You say that You are love but what does that really mean? How do we express love in our relationships? Show me love, etc."

A few nights later, I had this dream:

I was shown a heart that was torn in half. One half said HEART on it and the other half said SOUL. I  was given glue, tape, a gold needle, and purple thread and I was told to put the heart back together.

I tried to glue it back but it wouldn't stick. I tried to tape it but it was crooked and wasn't pieced together properly. I'm naturally not good at sewing, so this was my last resort. haha I took the gold needle and purple thread and began sewing it back together.

As I finished, it didn't look perfect, it was bumpy and ugly... but at the same time it was WHOLE and BEAUTIFUL.

  "the blueprint is you, inked upon your finger, engraved upon my heart"...x

You SEE, often times we try to make (what we think is), love stick or we tape (cover), it together and then it becomes crooked. So why do we do this? I believe it's because the tearing apart is so painful to go through that we try to avoid it at all cost. It is also not easy to put our hearts back together again. Like a needle and thread it is a constant PIERCING and PULLING.  

This is why we need Jesus to heal our hearts from within. Then not only will we be able to sew a.k.a. GIVE love but we will be able to RECEIVE love, as well.    

As I was writing this dream down in my Dream Journal, I thought about what x said and he is right. Love doesn't get canceled. God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life, (John 3:16). I also wrote down God's checklist of love that is found in the Bible. It gave me a better understanding of what REAL love is. I then reflected back on some of my past relationships. I realized that many of them were lacking a lot of these qualities, but yet I still thought it was love. 

Interesting, in my dream the Heart and Soul were separated. I believe God was showing me that often times we love with our heart but not necessarily with our soul. And love must not only come from the heart but it must also come from deep within one's soul to be REAL.

He also gave me an alternative expression to use when describing the difference in the way we use the "word" love... 

I love you with all of my HEART!  

I love Him with all of my HEART and SOUL!

Happy Month of L♥VE.

Rod Stewart ~ You're in my Heart, You're in my Soul

"You're every love song, ever written" ~Rod Stewart

♥♰♥

Are these qualities found in YOU and in the relationships you possess with others... whether it be family, friends, or the one you love?

Love is patient

Love is kind

Love does not envy

Love does not parade itself

Is not puffed up

Does not behave rudely

Does not seek its own

Is not provoked

Thinks no evil

Does not rejoice in iniquity

But rejoices with the truth

Bears all things

Believes all things

Hopes all things

Endures all things

Love NEVER fails.

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three... 

but the greatest of these IS Love.

Locket #17

"School's out for summer, school's out forever" ~Alice Cooper

Awe, I love the smell of the ocean. The weather in California has been amazing. After church today, my sister and I went for a drive down by the beach and had lunch. 

It ALWAYS brings back memories of that warm summer day...

I had just graduated from High School. I was 17 and I had my whole life ahead of me. I love the beach and I spent most of my time there that summer.

I have always felt God's presence at the beach and I think it IS one of His most BEAUTIFUL creations.  

My friends and I would hang out at the same place, in the same spot, every summer. The Huntington Beach Pier was the place to be and all of the rockers would be there to pass out flyers for their upcoming gigs.

I awoke early that July morning and like any other summer day, I packed up my beach towel, radio, baby oil (haha), grabbed my beach chair, and jumped into my red Corvette. 

When I arrived at the beach, I stepped out onto the sand and I sensed something different about this day. It seemed quiet and peaceful or maybe it was just me, feeling the freedom of being out of school?!  

I put my hair up in a pony tail, took off my tank top and daisy dukes, laid back in my chair, and turned the radio on.

I could feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves crashing upon the shore, as I dozed off...

Night Ranger ~ Sister Christian

STRANGER:  Hey, aren't you Paul Stanley's sister?

I was startled as I opened my eyes... I saw this tall guy with dark hair and sparkling blue eyes (wearing a white tank shirt and blue swim trunks), standing above me. I put my hand in front of my eyes to block the sun's rays that was shining all around him.

ME:  I'm sorry, I was almost asleep. What did you say? I sat up in my chair.

STRANGER:  Hey, come check out this band at the Troubadour tonight.  He handed me the flyer.

I glanced at the flyer...

ME:  This looks like the same singer I saw in another band a few months ago?

STRANGER:  Yeah, yeah it is him... the two bands kinda joined forces and became one band, come check 'em out.

ME:  He's going to be famous.

STRANGER:  Who?

ME:  The singer... 

STRANGER:  You think so?  

ME:  I know so! I knew the first time I saw him at Madame Wong's. I told all of my friends that night. He is a very gifted singer, he's mesmerizing, and he has an anointing upon him.

STRANGER:  Whoa, that's not something you hear everyday. Maybe you'll be their good luck charm? So you'll be there tonight then?   

ME:  Haha... Yes, sure I'll be there.  

STRANGER:  Cool C-ya.  

I put the flyer in my bag and headed down towards the water as the stranger walked away.

The water was so refreshing. I remember thinking that I could be anything I wanted to be and that all of my dreams would come true... or would they???

As I got out of the water and started walking back up the beach, I noticed a box sitting on my beach towel and chair.

On the outside of the box it said... "#17 wait for the key"

I opened up the box to find a heart locket with a gold chain inside, along with a letter.

THE LETTER READ:

Sweet as sugar and spice and everything nice

Your life has just begun 

This is the locket taken from his right thigh

Tie it around your neck

Don't forget to smell the roses

For he is a performer and a king

You cannot open the locket and look inside

Or you will break the seal of destiny

Do not enter his courts

Until he has called you by name

For there is an appointed date in time

Remember, honor is above all fame

Mistakes will be made and heartache will come

As you grow weary and he exhausts every other key

Hold onto hope and always believe

For this promise is given unto thee

Your test begins this very day

So gain wisdom, strength, and pray

For your faith is everything he needs

To unlock this "locket" full of dreams

It is entrusted unto you

But what good is it without his key?

Hanging on the chain of his pocket

Is your heart, life, and future... to be

I will appear to you once again

On the day he uses the "locket" key

For I am his Angel

The Stranger you met at Sea

Until that day comes...

Forever,

Locket #17

Tim McGraw ~ Forever Seventeen

"All those years around your eyes,

always take you by surprise
You've been living in a dream

forever seventeen"

Heaven SWEET Heaven

Mötley Crüe... the band that will bring you to your knees!

Funny thing is, not only did they bring me to my knees back in the 1980's... But they've kept me there, ever since!  haha

Today marks the 30th year Anniversary for Mötley Crüe and a Day of Celebration, for all of their fans around the world.

Thank you for the LOVE, that you have blessed the world with, through your music and talents.

Also, a BIG thank you to all of the Pastors, Prophets, Friends, and Family members, that have continued to pray for them throughout the years.  

I do BELIEVE, that our prayers have helped keep them alive!  ;)

As time has passed, one thing IS apparent...

"You know I'm a Dreamer... but my hearts of Gold"

Mötley Crüe are Dreamers with BEAUTIFUL Hearts of GOLD!

Thank you, Heaven SWEET Heaven, for shining down upon 'The Saints of Los Angeles' and protecting them!

Happy Anniversary Nikki, Tommy, Vince, and Mick.

I LOVE YOU!!!

And On the 17th Day, GOD Created.................The Crüe

Motley Crue ~ Home Sweet Home

*Please read... Groupie Crawl

Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees... and Sore Knees?

My knees hurt, my eyes are burning, and my heart is burdened.  Sad but when I reflect back on 2010 this is what I see.

I think I've spent more time on my knees praying this past year, then I have at any other time in my life.  

It has been a tough year for many people.  It was a year of loss for a lot of us... Loss of relationships, loss of jobs, loss of homes, etc.  I myself went through some things this past year that really shook my faith.  But I am thankful that I know WHO to turn to, (when things are good or not so good) and pray for those in need.

I think we all tend to become comfortable with what we have or where we're at in life.  Change is scary for a lot of us and when everything starts changing around us, we tend to feel a lack of security.

I often tell people... "Sometimes God needs to subtract, in order to multiply." Subtraction hurts, it's a tearing apart or loss.  It causes us to feel unstable and lonely.

So how do we change this?  What do we say to those that have lost so much? How do we celebrate when so many people around us are hurting?

As I was listening to "Holly Leaves and Christmas Trees" by Elvis Presley, this holiday season. I began to think about the Three Wise Men.  They were called wise for a reason, right?

What did they do, to be considered wise?

1.  They ASKED about The KING of kings.
2.  They SOUGHT after Him.
3.  They FOUND Him.
4.  They brought GIFTS to Him.

WOW!  Think about that... What kind of gift would you give to the KING?

They gave Jesus... gold, incense, and myrrh.  Gold represented anything of wealth/talents that they may have had.  Incense represented their prayers and Myrrh was used in healing.

Interesting!

Jesus said... "ASK and it will be given to you, SEEK and you will find; KNOCK and the door will be opened."

Hmm... I started to think about what we do when someone knocks on our door?  We will usually STOP whatever it is that we are doing, go to the door to see who it is and how we may help.  How much more would God do for us?
        
ASK = GIVEN

SEEK = FIND
KNOCK = OPENED

This is exactly what the wise men did.  It seems pretty simple to me, so why are so many of us not doing it? 

It's funny, we don't seem to have a problem asking or knocking on our friends door, seeking out guru's, talk shows or whomever else for advice and answers. We will read the latest books on how to find the perfect mate, how to become healthy, or how to get rich.

But often times we will leave the KING out of the equation. 

Maybe we need to become WISE and seek out the ONE who will change our circumstances?  The ONE who will give us the right answers and the ONE who will heal our pain.

Now IS the time for CHANGE!

So let me ask you...

Whose door will you be knocking on, in this New year?

What gifts, talents, dreams, or needs do you have that you've been trying to fulfill on your own?

How about presenting them to KING of kings and allowing Him to multiply them.

For this will be a year of CELEBRATION, a year of PROSPERITY, a year of PEACE, LOVE and JOY!

So get off of Cloud Nine, forget about Ten... cuz ours is going to ELEVEN! hehe

Turn it up and tune in to the NEW sound that will come out in 2011... for the MUSIC will bring about healing and change.

And as the clock strikes MIDNIGHT tonight, may y'all SING and DANCE as we ring in the New Year together!

Behold, ALL things have become NEW!

Guns N' Roses ~ Knockin' on Heavens Door

ROSE of Roses

Portrait by: Elarteselarmadelalama

Love is. 

The 'Song of Songs' is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is so poetic and romantic. I am fascinated by the abounding metaphors and imagery, within these love letters. The passion that they express towards one another and the longing to be together is enchanting.     

I am also intrigued that it is said to be the MOST Beautiful Love song ever written. WOW! I wonder, what does the 'Song of Songs' sound like? What is the melody and how does the chorus go? What key is it played in and what are the instruments that are being played? I wish we had been given the sheet music for this beautiful love song! (Don't think I haven't asked God for it, either). haha  

Once Upon a Time... 

It was late November 2007 and I was out shopping for the holidays. As I was about to leave the mall, I glanced inside one of the store windows. I noticed a butterfly ornament hanging on a tree so of course I walked back in to look at it. It was a white and gold butterfly. I looked closer and noticed it said 'DREAM' on the front of it... I was sold.

I then walked back outside of the mall only to find that it was pouring rain and the wind was blowing. I ran to my car and got inside. I was soaking wet. As I drove, I could hardly see out my window so I decided to pull over and wait for the rain to lighten up a bit.

I stopped at the nearest gas station, opened the butterfly ornament and hung it from my rearview mirror. I had the heater on but I was still freezing so I went inside to get some hot chocolate.

I was talking to the checker about the rain when out of the blue, he said, 'You have a gift at home that will bring happiness and peace to many people.' Stunned by his words, I responded... "Well, if I make it home tonight in this rain, I'm sure my dogs will be very happy." 'It is a gift like December,' he replied. I was at a loss for words so I just smiled, thanked him for the hot chocolate, and headed towards the door. 'Hey, November Rain... he yelled, I'm Solomon.' "Nice to meet you Solomon, Merry Christmas"... I yelled back.

As I got back into my car, I noticed the butterfly ornament was facing the opposite way and it had a message on the back that I hadn't seen when I bought it. The message read, 'Let your dreams soar and watch yourself fly.' I smiled and started the car. As I pulled up to the gate, I thought about what Solomon had said. I drove up the driveway and went in through the garage. It was pitch black inside. I turned the kitchen lights on, sat the bags down on the counter and started heading up the stairs to change my clothes.

As I was walking up the stairs I saw a dim light shining in the hallway, as as I got closer, I heard the sound of the piano. I froze for a few seconds as if someone had just pressed the pause button... He's here! I felt butterflies inside and my eyes filled up with tears. I walked over and sat outside the door and just listened. At that very moment, I realized what Solomon had meant by what he said. Suddenly, I felt this peace come over me and this warmth inside my soul.

I closed my eyes as he played...

I saw a vision of an Orchestra playing in the middle of Rockefeller Center in New York City. The colors of the lights from the beautiful (enormous) Christmas tree were reflecting a sparkling rainbow upon the orchestra as they played. The song took you on a journey through life, love, and the beauty therein. I could see the faces of the people in the crowd glowing; they were holding their loved ones and swaying back and forth as if they were dancing standing still. The song came to a close with a sound of celebration and the snow began to fall in slow motion, like feathers falling from the sky. Then it appeared as if a spotlight was shining down from heaven, upon his face. I could hear the large crowd as they were clapping and chanting his name, 'Rose... Rose... Rose...'

He looked up, winked, smiled, and bowed his head. The beauty of this scene was breathtaking.

A symphony of symphonies, unlike any other!

I have always believed that a song is the MOST beautiful and intimate gift you could ever give someone, because it is sharing a part of who you are and expresses your heart. Although, I do not know the title to this song, the lyrics, or what this BEAUTIFUL love song is about... anymore than I know what the "Song of Songs" sounds like.

So how does one explain or write about a song that is inexpressible? A song that gives you BUTTERFLIES and TEARS at the same time... A song that can only be experienced?

Could it be the sheet music that I've been praying for? I don't have the answers but I do know this:

It is a gift that will bring happiness and peace to many people.

It is a gift like December.

It is the MOST beautiful love song ever written.

It is the greatest fairy tale yet to be told.

It is what "Happily Ever After" sounds like.

It IS love.

It is the ROSE of Roses.

December Rain (November Rain) ~ Guns N' Roses

Protection and peace IS your name! Victory IS your number! 

*Thank you for this Gift, for this BEAUTIFUL love song that you are about to share with the rest of the world.

Pink Houses

It was over five years ago when I first started doing Fundraising events for Breast Cancer. I am so AMAZED and thankful that it has received so much press. So many people have stepped up to support it. It seems you can't go anywhere now, without seeing the PINK ribbon/logo on our products, the NFL wearing pink, and Celebrities showing their support. It IS such a huge blessing.

My prayer is that we will eventually have that same support for the homeless living on our streets in America. This year has been tough, with rising unemployment and rising utility prices. More people than ever are being forced out of their homes and onto the streets.

I can sit here and give you all the statistics. I can tell you how many people are living on our streets, their background, or post pictures of them. But I think we have somewhat turned a BLIND eye to it. Maybe we are just desensitized to it all and therefore it doesn't bother us anymore?!

Most of us spend more money on a cup of coffee than what it would cost us to buy a child (living on the streets), a Happy Meal from McDonald's. I have fasted food many times in my life and I can't believe what 24 hours without food does to your body and mind. It is almost impossible to function.

It's so sad to hear their stories of what forced them out onto the streets. It breaks my heart when I hear a child say, that they are hungry.

With the holiday's upon us, I can't stop thinking about these kids. I can't imagine what their parents are going through not being able to feed their children. I can't stop thinking about ALL of those that are living on our streets... cold, lost, and hungry.

I am so thankful for the Rock Stars and Celebrities that are a VOICE for our homeless and speak out on their behalf. I am also thankful for all of the people that volunteer, donate, and do whatever they can to help.

But how do we get the rest of America to pull together and take care of our neighbors, our grandparents, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers, our sisters, our veterans and our children... living on OUR streets?

Can we get a Homeless Awareness Day, Week or Month?

I feel FRUSTRATED because I don't know what to do?

I know the lines will be longer than ever this holiday season, for those in need of a warm meal. I pray that no one will be turned away!

What will it take for us to show them that we care? To stand in unity and fight for OUR homeless, Americans?

What color do their houses need to be... to get OUR attention???

PLEASE GIVE TO OUR HOMELESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

John Mellancamp ~ Pink Houses

Shade of Tears

"your tears are a shade of violet"... x

You cry...

Red tears when they attack you
Orange when they make fun of you
Yellow tears when they lie to you
Green when they use you
Blue tears when they hurt you
Indigo when they turn from you

Don't cry
For you are My violet
I will send the thunder
Listen to the drops of rain

Your time shall come
I will validate WHO you are
And all of those that rose up against you
Will again try to befriend you

But I will remember their color
For I've already seen their shade
And when they turned from you
They also turned from Me

Don't cry
For you are My violet
I will send the thunder
Listen to the drops of rain

I will pull back My clouds
Reflect the sun's rays
And they shall see you sparkle
As two shades of purple

The vault is open in the sky
Heaven is shining down upon you
For without you, My sweet violet
The promise is not complete

~Rainbow

Guns N' Roses ~ Don't Cry

"Don't you cry tonight
I still love you baby
Don't you cry tonight
Don't you cry tonight
There's a heaven above you baby
And don't you cry tonight"