Having this image in our minds…it isn’t exactly rocket science to figure out what the solution to a situation like this is. I believe that the only response is that the parent would still take the child’s hand regardless. Securing and guiding, so that the street is crossed as safely as possible. Now, think for a minute what were to happen if the parent let the child run free…it’s a thought that would only make one apprehensive.

As I was reading my devotional tonight/this morning…amongst the text written in a size 10 font…the significance of this statement felt like it was in a font size of 72.

“The root problem with independence is trusting ourselves more than trusting God.”

We live in a world where we are just geared to be independent; learning to do things on our own, for ourselves, by ourselves…The problem with human nature is that we have a tendency to feel that we are in control. Constantly trying to “take the bull by the horns,” so to speak. Always trying to handle things on our own because we feel that no one will help, or in fear that someone won’t “fall through.” It’s this “I can do it on my own” kind of attitude that resonates in our flesh. From the minute we gain that independence as a toddler; no longer wanting to hold Mommy or Daddy’s hand…

Truth is, we can’t do it on our own. Being independent can certainly be a great thing…but getting deep down to the core- all that we do and all that we are capable of does not stem from our individual ability…all of our help comes from God. I have been through many situations in which I tried to control things…I’ve said many times “No! I don’t wanna! I can do it!” But as a result of me trying to do things myself, without any remembrance of the source of my help, or very little of…I always wound up stressed, and I often felt disappointed for things didn’t exactly go the way that I wanted them to…and that right there- is problematic. It was me first, and after everything got messy- then did I turn to God.

But that’s opposite.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you what path to take.” [Proverbs 3:5-6]

It was when I released my grasp into His sovereign control did I really learn. Fully entrusting anything and everything to God provides me with nothing but peace and fills me with so much joy. When I seek Him first and then take my steps, I am not only given a sense of direction, but I feel completely safe. So even though at many times there’s this tendency to try to put things into my own hands…I always try to remember to put them into His first.

I know that if I hold my Heavenly Father’s hand, I will be kept in perfect peace. So instead of saying “No! I don’t wanna! I can do it on my own!” I say “Yes! I want to hold your hand! I can’t do anything without You!”

Whenever I cross a street, He is always with me.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” [Matthew 6:33]

Everything that is you, is beyond the configured, dreamed, imagined, non-existent form of a man that I have ever stormed up in my vibrant coloured mind…and as creative as I can get with mixing brights, shades, tones, and pastels…I would have never thought up- you. All that I have ever wanted, beautifully exceeded a figment of intertwined heart beats and hopeful brain neurons. You are like the invention of a new colour; and you make my ongoing master piece shine as if it were under positive, electric love spot lights. I don’t believe that there is even such a thing…but what I do know is that since you came in to my blessed brightly coloured world- the pigments became more intense and I step into a place that feels like red velvet cheesecake, peach yogurt, vanilla ice cream, avocado shakes, Starbucks lattes, Extra gum in Maui Melon, warm blankets, aloe vera drinks, Life-Savers gummies, heated car seats…I could go on forever…and though all of those things are tangible, I am in a place where they have now become feelings. With you, I explore horizons that I thought only existed in sparkly fairy tales…but this, is reality. Your heart of gold, your beautiful character, your down-to-earth demeanor, your humbleness, your spiritual light, your sweetness, your genuiness, your kindness, your craziness, your smile, your voice, your hugs, your kisses…it is all REAL. You are REAL. We are for real. Now, I could use the word lucky…and I often feel that way sometimes…but you my love, are a beautiful blessing. I know that He sent you to me; for there is no other explanation for this realistic dream to be placed in my life. My gratitude goes beyond limitless turquoise waters; glistening under warm sunlight.

I was once flying skies with alizarin sunsets feeling free and elated…but since our Creator placed you beside me on the canvas that we were so delicately stroked onto- I fly skies with orange moons, shooting stars, and sheets of deep indigo, waiting patiently for glorious royal sunrises. The terms free and elated fall short from the feeling you provide; it’s something more than butterflies- it’s as heavenly as the starry skies. And as indescribable as this realistic dream is, I will continue to reach for heights of my aspirations. Praying that we will maintain ascension, growing- through Him; the heart and soul that is our reason for existence.

My love for you is as deep as the tones of jewels on the crown of a king. You, are my handsome king…and as your queen- I will stand by your side; in which I pray will be…

Forever.

Sincere fervent love,
The voice of my heart

You see, my wealth is one beyond money;
I wouldn’t want there to be any confusion.
If you took my wallet, the only appealing thing would be the pictures inside, and maybe a shiny dollar;
But if you’re looking for some riches, it would be clear that my wealth is beyond things material.

You see, when I say that I am rich,
I am speaking about my heart.

I am part of a royal family,
And the Lord is my Heavenly Father;
The King,
And I am His daughter.

I live a life that is indeed blessed by His grace.
I wake up to sweet air,
I live in a secure home,
I get out of a warm bed,
I drink crystal clear water,
I eat a meal that nourishes my body,
I have a loving family,
I have an amazing man by my side,
I have wonderful friends,
I have an education,
I have a job,
I…have a life.

I am a fortunate woman,
Who is blessed by the riches of God’s unfailing love.
We sometimes take for granted all that we have…
But instead we should be thankful.
Incredibly grateful.
And that- I am.

For my heart is wealthy.
It is golden.
It is soft.
It is open-
To Him.

I am a fortunate woman.
And my Heavenly King provides me with the effervescent riches of the heart…
His instructions were placed on my heart.
And I will boast in His divine grace.

You see, my rich is a different kind of rich.
But, it’s the best kind.
Living life on earth, people are often overtaken by the other meaning…
But this is temporary.
Our real treasures are the ones that we store within our hearts,
Not within our closets,
Our wallets,
Our homes…

Those things don’t matter…

I am certainly a fortunate woman.
And the beauty of my wealth is radiant within my faith;
My trust in Him-
The one that provides me with life;
The sweet air,
The secure home,
The warm bed,
The crystal clear water,
The meal that nourishes me,
My loving family,
My amazing man,
My wonderful friends,
My education,
My job,
My…life.

The earthly kind of rich is one that is not appealing…
But it is that of the heart which is the most desirable.

Take a look at what surrounds you.
For it is He who has provided.
He is the one that gets you through the day.
He is the one that makes that shiny dollar last you however long it takes.

For He is the reason why we live.

I am a very fortunate woman,
I am assured of His faithfulness,

And I share my wealth…
With you.

So different.
So refreshing.
Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.

Whatever the Lord has in store,
Is what I look forward to.
My patience flows in the peace that I am provided with;
Through His intent.
Thus, I feel nothing but content.
Though our feelings were revealed and so wonderfully mutual;
We understand the sensitive situation.
Therefore we take our steps slowly,
And on God we rely.

I’m addicted to the light that takes me higher;
Gravity ain’t got nothing on me.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

[Proverbs 3: 5-6]

I have learned, and am still learning to leave situations involving my emotions into God’s hands- for I cannot deal with these things alone. I can only be guided; given direction to what is truly meant to be…what God has planned for me; thus the feeling I am provided with is one of peace and gratitude.

I pray to be content with whatever the Lord has in store for me…and whatever it is…I know that it is nothing but amazing.

“…For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

[Philippians 4:11-13]

The Lord is my love.
I have been struck by His faithfulness.
For Him, I will shine like a bright light.
No matter how dark it gets.

Jesus, I’m available to you.

Ok…although I am a writer…and I appreciate words in a written form much more than the average person; the last thing I’d like for you to do is to try and get my attention technologically. The telephone advancement certainly has come a long way…but, I feel as if there is a lack of personal connetion that is coming along with it. Cell phones are great, and text messaging can definitely come in handy…but if you’re hopes are to possibly strike up a conversation, say what’s on your mind, or hang out with me…the lamest thing you could possibly do is press send to the message you’ve typed up on your phone.

I very much adore the old fashion effort of a phone call. Whatever happened to that? I mean, Alexander Graham Bell invented the phone for you to use your words verbally…but with the rapid boom of a pocket sized device that is seemingly redefining the word “communication,” people seem to be forgetting how to personally express themselves…simply or more deeply.

Alright…so I am the owner of a mobile device…probably the worst one of them all: a crackberry. I easily get drowned into this mix…and I absolutely despise it. It’s become a distraction in almost every personal encounter. People on their cracks 24/7…it’s really ridiculous. I try to avoid it as much as I can…

Now, I’ve always had an issue with the lack of personal communication that modern society seems to be indulging in every second of the day…but because I have also been guilty; it’s driving me wild. It’s unbelievable how absurd this text messaging thing has become. Particularly when:

A) You’re trying to get to know someone
B) You’re trying to regain connection
C) You’re trying to express feelings
D) You’re trying to avoid confrontation

ETC. ETC. ETC.

It goes on…basically what I’m saying is I feel like people are forgetting the importance of what it means to be personal…and for me, it’s really quite depressing. It goes beyond cell phones and text messages, there’s also the internet, which is on a level of it’s own- from facebook, msn, twitter, emails…whatever…Yes, I am aware that there is a plus side to all of this…the “means of contact” form has branched out into many directions and it’s easier to find those that you may not always be able to via telephone…but what my particular beef is: we are consuming ourselves with these technological forms to the point where it has apparently become so difficult to just call someone to say…”hey, how are you?” There is so much value in the simplicity of a phone call…I don’t quite comprehend how it can be so complex sometimes…We need to try harder to get personally connected with one another, otherwise we will continue to communcatively plummet. And though I am sometimes guilty, I choose to be active in my stance…

Well, maybe we can meet up and talk more about this.
I’ll give you a call.

I only ever look forward. I maintain postivity. I do not stand still. I do not look back. I do not look too far ahead. I focus on the present, but look towards the light of an even brighter day as a means of motivation.
As I keep this state of mind constant…I feel continuously content; and for that, I am grateful.

I rise.
Higher & higher.

Well, I’m out. I’ll probably be having too much fun with the gorgeous summer weather to keep in touch…either that, or I bet all my dough on black playing roulette and won mad money; and if that were the case…I’d be off travelling to the next destination…

Peace.

My love for you was for real, little brother.

*R.I.P. Gizmo*

(Stinkmo / Jiz-mo / Gizzy-G / Lolo Gizmo / Luga / Kal-Kal)

You really were the greatest. I’m gonna miss you dawggie.