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The
Rose that I Was
As I approached the water, I noticed a rose near me that seemed to stand
out from the other flowers, and I stopped to examine it. Its beauty was
breathtaking. Among all the flowers there, none captured me like this one.
It was gently swaying to faint music and singing praises to the Lord with
sweet tones of its own. I realized that I could actually see it growing.
As it developed before my eyes, my spirit was moved, and I wanted to experience
its life, to step into it and feel its spirit. As this thought came to me,
I seemed to be able to see down into it. It was as though my vision had
become microscopic and allowed me to penetrate the rose's deepest parts.
But it was much more than a visual experience. I felt the rose's presence
around me, as if I were actually inside and part of the flower. I experienced
it as if I were the flower...My joy was absolutely full again! I felt God
in the plant, in me, his love pouring into us. We were all one! (Embraced
By The Light, pp. 80-81)
Scripture Verse
The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert
shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. (Isaiah 35:1, KJV)
Prayer
Father, thank you for the beauty of your creation which refreshes and enlivens
my soul. Bless me in the course of my busy days to pause and connect with
nature, if only in small ways, that I may find relief from stress and be
reminded of your goodness and your blessings. I need you more abundantly
in my life, Father. Help me to feel your nearness and your love. |
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Blossoming
As A Rose
The month of May brings Mother's Day and also the beauty of blossoming
roses to our gardens. Many of us choose to send beautiful roses to symbolize
the love and loveliness we see in our blessed mothers. How appropriate
this is, to use the loveliest of flowers in honoring God's most sublime
creation of womanhood. I love roses for many reasons. I love everything
about them. Their colors, whether radiant or pastel. Their fragrance,
so sweetly and generously given. The delicate form of their blossoms and
of each perfect petal. I love to watch them unfold from the promise of
tiny buds into the rich fullness of mature bloom.
Some people may wonder if there are special reasons for using images of
roses on my website and on these newsletters. Readers of "Embraced By
The Light" will understand why my love for roses goes beyond appreciation
for their earthly beauty alone. For I have seen the Roses of Heaven! In
walking through that divine garden so abundantly adorned with flowers
of every color and form, my spirit was drawn most strongly to the roses.
And especially to that One Red Rose which, in blending my spirit with
its own, I felt oneness with God and his love. I am so blessed to recall
those wonderous moments in heaven whenever I see roses here on earth.
However, anyone can draw more close to God through nature. First, we can
experience it with the fullness of our senses. Through sight, touch, smell,
taste, and hearing, we can open ourselves to and draw into ourselves nature's
vibrant energy. The pure source of this energy is God, himself. But we
can go a step further by engaging our hearts and our spirits in blessing
nature in return, and in praising and thanking God for his goodness and
love so perfectly expressed in his creations. Yes, I love roses. But more
so, I love God in roses. I love to take a moment in my garden to feel
his presence there.
My readers also know that I am half Native American, specifically of the
Lakota Sioux nation. As part of the ceremonial tradition of my people,
young men and women receive special names to mark their rites of passage.
These names are sacred and hold power to help each person reach his or
her full potential as son or daughter of the Creator. My Lakota name--given
to me by Lakota elder, Wallace Black Elk--is "Onjinjinkta," pronounced
own-JEEN-jeen-ka. It means "Red, Ripe Rose In Bloom" or "Blooming Rose"
and carries great symbolic meaning for me. I honor and love my native
name. I have given it also to my publishing company which represents me
to the world and which, in its own development, is like a blooming rose.
I have a beautiful native dress of white doe skin with thousands of hand-stitched
beads forming red and pink roses. I cherish it and love wearing it because,
in the essence of my spirit, I feel like a blooming rose--somewhere between
promising bud and full flower. I unfold and blossom because God created
me to do so and because, through his Spirit and love, he nurtures my growth.
It is the same for you and for all of Father's children. He waters us
with the life giving energies of his Spirit. He prunes and shapes us by
his perfect "knowing" and wisdom. He warms and nourishes us by the sunlight
of his boundless love. He is the perfect Gardner in heaven and on earth!
May each of us respond to him as blossoms to the sun by turning our faces
continually toward him to receive his gentle touch.
It
is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to you and I.
God opens these flowers so sweetly,
While in my hands they fade and die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.
The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
(author unknown)
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News and Updates
~*~*~My staff and I have teamed with award-winning producer Conrad Denke
and American Production Services to create a TV program set to be aired
beginning in June 2001 in selected areas. This program features real stories
from real people who share their personal experiences of how the message
of "Embraced By The Light" has affected and changed their lives. These
incredible life stories were filmed in first person, and are shared in
order to continue the ripple effect of the book's wonderful message. It
is a program born of necessity to bring people to God and to save lives
of those who might not be reached otherwise. When "Embraced" first came
out, some people were critical, asking why I would take my sacred experience
and put it up for sale in a book. I responded that God told me to share
my experience with everyone, but how could I possibly do that not knowing
everyone's phone number! I had to share it in a book! And sharing it through
this program will reach many more who may not have heard of "Embraced."
This half-hour segment will include a special offer of our "Embraced By
The Light" collection for those who wish to receive it. More importantly,
the program will touch your heart and reaffirm your commitment to share
your knowledge of God with others.
~*~*~I'm pleased to announce the title of my forthcoming book! It is:
"Embraced By The Light: Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living." It is
almost ready to go to press. Please watch my website for further information
about this newest offering.
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thank you for your continued support and love! - Betty J. Eadie