Wednesday 27 February 2013

A crucifixion type love by Brent Rice

- A crucifixion type love by Brent Rice


"My biggest prayer is to love her right. I want to love her like Christ loved the Church, love her like her Father in heaven loves her, love her like the Holy Spirit loves her soul and love her like she was created to be loved but sometimes, sometimes my flesh tries to intimidate me with that kind of love. It’s like my spirit can rise from the depths of this corrupted prison with the voice of Abel screaming that ‘I have not yet loved her to the extent that Christ loves the church” see; I want a crucifixion type love.
 
Every time I hug her I want my arms to be spread out on the cross and I want to die to my childish ways. And every time I look into her eyes I want a crown of thorns to be placed upon my head so that I will surrender my thought life to her honour. And I want the walls to be taken apart to be nail driven into my feet so that they would lead her with the authority of Moses, see; I want a crucifixion type love. I want my side to be pierced every time that we laugh together so that ill always remember that she is my rib. And every time I sleep and dream of her I want my back to be beaten with a cat o nine tail so that ill always carry her burdens for her. And every time I’m not with her I want to stand before Pilot and stand true to my relationship with her, see, I want those who have seen me to have seen her in me when we are apart. I want a crucifixion type love.
 
I want a love that will cause dead men to rise. When people gaze on us I want them to know who is this Christ that we speak of. And every time she falls I want to take her in my arms like my cross and carry her up to Calvary. I want men to mark me for not wanting to be like them, for not wanting to squander my love on various women but to have the passion to pour out my love onto one soul for all of eternity. I want a crucifixion type love.
 
I want a love that was pre-destined before eternity. I want a love that was birthed in my mother’s womb. I want a love that is willing to give up this world for her. I want a love that is immaculate. I want a love that makes angels wish they were in our shoes. I want a love that will make me pray to God and say who am I that you are mindful of me to bless me with her. I want a crucifixion type love.
 
I want a love that bleeds purity. I want a love that people will lie on us just to see us split apart. I want a love that will make me run away to a far village build a mansion for you with my bare hands and send you love letters every day reminding you of me, letters that you can keep in a book and spend time reading them every day. I want a love that will make my spirit pray for you. I want a love that will make me walk on water in the middle of the most dangerous storm for you, see; I want a crucifixion type love.
 
I want a love that my friends will betray me cause of my affection for you. I want a love that after we’re gone that for centuries to come men will aim to follow in our legacy. And every time I rise in the morning I want it to be my cross being raised up right for you, to stand up on the hill of my life and portray a beautiful sacrifice. I want to be placed in the tomb of your heart, the tomb that your mother and father built. I want a love that will rise with all power over adversity. I want a love that people will flock to see if it’s real. I want a crucifixion type love.
 
I want a love that shows my yearning for you. I want a love that even when we argue I still have a burning passion and desire to be with you. I want a love that heals, the kind of love that covers the wounds that were dug deep by the knives of infidelity and insecurity. I want a love that makes God get up and dance around his throne every time he sets His eyes on us. I want a crucifixion type love.
 
So, with all of that said…
 
Lord please give me the strength to love her like you love me. Like the way you didn’t consider being equal with the father, a thing to be grasped, but you came and gave up your throne for the filth of this world, and out of love you serve and in the same way let me serve her unconditionally, infinitely. So, let me man up and quite wasting time playing games and pursue her like you pursue your church because you have chosen me to be entrusted with her heart. So, let me cherish it like a jeweller cherishes a diamond, let me examine it and find out every minute detail about her worth, see, I want to love her
 
Like Abraham loved Sarah,
 
Like Isaac loved Rebecca,
 
Like Jacob loved Rachel,
 
Like Moses loved Ruth,
 
Like Solomon loved his queen,
 
I want a crucifixion type love.
 
So, into your hands I commend this relationship because I want to love her like you love your church. I want a crucifixion type love."


Wow! Words cannot explain how moved I am by this poem... How great and amazing is it that God loves each and everyone one of us in this way! 

Saturday 23 February 2013

"Take a good look at yourself..."

"Take a look at yourself in a mirror. Who do you see looking back? Is it the person you want it to be? Or is there someone you were meant to be, but fell short of? Is someone telling you that you can’t or won’t be that person? But don’t believe them, because you can. Believe that love is out there. Sometimes happiness doesn't come from money or fame or power. Sometimes happiness comes from good friends and family and the quiet nobility of leading a good life. So take a good look at that mirror and remind yourself to be happy, because you deserve to be. Believe that. And believe that dreams come true every day. Because they do."

"How to be Perfect"


Excerpts from "How to be Perfect"
                                                              by Ron Padgett                  

Get some sleep.

Eat an orange every morning.

Be friendly. It will help make you happy.

Hope for everything. Expect nothing.

Take care of things close to home first. Straighten up your room
before you save the world. Then save the world.
Be nice to people before they have a chance to behave badly.

Don't stay angry about anything for more than a week, but don't
forget what made you angry. Hold your anger out at arm's length
and look at it, as if it were a glass ball. Then add it to your glass 
ball collection.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Do not spend too much time with large groups of people.

Plan your day so you never have to rush.

Show your appreciation to people who do things for you, even if
you have paid them, even if they do favors you don't want.

After dinner, wash the dishes.

Calm down.

Don't expect your children to love you, so they can, if they want 
to.

Don't be too self-critical or too self-congratulatory.

Don't think that progress exists. It doesn't.

Imagine what you would like to see happen, and then don't do
anything to make it impossible.

Forgive your country every once in a while. If that is not 
possible, go to another one.

If you feel tired, rest.

Don't be depressed about growing older. It will make you feel 
even older. Which is depressing.

Do one thing at a time.

If you burn your finger, put ice on it immediately. If you bang
your finger with a hammer, hold your hand in the air for 20
minutes. you will be surprised by the curative powers of ice and
gravity.

Do not inhale smoke.

Take a deep breath.

Do not smart off to a policeman.

Be good.

Be honest with yourself, diplomatic with others.

Do not go crazy a lot. It's a waste of time. 

Drink plenty of water. When asked what you would like to 
drink, say, "Water, please."

Take out the trash.

Love life.

Use exact change.

When there's shooting in the street, don't go near the window.



Excerpts from "How to be Perfect" by Ron Padgett, from How to be Perfect. © Coffee House Press, 2007.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Someone you drifted away from


Dear Nicole,

We've known each other for the longest time, and even though we were once as close as can be, we seem to have drifted further and further apart over the years.

We became friends at a time when we both needed each other, for so many different reasons. I will never forget the random, crazy and wonderful moments that we shared together. 

But as we grew, our lives started to move in different directions. I moved away from home and the distance made things worse. I really did try to keep in contact, but our relationship hardly ever returned to what it once was. 

I still remember that day you called me, desperately seeking help. I was going about my life as usual, while your whole world came crashing down around you. I know that you needed me to be there for you, but there was no way that I could. I had lived a completely protected childhood, unaware or naive to the cruelty of the world. There was absolutely no way that I could have understood anything that you were going through. You needed more than I could ever offer. 

I don’t mean to bring up the past. I just thought you should know that it was not because I didn't care.

And even though it has been a couple of years since I saw you last, I know that you have grown into a strong young woman.

So all that I will say, is that you will always be in my prayers and I believe that when the time is right for both of us, our paths will cross once again. 

Take care my friend,
 *Rainbow



Don't fear love...


We have this idea that love is supposed to last forever. 
But love isn't like that.
It's a free-flowing energy that comes and goes when it pleases. 
Sometimes, it stays for life; 
Other times it stays for a second, a day, a month, or a year.
So don't fear love when it comes, simply because it makes you vulnerable. 
But don't be surprised when it leaves either. 
Just be glad you had the opportunity to experience it.

Wednesday 13 February 2013

Rise Worship/Fellowship

A couple weeks ago we started a fellowship/ praise and worship night on our campus. It started as just a little group of us and is growing with every meeting. I am just in awe at the way I was called to be a part of this, and it just made me realise that God doesn’t always let us in on the plans that he has for our lives, but when He calls our name, we must be ready to step up for Him and His name. I was supposed to go out with my friends on the night of the very first meeting, but there was just something in me that wasn’t very keen. Then that evening I received a message from a friend about this vision meeting that a group of them were having about our church and for the year. So I went along, thinking that it would just be my usual cell group. But when I arrived, I found that it was only me and my friend, with 5 other guys that I could never have imagined speaking to. I was nervous at first, but so far things have been going well. I look forward to getting know them a little better, and to seeing how far this new venture goes. To God be the glory. 

Monday 11 February 2013

"God will bring you through the fire"

spiritualinspiration:

” …We went through fire and flood, but You brought us to a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:12, NLT). In scripture, three Hebrew teenagers, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were told to bow down to the king’s idol or they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. They said, “No, King. We’re not going to bow down. We know our God will deliver us.” Their attitude was, “We’re not worried about it. We know we have inside information. We know everything is going to be alright.” Notice they didn’t fight it. They weren’t upset. They weren’t complaining. They were at peace. They knew God Almighty had His hand upon them. The guards threw them into the fiery furnace, and when all was said and done, they came out without even the smell of smoke on them!
Notice that God didn’t deliver them from the fire; He delivered them through the fire. Maybe you are going through the fire today. Know that God is with you. He’s doing a work in you, and He’s displaying His glory through you. Remember, on the other side of the fire is a place of abundance and blessing! Stand strong and see the fulfillment of the promises He has in store for you!

I'm looking forward to brighter days

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**Brighter days - Leeland 

Finally a REAL medical student!

It has taken me 4 long, long years to reach this point in my life. after all the struggling, failure and putting myself back together again, i finally start my Early Clinical Rotation -  with Family Medicine! i am really excited and nervous aboout it all at the same time.

Sunday 3 February 2013

Caught in a riptide

It really feels like the holidays were a lifetime away. I have been caught in this intense riptide and have been trying to break through the surface for the longest time. Every now and again I’d manage to come up for air, but then something would always just pull me back under again. But finally I can breathe freely again. There are no sea weeds tangled around my legs. I'm floating gently on the surface. The sun is setting. The sea gulls are going about their business in the distance. I wish life would stay this way indefinitely. 

Friday 1 February 2013

Cold reading test


Cold Reading Test Results

Most treasured possession: Photos
Favourite number: 24
Most influential role model: mother 
The impression of you that I get is that you are a sensitive person but are often wary of expressing your true thoughts and emotions. I feel that you have been hurt in the past and this may be the reason for your caution – however, once you allow people to become a part of your life, i.e. by confiding in them or accepting their help or advice, you find it easier to develop a sense of trust and affinity.
There is something from your childhood which you are especially sensitive about – I’m not sure exactly what this is but I do know that it would take a very special person for you to confide this secret to. If this issue hasn’t yet been resolved then you may feel a little ashamed of whatever this was but one message that comes through to me is that it was not your fault.
You have always tried your best in most of the things that you’ve done. You realize that you could have done better at times with certain projects but your interest simply wasn’t there. You find it easy to concentrate on things that really interest you, but if someone tries to make you study a subject or project that you don’t want to learn about then you tend to ‘phase out’.
There was an artistic or musical interest that you had when you were younger that you could have developed but didn’t. It may be that there were too many other things going on in your life at the time – or that it simply wasn’t the right time for you – I feel that you will probably go back to that interest at some time in the future and excel at it.
You lost someone very special in your past and this left you with a sense of loneliness or abandonment. You still miss this person but I figure you are now coming to terms with that loss. In a way it made you appreciate loved ones more; however you don’t always show your true feelings.
You find the opposite sex intriguing. Sometimes you hate them, sometimes you love them. Your emotions seem to swing from high to low and back again.
You would like to be the centre of attention at times – however most of the time you are happy to watch and observe. You don’t like making a fool of yourself and you certainly wouldn’t enjoy seeing your best friend or someone you really care about making a fool of themselves.
You have an overwhelming protective instinct. If someone you love annoys you then you will tell them so. If an outsider insults them then you instinctively jump to their defensive. It’s as though ‘It’s alright for you to say that, but not for them to’.
You have certain colours that you like and will wear them depending on your mood. You are also sensitive to smell – you have favourite aromas – and some memories that are associated to them – e.g. bonfire night or your mother’s favourite perfume or shampoo – or perhaps a favourite dish – roast beef – curry – chicken or steak or perhaps even a tomato based recipe.
You are idealistic about the person you would like to eventually settle down with (if indeed you have not already met that person). You really want your relationship to work out and will do your utmost to make things work. However if your partnership is wrong then you have no hesitation in not making this effort.
You want to be happy in life. You hate hurting people and if this inadvertently does happen then you feel that hurt yourself. You are happy with your morals but would love to improve yourself in some way.
At the moment you are in some sort of quandary about the direction your life is taking you and there are decisions to be made. Making decisions is not always easy for you – you like to weigh up the options in your mind and find yourself swayed by outside distractions. In this area you should always trust your instinct.
Life is not always easy for you – often you meet obstacles just as you think you are reaching your goal. These setbacks can make you feel unsettled or even depressed at times but you have a knack of being able to bounce back.
When you look back on your life at some of the difficult times you realize that they seemed a lot worse at the time than they actually were. You are a survivor and are guided by hope and optimism.
Money can be an issue for you and you should learn to manage it more effectively. Although you have to rely on outside sources at times you would prefer to be totally independent in this area.
You dislike chaos and would be happier in a well organized environment but it seems that there is never enough time to carry out your well meaning intentions.
Some time ago there was a disastrous relationship that knocked your confidence somewhat. Although you are over that now, there are still times when you feel vulnerable and insecure. You want to be loved for who you are, not how others want you to be and you generally try to please most of the time – however under extreme provocation you find it impossible to bottle up your feelings and minor explosions can occur.
In order to overcome this tendency you should learn to communicate more freely in the early stages of an impending crisis.
You enjoy travelling but something seems to be holding you back from being able to visit all the places you’d like to go. This could be money or other commitments or simply something within yourself that you have not yet acknowledged.
Children, or one in particular, will play an important part of your life and you will derive a great deal of pleasure from helping him or her. You will also find yourself re-thinking a lot of your original ideas as your experience and maturity grow.
***