ShilohRose77©️ This spring, we decided to clean out our flower bed and get rid of the dead shrubs, and trees that had been there since we moved here.…
Shower Me With Roses
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What’s something you believe everyone should know.
“Money is but one venue for generosity. Kindness is an even more valuable currency” -Alan Cohen Today has been a hard day, I felt quite discouraged by the selfishness that I see from those around me. I think for me generosity has always came naturally to who I am. I have learned that although you give a lot, it will often be unappreciated. It can be really hard to understand those that get uncomfortable with giving away their time, talent, and money. The world can be healed if people would think about others first.
Let me make it know that although I am generous, does not mean that I do not have to check my EGO! I most certainly have to ask myself what are my motives for giving? We must learn to give without expectation, validation, or praise. THAT is where the real test shows up! I freely give but as I felt that deep frustration today, I am almost tempted to withhold from people, because of their lack of gratitude! I’m human I can admit that I am fallible.
Friends, imagine if Jesus decided not to give us his life as a ransom? Where would we be if he left us with our many failures and hit the road? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NKJV). We are given what we do not deserve. I told my daughter this morning that “If you are waiting for people deserve it to be good to them, then you will always be waiting.” We don’t deserve the mercy of God, yet it’s anew every morning.
Life is complicated and it can feel as if we are doing all the giving, reaching and sowing in our relationships. However, we must remember that it is always better to give anyway. We have to learn balance though, take time for rest, reflection, and get away from it all. In the scriptures, you see Jesus after giving so much retreating to a quiet place with his Father. He knew he could not pour from an empty vessel. We are created for connection, we must share our lives with others.
Remember that in giving, you find your strength, you are learning to love without regret. Jesus never turned anyone away that came to him for help, how exhausting that must have been. When we are tempted to only live for ourselves, let us remember the importance of giving. Our world is begging for someone to see them, validate and care for them. We are to be a living sacrifice. The weight of that word is heavy. Sacrifice: It is an act of giving what is precious! Our time, talent, and money are all precious to us all.
The irony of it all, is that we can only give what we have been given! Our lives are not our own, and even if we choose not to recognize Jesus as our savior, or God the Father, as the creator of all. That does not diminish his presence or his existence in our lives. We are on borrowed time, let it count for something! Give yourselves away, lift up the hurting and the broken, come and follow the path that leads to life. Live with an open heart and mind.
Lastly, do not forget those that came alongside you in the hard battles and helped you to stand. The people that encouraged you on your journey are also on a journey, and dealing with struggles. Do not take from them and not reciprocate that love. Remember the times that someone sacrificed their resources for you to be successful or have what you have now. “Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can floods drown it: If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, It would be utterly contempt end.” (Song of Solomon 8:7 KJV). Be blessed my friends!
This is my work and the pictures are from Pixels Free Library and all quotes are referenced. ShilohRose77ⓒ
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“The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 KJV This morning I woke up thinking about how lonely life can be in times of great discouragement and distress. We all have been in times of suffering and it seemed that we had to walk through that alone. I thought of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and his disappointment in his closest friends. He asked the disciples to go with him to watch and pray a yet they fell asleep! Jesus in his frustration asks them “What! Could you not watch with me one hour?” He told them repeatedly, that he was going to be taken soon, and he knew the urgency to pray. However they just didn’t seemed to understand the weight of pressure upon Jesus.
What situation have you walked through that you felt utterly alone, or like no one understood what you were going through? I remember the first time I studied Matthew 26, it was prior to a very difficult situation I was about to face. I look back now and see that God was preparing me for the grief and loss that I was going to soon experience. On April 14, 2022 I felt strongly about this story, I kept hearing references to it and I knew it meant something. About a month before this day, I had found out I was pregnant! I was very excited, I had already announced my pregnancy to family and friends. Then four days after studying this passage, I found out that I had suffered a silent miscarriage.
My excitement turned quickly into deep grief and shock because I hadn’t had any symptoms that anything was wrong! I can remember feeling waves of emotions over the next few months after the loss. I felt that many of my own family and friends were not even there to support me in that loss. I was hurting and they seemed to not notice my distress. This is where we find Jesus in this passage, he knows he’s going to be betrayed, killed, and have to bear the sin of the world and he is deeply distressed.
In light of the heaviness of this passage there is hope! Jesus knows that these things are necessary for what is to come: His resurrection, ascension to heaven, and the salvation of the world! What if we could see the joy on the other side of our pain, struggles, and loneliness? During the loss of who I call baby Shiloh, I clung to the scripture: Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted” ( Matthew 5:4). Now I can see that there was purpose in my pain. I am now able to encourage others that are walking through the same things that I have endured.
Jesus has the weight of grief all over him there in the garden, and yet he continues leaning on God. He prays three times, commentaries describe this as a battle in prayer. He was willing to sacrifice his life for the greater good, and yet it deeply hurt. He was still in human form. At this timing of his pending crucifixion there is celebration going on, for the upcoming Passover. Jesus and his disciples had their last meal together for the Feats of Unleavened Bread. This feast was a time of remembrance and celebration. Have you ever been in a storm of life, and it seems that everyone is going on about life? There are times we are hurting and yet we have to celebrate and be there for others in their time of celebration.
Friend, I am here to remind you a few things:
1. Sometimes you will have to SMILE anyway when you feel like dying. Rejoice with others, your time will come, and you will smile again.
2. Pray AGAIN! Sometimes we have to battle in prayer, with our emotions, stubbornness, and just grow closer to God. Learning to lean on him fully.
3. Love THEM anyway! Love those that are rude, insensitive, jealous of you. I know it’s so hard but it makes us better and honors God.
4. The prayer calmed Jesus for what he was about to go through, it reminded him to keep his eyes UP!
5. Getting AWAY with God is necessary, we need to have a place of prayer and quiet time with God.
6. Preparation is necessary for what is to come. God can help us to prepare because he knows our fate. Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his death and the Lord was preparing Jesus as well.
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Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?
My brain can be quite rude when it comes to lazy days, I often feel guilty for resting! I know that rest is a necessary part of life but for some reason I resist it. This issue has worsened over time, especially after being a stay at home mom. Society often portrays being an SAHM, as some pampered princess that gets to stay home in pjs all day! However, that is not my experience, I feel burnout because there is no clocking out!
There is great strength in learning the art of rest, and trusting that you are held. God asks us to work six days and take one day for rest and reflection. If God rested on the seventh day, then there is a purpose! My opposition to taking days to do nothing, really makes me feel unproductive. I am a very task oriented person, and I have a lot of restless energy. I can’t sit still for very long, it drives my husband crazy! I will wake him up on off days and want him to get up and be busy with me. I know that’s not a good trait, but it’s hard to break! I pray I can get better at being still and resting.
Reflection comes easy for me I quite enjoy deep, reflective thinking. It’s part of my writer nature, I love spending time in the quiet, reading, writing and contemplating life. I believe that my need for busyness and restless energy comes from a place of hurt. I have had people in my life make me feel less than and often gave me a complex, because their assumptions about me. They assumed that I was lazy and wasn’t motivated which wasn’t entirely true. I struggled deeply with self worth and often would give up on projects because lack of encouragement. The need for validation has to be broken in my life. I am so grateful for growth and wisdom.
The greatest gift we can give to ourselves is acceptance of who we truly are and live unashamedly! The judgement of others who cannot know our thoughts or intentions must not carry so much weight. I now practice self love, I remind myself that rest is okay. Our productivity is not based on an external measurement but should be based on our own standards. We know our limitations and we should have a sense of knowing if we gave it our all or fell short. I am learning to embrace my role as SAHM mom and not allow anyone to put me in a box.
I do not condone laziness, but I support people seeking to move away from constant busyness as a medal of achievement. When we silence the noise, spend time in reflection and solitude we are more productive. We come back at our goals with a refreshed view, and renewed sense of purpose. GO TOUCH GRASS! Be blessed!
“Rest is not something the world gives us. It’s never been something you do when you’ve finished everything else. If you want rest, you have to take it.” -Alex Soojung-Kim Pang -
Hail, Hail Lion of Judah
In the Bible Jesus is portrayed as the perfect lamb, that was slain for our sins. However, we often forget that he is also referred to as the Lion of Judah!
The spotless lamb, Savior of the World These two dual natures, don’t have much in common, there is nothing fierce about a lamb. They are gentle, helpless, and made to follow; rather than lead. A lamb is in fact a baby not even a full grown sheep, and both are considered quite vulnerable. So why is Jesus considered a lamb? His nature was gentle, in the Bible we see that he did not try and defend himself against his attackers.
Jesus the one that gave his life away for our sins and we worship him as the lamb. “Worthy is the lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelations 5:12 ESV). In biblical times, lambs were offered as a sacrifice for atonement of sins and that’s just another beautiful imagery of Jesus taking our sins upon himself. The ironic thing is that Jesus calls us sheep, and he is also referred to as the Great Shepherd, the one who leads his sheep. After he finished his work on the cross he received his glory as the not only the lamb but the LION that has all power!
The transformation of Jesus, to his glory being revealed that he is one with God the Father. The son of God laid down his life and rose with all authority and power! The Lion of Judah references his strength, power, dominion and his royal lineage. Judah was one of the twelves sons of Jacob, a descendant of Jesus. This name is a reminder of another prophecy fulfilled, Jesus was prophesied to come through the lineage of King David.
The lion shows the boldness we can have through Jesus. He is our great and fierce leader, yet he reminds us that we can do great things through his power. This great and powerful God, came down as a servant just for us. He humbled himself as the lamb while all along held the power of a great lion. One worship song that I love says: “What kind of self control is this, when you had angels at your fingertips?” Jesus could have summoned his angels instead of accept the fate of death on a cross. He stayed in what was uncomfortable, unimaginable and completely unfair for our good!
The next time you need comfort keep these beautiful images of a savior that is both gentle, loving, and also powerful, bold, and incredibly fierce! He can be all that we need, he will weep with you and then defend you in battle! The embodiment of truth! This kind of love we get to experience each day, all we have to do is accept what has been given to us. The Lion and Lamb, who will walk alongside you in whatever capacity is necessary for the occasion! Hail! Hail! Lion of Judah! The King has overcome, and you can too! Be blessed!
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“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality.” -Abraham Lincoln
Last night, I slept fitfully because before bed I felt bored, and quite annoyed. I couldn’t quite figure out what I was feeling and why. I asked myself “What is it?” I realize currently we are in period of waiting as we are in the process of buying a new home. This transaction has been going slower than usual and it kind of had my husband and I on edge. The waiting game, it’s truly hard to not know the end of something. We hope that all things work out how we want, but in reality we can only do so much.
The restlessness I felt reminds me that my body is resisting the lack of control, the journey into the unknown. Our current goal is a bit bigger than we have ever believed before! This goal doesn’t make sense because it’s bigger than us! As I finally fell asleep, I dreamed of two of my cousins. One of the cousins Meka, she is no longer with us, she died of a drug overdose. It was a tragic death, because of the how random it was and how young she was, I find that I dream of her often.
I questioned why I dreamed of her and it hit me before I began writing this blog post. She came to me to remind me that I need to live life to my best ability! To stop doubting myself, stop being complacent, and get BUSY! The day she left this world, I know that was not what she planned, although she was doing things that were unhealthy and dangerous. We must have a plan and commit our plan to the Lord. (Proverbs 16:3) Today, I found myself again feeling restless, lethargic, and bored. I decided to turn on a motivational podcast by Les Brown, about Commitment. It was exactly what I need to hear to about pushing through!
Can I admit something? I told myself that when I started this blog, I would be committed to writing more because it is what I have always loved, and I have something to share with the world. However, when life got hectic, I noticed I stopped staying consistent. I haven’t been writing as much as I want to and I am here holding myself accountable! Now I challenge you, what is something that you want to do that you may have been putting off?
There is great power in just showing up! We often can’t always get our feelings on board when we have goals. The urge to delay or wait for motivation can lead us farther from the goal. Do what you can do today, don’t put it off. In my weight loss journey, I find that it is way more mental than physical. I feel great once I start working out, it’s getting the will to show up. I have been on this journey since February and I have lost little over 20lbs, but it’s much more about what I gained. I gained muscle, will power, confidence, focus, and courage! I still have a long journey ahead, because realistically I want to loose 40 more pounds. The first step is always the hardest. I am proud of me but it doesn’t end here.
Today, I smile and I thank God for my cousin stopping by to remind me to keep going, not to get stagnant as I wait for the next step. I know that I can’t see what is around the corner and it often gets me in a fuss. However, the better version of me isn’t behind me or sitting before me she is up ahead. Be blessed, have a wonderful week! Remember to keep, keeping on!
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Moonbow: Produced by moonlight. HOPE, a light shines in darkness! My four year old son will often come and tell me his dreams and he told me he dreamed of a rainbow, but in a night sky. I thought that was a very beautiful and positive dream, and I was able to share faith with him. I told him about Genesis 9, when God used the rainbow as a sign of his promise. The promise was to never destroy the Earth completely with flood waters again. After Hurricane Helene, and all the devastating impact, God’s promises STILL shine through.
If you look up the meaning of a dream about a night rainbow it says it means hope, new beginnings, success, etc. My point is that the hope we have in Jesus is not circumstantial, it’s not based on what’s going on around us. Our HOPE is in HIM, and his sovereignty! Acts 2:17 Also another great reminder that we have access to the Holy Spirit and all that are willing can hear from God, not just prophets.
I woke up this morning and wept, as I saw HOPE in action, not only in your own life, God sending my son to remind me but in the lives impacted by the hurricane. I thought of all the times good people have stepped into my life helped me, met my needs both physically and spiritually. I said to myself “There are real life angels and they walk on two legs like me!” The love and generosity being poured out across our country gives me HOPE. There are good people all around us and life is still worth living, even with all the struggles! Look for HOPE today, don’t see the destruction see the PROMISE!
Be blessed, repent, pray, and seek God. Love to you all!
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Do you see yourself as a leader?
“Serving others prepares you to lead others.” Honestly, I did not for many years consider myself a leader, I was much like little David of the Bible; fine to stay in the background. I have always been to content serving others and supporting their ideas. At times this would prove to be disastrous because following the wrong person’s lead can take you where you don’t want to go! It took many years of God showing me that I was an ambassador for Christ and I was destined for leadership!
The more I became comfortable with trusting myself and leaning into the role, I realized that all leaders do not have to be loud or bossy. Leadership is simply being willing to take accountability and having a willingness to put others first. If only our political leaders would understand this concept! Jesus said “The greatest among you will be your servant,” “For those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Mathew 23;11-12 ESV) The more our ego fights to rule over others and take without giving first it will not last. The greatest people that have made the most influential impact on a generation are those who poured into others.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Mother Teresa Consequently, I do not cringe as often when someone asks if I am a leader, because yes I am. I may be shy at times, have trouble speaking in front of large crowds but the love that Jesus has given me! That love flows through my veins and I feel compelled to share that love in some way. It may be a smile, compliment, an encouraging word, a prayer for an unsuspecting person, giving money, serving the community, supporting others,etc. The ways we can impact the lives of others are countless. I used to desire greatly for a position in my local church, but when those opportunities never seemed to arise I learned to humble down. When I look more within, I realize that it’s more important to serve in the shadows than desire the approval of man.
Some of the greatest leadership moments of my life, were quite simple moments. One day a friend called to tell me how my transformation through Christ, inspired him to be baptized and get to know the Lord. He told me him and his mom were now going to church. The one time that I was on tv and spoke in front of a large crowd, I only remember one woman coming up to me. This lady told me how much I helped her by the words I spoke that day, as I shared my struggles as a young single mother. We may not always know the impact that we make immediately. One of my favorite scriptures “But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut the door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly…”(Matthew 6:6 NKJV)
We must remember that we are all leaders in various forms, we lead our children, spouses, coworkers, friends, family, neighbors, etc. Although some people have greater influence and may reach a larger number of people we all should be careful of how we lead. “Leadership is action, not position.” God sees the seeds we plant and our rewards will come in many different forms but the greatest reward will be the impact on those we are destined to reach! Do not hide your gifts and talents, share them and touch someone with your light! Happy Reading!
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Oh, That my faith would be strong
So much hurt let it be for your name.
Allow me to taste your goodness once more
Forget me not Oh Lord.
Oh That my faith will stand
Do not let me be led astray.
Hold me close to thee
I long for your kingdom.
Oh! That my faith will be able to see
What I cannot, faith to believe.
Give me a heart for your people
I want to love them like you.
Oh! That man faith will outlast my evil ways!
Make your will my greatest desire.
Adorn me with a crown
The favor of your smile.
A heart that beats for you
my love, my hope, my friend.
Oh! That my faith will keep you first. -
What motivates you?
My children are my motivation 100%!
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
Psalm 127:3-5 ESVThey motivate me to be a better version of myself. I tell them all the time that they are my greatest work. I have five beautiful children, three boys and two girls! We are a big blended family, and I get to stay home and be with them. I also homeschool our children so that I can raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord.
I remember a time in my life as a young mother, I was off course but just really trying to do the right things. I have always been such a people person and a caregiver personality that I often would be in friendships and relationships that were truly not worth my time. I was surrounding myself with people that didn’t care about the journey I was on. When you take the higher road many people will not want to go that’s what I have learned!
At the time, my son was around three and he was very inquisitive always asking questions and wanting to understand the world. He seemed to know the right things to ask that would have me contemplating my own life. During this time I had started partying again after a long stretch of sobriety. I had started smoking weed regularly and doing cocaine from time to time and losing sight of who I wanted to be.
I remember one day he flat out told me that he did not like it when I smoked. He was three but he could see the change in my behavior and he knew it was wrong. I remember sitting there completely off guard not sure how to respond. A small voice inside nudged me and confirmed that this wasn’t the lifestyle I truly desired. It did not represent the mother I had once been or the mother I knew he needed.
However it took me a few months to truly listen and realize how my actions were hurting our life. I took the hard roads so many times, and yet they all led back to God. His plan for me shone through all of my running, and all of my darkness. That love reached in a pulled me up and I found myself again.
Today, I am happily sober, and my beautiful firstborn is turning thirteen soon! He and his siblings will always motivate me because they are my life, and like Jesus I gladly lay it down for them.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Shiloh Rose Archive 