features of a true disciple

• regular unhurried time with the God in prayer and Bible study
• guarding the joy of the Lord
• taking our Sabbath rest
• working with the body by delegating responsibilities to others without trying to meet every need
• sacrificially fulfilling our responsibilities to our families
• looking forward to the coming glory which enables us to live with frustration on earth

If you neglect these features, don't even try to die for the cause of the gospel.

- ajith fernando

The cross demands so much because it has given so much. Its shame and its glory compels every believer to take it up daily and follow the way that it leads...a not so easy way...for it is the way of death.
Lord, grant your servant the courage to take up her cross daily and die so your Name may be glorified...nothing more, nothing less...

messages that warmed my heart

'the important thing is not to be bitter over life's difficulties. learn to let go of the past & recognize that every day won't be sunny & when you find yourself lost in darkness & despair, remember - it's only in the black of night that you can see the stars & those stars will lead you back home. so don't be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble, to fall, because most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most.'

'in pursuit of happiness, half of the world is on the wrong side. they think it consists in having and getting and in being served by others. happiness is really found in giving and in serving others.'

'what if you wait for your special someone your whole life & later on learn that no one is really waiting for you? but true love is worth taking chances for sometimes you don't know why things work out, they just do.' -the lakehouse

'whatever your prayers, dreams, & wishes, be patient - for even the sun has to wait for the morning to fulfill it's promise of a new day.'

'life can never be free from pain but God will always give us the means to endure and survive. in the rush of events, we will see that He's holding our hands every moment.'

'the value of waiting is a value of a lifetime. if we know how to wait, life shall be easy because God knows what to give us at the right time.'

'when you make choces, follow God. not your own way for if your own way fails, you regret but with God you can smile and say, He knows best!'

'nothing you ever do for God is wasted. everything is seen. everything is known. serve on, serve well. don't get tired of doing good for God's glory.'

'missing someone gets easier every day 'cause though it's one day farther the last time you saw each other, it's also one day closer the next time you will.'

'there are two greatest days in your life...the day you were born and the day you knew why.'

'so take heart dear child, when the Lord requires you to wait. the one you're waiting for will not disappoint you. he will not be even five minutes late beyond the appointed time. soon, your grief will turn to joy!'