"The end is the eternal beginning for some, and for others it is yet the eternal ending."
My grandad used to say that to my Daddy back when I was a little kid, and then he would take out his Bible and read from it. My daddy always got mad and left, dragging me along to the truck. Momma always cried when he did that, and looked back at grandad as if to say she was sorry for the mean things daddy said. So that's why we didn't visit Grandad and Gramma very often.
Once upon a time there was a princess. Her name was the symbol of melodic and mystical winds from across the lands of the kingdom. Her mother died when she was five or six and she was left to reign with her father, Eviscus. Eviscus was a king of dark complexion and deep black eyes. Rainne (the princess) was of opposite appearance with warm greyish blue eyes and fawn colored hair. She was a meek and quiet maiden of light, and even in her dark confinement she was a pool of sparkling light in itself.
It’s been a hard day for her. Attempts to distract with offers of hot coffee or a sweet treat do nothing to stay her overpowering desire to ‘go home’.
“No!” she declares, “It’s too hot for coffee, and my husband will be looking for me soon. I have to go home.”
After many minutes of soothing her with quiet words and promises affirming that her husband will be coming in soon to see her, she eventually begins to move into the dining room to sit down for lunch.
He's my man and I'm his wedded gal
He's more than a spouse, he's my pal
We got hitched and we're stayin' that way
By God's will and His will don't sway
(CHORUS)
He ain't afraid to let me wear his sweater
He ain't afraid to open up the door
He ain't afraid to promise for the better
He ain't afraid of bein' rich or poor
'Cause he's mine and I am his I know
He's the kind of man can take a blow
He ain't a brute nor a feminine guy
He'll be gentle when the storm rolls by
Be brave and strong,
Have courage, walk tall.
Never give up and never back down;
Always remember the cross and the crown.
There is such a great love,
It's your gift from above.
Always share it,
Make others aware of it,
Show it, shine it, live it, find it,
Know it, define it, understand it.
Your rank is not in who you are,
But what He made you by far:
Be that, show that, and see
That He is greater than you will ever be.
Be a great man and strong.
Show Him in your work, play, and song,
I know you likely read that title and thought that it could be read multiple ways. That, my friends, is a deliberate choice in ambiguity. Many would read that title and think I am going to talk about how it is so difficult to be a Christian. I am instead going to pose the question the other way: Why does everyone else think it is so hard to be a Christian? This is part 1. I am going to focus on the topic of sacrifice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few years ago, I had a radical meeting with Jesus which ended in a marriage proposal. It was achingly beautiful, and wholly moving. I could not resist the tug on my heart or the meaning of His words whispered into the depths of my spirit. "Be my bride my beloved, I will love you no matter what." I said yes of course, tears flowing down my face. I was in complete disbelief, but from the deepest part of my soul, I wanted what He offered. The next day I woke up, looked down at my ring, and realized wow, that really happened! Now I’m married!
Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
The bells are tolling,
but I do not hear their sound.
I am caught up in something
so much more profound.
I see women weeping
with men of solemn face,
but I do not feel as they do,
wrapped in arms of grace.
A whispered silence falls,
like the heads of those that bow,
but oh, if they could only see
the rejoicing around me now!
They would hear a mighty chorus
and the dazzling colors see.
Then they too would rejoice,
for death is only the beginning of eternity.
*A/N* Mature thematic content such as mentions of drug use/mental illness.
It smelled like sweat and drugs when he got home. The apartment that he and his mother shared was small and dark. The lamp had fallen over, shards of glass sprinkled across the floor. His mother was passed out in the fetal position on the musty grey couch, fresh needle marks on her right arm, her white shirt stained.