"Remembrance"

This remembrance rose is scarlet and the scent is light and sweet unlike the fear of aging, a burden that we carry with us continually in our mind and body. The aging process tends to cause people to make lifestyle changes. I found myself dieting, exercising, checking my cholesterol, taking vitamins and calcium and fish oil, eating more vegetables and fruits for my eyes, my heart, my bones, my skin, more and more intensely trying to fight off the aging process and to maintain perfect health for my body. But what about our spiritual health?

The Old Testament Prophet Malachi talks about spiritual heart disease. I am busily trying to maintain my healthy momentum for a body that will turn to dust one day while I need to be focusing on soul construction, the part of me that will live eternally. The heart disease that has come about because of guilt, shame, hypocrisy, idolatry, infidelity, divorce, materialism, anger, bitterness, brokenness, rejection, abandonment, apathy, disillusionment, etc. being oblivious to God's voice and self-absorbed. (For more on "Soul Construction" see http://waylonward.blogspot.com or http://mercymatters.org)

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name." Malachi 3:16. You see, the Lord likes to hear and listen as we share about what He has done for us. Some ways of constructing your soul are: (1) pray (2) meditate on the Word (3) tell others (4) live a pure life (5) fellowship with other Christians.

If you are having a difficult time getting beyond the heart break, seek professional help or someone who can encourage your soul. Soul construction, a light and sweet fragrance pleasing to the Lord so pleasing there is a book of remembrance written before Him.

"Compassion"

The "compassion" rose has a rich, strong and sweet fragrance and can be used as a climbing rose on fences. In other words, it spreads. This is a rich truth from the Word to keep in our soul as we comfort others. The strong sweetness of the fragrance spreads the joy of being a Christian.

II Corinthians 7:5 - For when we came into Macedonia this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn - conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

When we are tired, harassed, have conflicts and fears, our God comforts us. He comforts us by sending friends. He comforts us by the comfort they have received from others. He comforts us by the longing, deep sorrow and ardent concern that our friends have for us so that our joy is greater than ever.

"Many Happy Returns"

I finally made it. "60" My husband surprised me with a party. I was really surprised. My family, my closest friends, my Study Group. I was surprised. You can read all about it on my daughter's blog "Birthdays and Surprises" and see the pictures also. http://lifeoflisasmith.blogspot.com

The Rose "Many Happy Returns" was named from a salutation originating in the 1700's mainly used for birthdays that the birthday year would be repeated again and again. My 60th was definitely once in a lifetime event. However, on reflecting I realized I have been blessed with a wonderful family. My children and grandchildren live lives honoring to me and to the Lord. They love others and are involved in ministering God's love to others. I pray that I will always remember the love bestowed upon me by my family and friends on this birthday.

But the perfectness of this event is knowing the love of my Father. Not just my earthly father but my Father God in Heaven who loves me, who uniquely created me in my mother's womb, numbered my days from beginning to end, who perceives my thoughts, my going and coming and lying down, who knows every word on my tongue and who is familiar with all my ways. He has found favor on me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and I praise my Father. (Psalm 139)

Casting Crowns has a song called "Who Am I?" that the Lord of all the earth would care to know my name or feel my hurt. It is not because of who I am but because of what the Lord of all the earth has done. It is not because of what I've done but because of who the Father is. And I am His. "I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow." Because God loves me and God's promises are eternal. There will be many happy returns to the blessings He has for me. Psalm 16:11 "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand."