"Follow the Yellow Brick Road"

There's "nothing better" than knowing your life is in check. When: all of your classes are paid for, you have a wonderful job, great friends, you know exactly what you want to contribute to and gain in life, your love life is "flawless", you have a stable family, you're smart and know exactly what to say and when to say it; having all of that is GREAT!.... But what if you don't? What if instead of having all  classes paid for one needs to work harder-meaning less school and more work. What if the job one has diminishes their self worth or compromises one's beliefs-or makes them wish the day was over when it's only just begun? What if one's only friend is low self-esteem? What of those that have no idea what they want in life, much less know what they have to offer? What of those that lie awake at night only to pray and pray for their long overdue prince charming? What if one's family is torn and battling for honor and love instead of being whole? What if instead of applying intellecutal humility one speaks and speaks out of line-hurting those not meant to be hurt?
 How unfortunate. Too bad so sad. I guess you weren't meant to do anything special with your life. You were a mistake.
 The enemy hovers over every living soul, wanting only to destroy those that are worth destroying. 
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV).
 While many would agree in believing that a self-satisfying life filled with all the monetary gains and exterior accomplishments(such as: money, jobs, friends, goals, significant other, picture perfect family, intelligence,etc.) is key to a happy and fulfilling life; I beg to differ.
The world is so blinded by the enemy's twisted scheme and false truths that its status quos are so ignorant of true beauty and meaning of life. No one aspires to be linked to the source of life anymore.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" John 15:5 (NIV). 
I don't mean to imply that all things gained here on Earth are depraved, but when those gains become your sole purpose in life death is near. Perhaps not literal physical death, but death none the less, a more crucial death-the only death that matters.
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" Matthew 10:28 (NIV).
 You see, when things don't always go the way you expected them to go, or when your life doesn't meet the status quo of this world, you are blessed. How so? Well, while others are fascinated by the meaningless of this world and the vacancies it has to offer, you are being tried. And why else would you be tested if not to serve a greater purpose. While others are indulging in treasures that will fade away, you have the opporunity (blessing) to know The Creator of the universe on a whole new level. You get to learn and sense His love for you. Understand that when your life doesn't seem right and troubles come your way, more than likely, you are on the right road. I know this because it is through trials that one grows. Like a gold ring being refined through the fire and molded into its finest form, only to be used with honor.

The Beatitudes

    He said:
   ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
   ¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:2-12 (NIV)

Why would the devil find satisfaction in bringing down those that are already down? That would be redundant. Always remember that the enemy will attack those that are a threat to him. Yes, you. Because you are loved by the King of Kings, and His love brings FREEDOM from the enemy! Recieve it and let His love surpass the status quos that surround you.

Stay this way Forever...

You deserve much more than I have to offer. Yet, I've been able to look for you and find you. You have a way of simply meeting me when and where I need you the most.

Father, I know you were there when I was a child, when I didn't know any better and thought that what I had was as good as it would ever get. But now I see!... After trying so hard, time after time, season after season to know you and heal, all along it's been you-not me- reaching for me and pulling me into your everlasting arms-your strong embrace. Where NO ONE can pry me from. I hear the enemy often telling me to give up, that you're not really there. But I feel you. So I say he's right, you're not there, you're right here, with me. You'll never leave me and I know that. How I feel about that I've yet to decide. For you know me, and I cannot understand how anybody would still want me after knowing the sickness in this heart. 

But here you are, and you've never relented, you remain fervent in your endless pursuit of me-of my love. I always thought I trusted you. Whenever anyone would say "you should trust God" my immediate reaction was one of an insulted prideful child. Obviously I trusted you, right? I mean I would go to church every time service was being held, I would sing, and even talk to people about you... Truth is I haven't trusted you at all. To say that I know not your power is an understatement. You are MIGHTY, and every time I fail you I diminish your might in my life. But that's over now.  I'm not going back. I'm going to let you love me. Romance me, love. I need you to gather all the pieces that I've scattered on the floor, I need you to hold my heart and please make it yours. You are LIFE, apart form you I can only expect death.

Thank you for your unfailing Love and Mercy, two means by which you have broken past all my pain and shame and have brought me into your light. A light that I'm not ashamed to stand before-not anymore- because you love me. I can honestly say that you've LOVED me past my weakness, shame, limitations, chains, and pain....With you is where I want to be-where I belong. Love, let me stay this way forever.