A Cup of Blessings

How to Make a Collage: 8 steps - wikiHow

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:53:00 +0000

If you want to turn your photos in little masterpieces. Here are some cool ways to make a collage.
Just follow the steps to the wiki link and you have everything at your fingertips. How to Make a Collage: 8 steps - wikiHow
Enjoy the experience!

Have a blessed day,

Cheryl

What Words?

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:39:00 +0000

Day 1 – 09/11/2010, Tuesday

Today I’m penning the first page in my journal. Yes, that’s right! It was the lovely bound book my darling husband Mark gave me for my 45^th Birthday. This present was given to me on the 26^th March 2010. That was many months ago. Yes, I know I have some explaining to do. Okay, I must confess a few things though. I didn’t really want to write down any of my thoughts in this book. Why- Because, I felt too exposed. I was too afraid of what words might roll off my pen. Yes! ME. I know you don’t believe it! But as the words kept racing through my mind I felt a sense of confusion. But then reality hit home. The words I kept on a leash for many moons or hid in the corners of my heart – these were the words that kept cascading off my pen:

Yes words

Not just any words

They were words chained with anger

Words

Dark words

Words laced with impatience

Words

Words carved with hate

Words

Words engulfed by fear

Words

Words full of emptiness

Words

And then out of nowhere they flew:

Words

Words sprinkled with joy

Words

Words showered with love

Words

Words marked by peace

Words

Words embraced by hope

And with it that inner peace I craved for. Why? What happened? Because when I least expected it God was speaking to me as I was sitting at my desk. He was telling me that I should let bygones be bygones. He was telling me to leave the past behind. He was telling me that he loved me with all my warts and faults. He was also telling me to live each day as if it were my last. He was telling me that I should not be afraid of anything or anyone because he was in control of my life. He was taking my hand like the good shepherd he was.

Memory Verse: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want – Psalm 23:1

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always being there for me even though there are times that I don’t deserve it. Lord, help me to keep focused on you and to walk with you without turning back. Lord, help me to live my life like you. Amen

Have a blessed week,

Cheryl

The beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:02:00 +0000

[Matthew 5 (NIV)]

1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. 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.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching us how important your beatitudes are. Help us to know that the only way in to your kingdom is if we follow your plan for us and live our lives the way you want us to. Help us to live out our days as if it were our last. Amen

Blessing to all,

Cheryl

Here I am to worship

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:04:00 +0000

This morning as I was cleaning house, the words of this wonderful song kept on mulling through my mind. I just thought I’d share these beautiful words with you:

Light of the world,
You stepped down into darkness.
Open my eyes,
let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you

And here I am to worship,
here I am to bow down,
here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely,
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days,
oh, so highly exalted.
Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly you came
to the earth you created
All for love's sake became poor.

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely.
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
And I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
No, I'll never know how much it cost

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me

And here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my god
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful
wonderful wonderful
Yes you are God

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross

Have a wonderful day,

Cheryl

Lord, I searched for You

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:16:00 +0000

I read Psalm 63 a few months ago when I was feeling down in the dumps and having my own pity party and then wrote what the Lord had laid on my heart, but never had a chance to share these words with you. Here it is finally!

Lord, I search for You

Lord, I search for You

all over this deserted place

How I long for your embrace

Just to rest,

my soul in You,

So that You can satisfy my thirst

with your pure and perfect love

I search for You

Lord, I search for You

all over this deserted place

How I long for your embrace

Just to rest,

my soul in You,

So that You can satisfy my thirst

with your pure and perfect love

I search for You

O Lord, please

fill my cup with your rain

Let me reach the promised land

where I’ll never ever thirst again.

Lord, I search for You

all over this deserted place

How I long for your embrace

O Lord, please

fill my cup with your rain

Let me reach the promised land

where I’ll never ever thirst again.

Have a blessed day,

Cheryl

Psalm 90 Verse 12

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:11:00 +0000

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Blessings to you all,

Cheryl

My Suitcase of Bondage

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:22:00 +0000

There are days when I carry my suitcase like a tortoise carrying his home on its back. These I call normal days. Normality to me means hanging in there! Sometimes I wonder why I bother to carry this suitcase around. Of course, this suitcase of mine has a lot of different colourful panels and compartments. And I love colourful, bright things! Don’t you think this is quite cute? I suppose you’d like to know what’s in this suitcase of mine. Okay! Here’s a sneak preview:

Yes, I thought you’d be a bit surprised! When I look at this suitcase now, you can just imagine what’s running through my mind! What else... I am so exhausted by the load that it seems like I’m a prisoner walking with a ball and chain in a prison yard. You might ask me some questions like:

Why do you carry your sins in this bag? Are you nuts? Don’t you know how clever and devious Satan is? Now wait a minute, the only reason I’m carrying my sins in this suitcase is because I think I can try and hide it in little compartments far away from God. But, then just when I think things are running smoothly, Satan barges onto the scene with his scheming plans of a quick fix. He’s adamant that he can use my sin as a diversion to keep me away from God. Then he tries everything in his power to conquer my spirit. He even brings my sin’s sidekick in the form of conflict, resentment, anger, jealousy, and what not to try and make me a slave to sin. As expected, Satan is singing and dancing because he knows that these are the times that I am proud of myself because I want to be God. I want to wear his crown. I want to be King! He laughs at me silently when he sees that I want to take control of our own ship. He beats his fists against his chest when he realizes that my ship is about to sink. But, then out of the blue, his dreams comes crashing down when I humble myself before God and throw away my foolish pride and plead with Our Heavenly Father to forgive me from all my sins. God, the forgiving father that he is, then pours out his mercy and grace on me taking me in his arms just like a father would. Once more he gives me the assurance I need that my sins are forgiven without any conditions. (Hebrews 8:12) 12 For God will be merciful to our unrighteousness. He will remember our sins and lawless deeds no more.” As soon as I’m forgiven, I know that Satan has failed in his quest to conquer my spirit. So, this is when I picture myself carrying my suitcase [back pack] like a mountain climber reaching the summit of Mount Everest. It is in this instance when I realize that I have left all my sins at the top of that mountain at the foot of the cross. This is the time when I know that God has forgiven me from all my inequities. He has cleansed me from my sin and that my heart is scarlet no more because it is now as white as snow. (I John 1:9) 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. It is then that I know God is the only captain of my ship. And all I have to do is put my ship in cruise control. Isn’t that amazing?

Prayer: Father God, I come before you a sinner who falls short every time. Please forgive me of my foolish pride, my fits of anger when things don’t go my way. Help me not to judge others harshly. Let me not take part in any gossip of any kind. Just help me to keep my mind on you Lord. Help me to let go of all past hurts and wrongs that was inflicted by friends or family. Lord, help me to forgive those people who have wronged me. Please help me also to be like you in everything I do or say. Amen

This is how I strive to be!

How do you carry your suitcase?

Be blessed,

Cheryl

He is my shepherd

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Who is Jesus?

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:31:00 +0000

Who is Jesus to you today?

Blessings to you all,

Cheryl

The Road to Emmaus

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:17:00 +0000

We walked that road

Spoke about Him

The one who died that day

We thought he’d pave the way

for our Redemption

Our hearts were full

of fear and sadness

He walked with us

but we didn’t know

He was the One

Even when he spoke to us

about the prophets words

The risen Lord

had to die

for God to give him

honour, power and life

We weren’t sure

But our heart’s were filled with gladness

We forgot about all our sadness

when he said the blessing

and broke some bread

That’s when our eyes opened

to what he had said

Alleluia, the Saviour is alive

He isn’t dead [anymore]

A blessed weekend to all,

Cheryl

My Emmaus Journey

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Let’s face it, we all go on countless journeys and life takes us along many a winding turns and narrow streets. But, how many of us have taken a spiritual trip along the ‘Road to Emmaus’ just like those two disciples did long time ago? I had the opportunity of travelling on mine a few months ago when I embarked on an Evangelisation Course at our Church. It all began on a cool Saturday afternoon. However, the setting was nothing like the rocky road that those disciples travelled. Our journey took place in the church grounds. We students were grouped together and each one had to choose a partner for the journey. Before embarking on this journey, everyone had to be blindfolded. After that, we made our way all along the church grounds taking on the characters of the two disciples many years ago. When my partner and I started the journey, we didn’t know what to expect. We were a little perplexed, weary and hopeless. We also had many reservations about the entire journey. But, as we journeyed along, we spoke about the many struggles each other were facing. My partner had a problem with her daughter who was in a relationship with someone of another faith and she was also managing a dysfunctional marriage. On the other hand, I was coping with a crisis wherein my father was in denial over his substance abuse problem and I was also trying to endure my constant bouts of depression. We chatted and listened to each other all the time. Although our challenges were different, we could relate to one another as mothers and as sisters in Christ. We could offer each other support and some godly advice. In the beginning, it seemed as if nothing was going to change our mood. But, when we reached “Emmaus” our frame of mind underwent a drastic transformation. In our hearts we knew God was walking alongside us even though we never noticed his presence. And as our journey came to an end, everyone could but stare at us in awe! That previous air of uneasiness was replaced by profound joy radiating from our eyes to our faces. God is alive! God is real! God’s love is everlasting.

Verse: 30. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Luke 24:30-32 [NIV]

Prayer: Lord, thank you for accompanying us on our Emmaus journey. Please help us to never lose faith in you and to know that you are always with us no matter what our circumstances. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins and rising again. Amen

Have you travelled on your road to Emmaus yet?

Have a blessed day,

Cheryl

Comfort to you my friend, if you have lost a loved one

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:05:00 +0000

My friend, today

in God I pray

that you will find

some peace of mind

That God will be

forever near

to wipe away

your every tear

And that His grace

will strengthen you

And shelter you

in love anew

Your anchor he

will be in time

A spiritual safe-haven

when rocky roads you climb

And when you think

he’s far away,

God’s always there

to address

your every care

In the morning

and at night

He will fight

your every plight

And in Him that

perfect peace you’ll find

A precious gift

call peace divine

That inner peace

beyond compare

Will make you all

your sorrows bear

So hope in God with

all your heart

‘cause his love in you

will not depart

Even in those times

of death

His kindness and grace

will give you rest

And in God’s promise

Is hope of what’s to come

A new life and heaven

with God’s very own Son

So, let His word be

your guiding light

And keep that Holy

fire burning bright

What legacy are you and I going to leave behind?

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:21:00 +0000

I was reading a “Guide to a better life” by Randy Pausch a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Before he died of pancreatic cancer in 2008, Dr Pausch inspired many people through his highly acclaimed book, “The Last Lecture”.

I was inspired by his love for his family and the fact that he wanted to leave a legacy for his wife and children despite the short time he had left on this earth. His courage was phenomenal! In spite of his circumstances, he still wanted to motivate others to reach for their dreams. Dr Pausch was an amazing human being. What a legacy to leave behind!

Here are some of the points he mentioned in a Guide on how to improve one’s life:

Personality:

1. Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

2. Don’t have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

3. Don’t overdo; keep your limits.

4. Don’t take yourself so seriously; no one else does.

5. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.

6. Dream more while you are awake.

7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

8. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partners of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.

10. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

13. Smile and laugh more.

14. You don’t have to win every argument.

15. Call your family often.

16. Each day give something good to others.

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

19. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

20. What other people think of you is none of your business.

21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.

23. GOD heals everything.

24. Do the right things.

25. However good or bad the situation is, it will change.

26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

27. The best is yet to come.

28. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

While practising all of the above, I would like to share this knowledge with all of you so that you in turn will pass this treasured gift onto everyone who crosses your path on a daily basis. This will enrich your life and the lives of all those around you.

What legacy are you and I going to leave behind?

Prayer: Lord, let me leave a legacy behind that is worthy of your praise. Help me to be forever grateful of the precious time I have here on earth and let me live every day as if it were my last. Help me to always live in your light and be a blessing to all who crosses my path. This I pray in your wonderful name. Amen.

Be Blessed,

Cheryl

The God of Hope

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Stuff I've Done

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Here is a list of Stuff I’ve Done – or not

I came across this list on Jenna’s The Joyful Journey blog. I tweaked it a little bit and just thought it would be great to see what I have done and what I haven’t or what I would like to do. If you’d like to try it, why not copy the list and mark the things you’ve done in bold or whatever colour you’d like to use. I’ve marked mine in red. Enjoy the journey!

1. Started my blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited the Holy Land
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of Table Mountain
18. Grown my own vegetables/herbs
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (does a goat count?)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon/Big Walk
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa/ Namibia
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited Mauritius
67. Bounced a cheque
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favourite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Sang a song to someone
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Met someone famous
91. Joined a book club
92. Lost a loved one
93. Had a baby
94. Seen the Alamo in person
95. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
96. Been involved in a law suit
97. Owned a cell phone
98. Been stung by a bee
99. Visited to Mt. Rushmore
100. Learned to play a musical instrument

I hope to try a number of activities on this list. I hope you do too!

Be Blessed,

Cheryl

The Lord's Prayer

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:36:00 +0000

Matthew 6 vs 9 to13

I often pray the Lord's Prayer the "Our Father, but then I ask myself:

• Do you really know who this father is?

• Do you know whose father this is?

• Do you know where this father is?

I must honestly and truly admit that there are times when I don’t realise that the father in this wonderful prayer is Our Heavenly Father [mine and your father]. Oh and there are times ... times... too many to mention... when I carry on as if I don’t know Him. Has that ever happened to you? It’s happened to me a number of times. Here are two of those occasions. The one was, when I yelled and screamed at the kids when they didn’t do their chores. The other was, when I threw my toys out of the cot when I didn’t get my own way!

Very often I toy with the question in my mind over and over again: “Why do you do this to yourself? My answer to this is almost always the same. I think it’s just because I’m weak and I am a sinner just like everyone else.

Now when I think back and meditate on this prayer, I understand the meaning of the “Our Father” more clearly. I can definitely admit [right now, right here] that He is our father because he made us, loves us and protects us. He [our heavenly father] gives us everything in his good time. And when we do wrong things, he is a blameless father who loves us unconditionally. He doesn’t hold us to ransom about anything. All he is asking us to do is... hold out our hands to Him.

And because of this, we need to acknowledge that he is our God and that we love him. We, as his children, need to pay homage to him. We need to magnify his name and praise him. We need to thank him for all the good he’s done for us. We need to tell him that we are nothing without him. We need to confess to him that we are weak and that we cannot survive without having a close relationship with Him. We need to tell him that we understand that in heaven the angels obey and respect Him. We need to try our level best to be just like those angels. Our hearts need to burn with fire for His word like those angels. We need to ask Him to be the ruler of our hearts here on earth. We need to ask Him to let his kingdom reign in our lives.

We need to thank Him for our daily bread – the bread he gives us for the nourishment of our soul and body. We need to understand that this daily bread cannot be given to us without prayer. We need to ask him to forgive our sins in the same way as he forgives the sins of those who have hurt or wronged us. We need to ask him to deliver us from difficulties, but also to let our trials make us strong and better people. We need to tell him that we are satisfied with whatever he has planned for us in this life time.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for being OUR FATHER, for loving and protecting us. Help us to acknowledge that we love you and that you are our God. Let us confess that we are sinners and that we need you in our lives. Let us not forget to pray for all our daily needs. Help us to forgive those who hurt us and let our trials not dictate the way we live but let the problems in our lives make us strong and courageous. Amen

Be Blessed,

Cheryl

Valentine's Day

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:01:00 +0000

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).

Well, it’s that time of season again. Valentine’s Day! LOVE is in the air and cupid seems to be pointing his silly arrow everywhere. Of course, I can virtually smell the pink and red roses, white lilies and honey blossoms. And, in my mind I’m already savouring... that delicate, scrumptious, decadent chocolate truffles filled with mouth watering peppermint. But, I frown when I think about the shopping malls all sprinkled with, love messages, gifts and trinkets for all to splash out on. That’s taking commercialism to the max! I have to admit though, that if we had a chat about romance, passion and the works about a year ago, I would have told you that love was not supposed to be like a “Mills and Boon” novel. Get out of here!

Yes, it’s that ordinary, quiet girl in me talking again. This is the very same girl that hides behind her round rimmed glasses and hardly holds a conversation. She only speaks when she’s spoken to. Can you believe that she’s the same girl that has written love poems most of her life? Yet, she refers to herself as not being much of a romantic. That’s outrageous, I know!

Now let me permit you into another secret. If you took a stroll along the streets, you wouldn’t have found her:

Cuddling up with her guy in public
Writing love notes to Him in the sand
Whispering sweet nothings in His ear

This was just never her ‘kinda’ thing. It would have been too un-cool. Embarrassing! Yuk! She was too much of straight laced, prim and proper girl who you’d never find crossing that invisible social line. This was just a no, no. I know, what' you're thinking! You’re right! She must have been nuts!

I must have been nuts!

But, if you posed that same question to me again right now, I’d definitely answer you differently.

Of course, I’d look at my guy with dreamy eyes.

I’d even blow Him a kiss across a crowded room and wait... patiently for Him to whip that kiss back at me.

I’d clasp His hand in mine and take that romantic stroll on the beach until the moon kissed the sky a sweet night.

Okay! Of course I’d whisper words in his ear, but these words would not be sweet-nothings. Nor would it be words laced in emptiness. No! The words would be words of love rolling freely from my lips. These words would be coated in patience, kindness, unselfishness and trust. Naturally, this love might not be a love that is:

PERFECT AND
SELFLESS

Perhaps this love will not endure all things, like the love of God our Father. And it definitely won’t be a love that never fails. It might not be a love that stands the test of time. But, this love could possibly be a love filled with hope and promise. And, with God’s grace this love of ours will at least be able to withstand the chilly winter season.

Prayer: God, let us not forget to thank you for showering us with the self-less, precious gift of your love. Teach us to love one another with a love that is patient and kind. Amen

Be Blessed,

Cheryl

White Lace and Promises

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Song of songs just rolled back the years to 18 December 1993 for me. This was the day I said, “I do” to my hubby Mark. Me dressed up in my white lace and satin wedding gown and Mark looking so handsome in your black tux. My heart still skips a beat when I recall the DJ playing our song, “We’ve only Just Begun” by the Carpenters. And my listening to the lyrics at this point in time, without a doubt has a very different meaning for me now. It is very apt now! It means more than the words itself. On that day- our wedding day, I was so naive and blinded by my love for Mark. I couldn’t think straight. Every moment was a blur. I vaguely remember the promises we made to each other and then it was me sipping away at a glass of champagne and not long thereafter being whisked off my feet to our honeymoon in George. There was no time for thinking about “So many roads to choose or we start our walking and learn to run.” All I wanted to do was “fly before the rising sun.” It never crossed my mind to breathe a word about “sharin’ horizons that are new to us.” Let alone “watchin’ the signs along the way.” And there was no mention about “ talkin’ it over, just the two of us... workin’ together day to day, together... We were both on cloud nine. And who could blame us! We were madly in love!

So, seen that Valentine’s Day is on our doorstep here’s my love letter to you my one and only sparky!

Dear Mark,

At times when I’m awake, I often wonder what goes on in your mind when you’re sound asleep. I listen to your quiet breathing. Do you dream of me? ... I’m always thinking about you. I smile as I remember how your eyes twinkle when we steal a kiss in the kitchen before the kids barge in. They always tease us – and tell us to stop,” coochy coeing!”

Of course, our marriage has gone through many seasons. How can I forget the wonderful summer seasons? The seasons that brought us those two little miracles called David and Nicola. And then there was that chilly winter season. I thought we’d never survive that! But with God’s grace we’ve made it! Yes, when we decided to put our hands in HIS and walk closely with HIM through those tough times, there was no turning back. I’m so glad that our marriage has entered this new season. I call it the season of hope and promise!

Looking back now, we have so many things to be grateful for. Yes, there are so many blessings to be thankful for. I know now that God has designed this love of ours like an unbreakable seal. I pray that God will help us to be forever faithful to each other. I know that with a little bit of patience, we could learn to love and serve each other just like God our Father.

I hope this love of mine will keep on burning for you like an almightly flame.

Your true love,

Cheryl

Prayer: Thank you for blessing us with the gift of love, marriage, children and relationships. Lord, let us never forget to show you how grateful we are for all your mercies. Amen

Love and Reality

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:15:00 +0000

When I read the Song of Songs 8:5-7, I noticed that the young woman in the song depended on Solomon. She was so happy because he offered her the support she dearly needed. But, the young woman also wanted everyone to know that she belonged to Solomon. She understood that if she made a vow to Solomon that, that commitment would be binding. In her mind, she knew that they would have their fare share of trials and tribulations. The young woman was also aware of the fact that she would not be happy all the time. But, she was determined to be committed to Solomon. Despite everything, she vowed to stand by him through thick and thin. The young woman strongly believed that her love for Solomon would grow stronger during the battles that they might face. She was certain her love for Solomon would last forever.

But, there is only One Love that would stand the test of time. The only love that is everlasting is God’s love. And nothing can stand in the way of true love. We can never be separated from Christ’s love. No matter what we’re facing, God’s love will always be with us. His love is a free, precious gift. All we have to do us trust God’s love.

Song of Songs 8:5-7

[the chorus of young women of Jerusalem]

5. Who is this coming from the desert?

She is leaning on her lover.

[the Bride]

I woke you under the apple tree.

It was the place where you were born.

It was the time when your mother struggled at your birth.

6. Keep me near you like a *seal.

Keep the *seal on your arm

because love is as strong as death.

Strong love is as strong as death.

It quickly becomes like a flame.

And that flame becomes a great fire!

7. If love were like fire, then even plentiful water could not put it out.

A river can be powerful.

But nothing can stop our love.

A man might offer all his wealth for love.

But someone else would not want this offer.

How fitting are these verses of “Song of Songs” for you on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2010? Does it conjure up the romantic in you?

Or does it make you think about love in the real sense of the word?

Prayer: Lord, help us to rely on your love no matter what trials we’re facing. Grant us the grace to share the precious gift of your love with those who don’t know you. Amen.

Be Blessed,
Cheryl

Psalm 23

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:29:00 +0000

Father's Love Letter

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:56:00 +0000

My Child ~

You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been mis-represented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32 Love, Your Dad, Almighty God

A Tapestry of Healing Words

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:34:00 +0000

These words remind us,that God is with us, no matter what anxieties we are facing.

Be Blessed,

Cheryl

Obedience

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Joseph was a simple, honest, hard-working and God-fearing man. When the angel appeared to him in a dream and told him to marry Mary, because the child that she was carrying was from the Holy Spirit, Joseph obeyed the angel and took Mary as his wife. Joseph also showed his obedience to God when he listened to the angel and took his family to Egypt. His obedience is reflected clearly in the scripture below.

THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT [Matthew 2:12-15]

And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

HOW CAN WE SHOW OUR OBEDIENCE TO GOD? We can show our obedience to God by:

reflecting on his word
having a personal and intimate relationship with him and living by his word
loving him and keeping his commandments.

In Matthew 22:36-40 God’s commandments are repeated which says, "Teacher, which commandment is the most important?" Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and soul, and with all of your mind.' This is the first and most important commandment. But the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as you love yourself.” All of Moses’ Teachings and the Law of the Prophets depend on these two commandments."

Prayer: Lord, create in me a humble heart and take away all my foolish pride and anger. Please help me to always keep your commandments. Lord, help me to keep on believing in you even when my burdens become hard to bear. Amen

Cheryl

A Tapestry of Encouraging Words from His Book

benitos.benito@gmail.com — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Ezra 10:4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.

Isaiah 35:4
... say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."

Lord, these are not my words. Let your words of encouragement be a balm to others in their time of strife. Amen

Be Blessed,

Cheryl