I set out on a narrow way many years ago

Hoping I would find true love along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

I think about the years I spent just passing through

I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you

But you just smile and take my hand

You've been there you understand

It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

~~God Bless The Broken Road, Recorded and Sung by Rascall Flatts~~

Broken lives, broken homes, shattered dreams and broken hearts are but parts of life's journey. But do not fear dear fellow traveler, do not fear at all today: for God has given us His promise that He'll be with us all the way. Let us face the New Year with a renewed faith in God's ability to handle everything that we entrust to Him.

I Wish Everybody A Most Blessed and Prosperous New Year!

Ophelia

Broken Road Photo by hope21 on FLICKR

The Sacrifice of Iphigenia by Timanthes


Many years ago, a promising Greek artist named Timanthes was under the instruction of a well-known tutor. After several years, the young painter created an exquisite portrait. He was so thrilled with what he had painted that he sat day after day gazing at his work.

One morning, however, he was horrified to discover that his teacher had deliberately ruined his painting. Angry and in tears, Timanthes ran to him and asked why he had destroyed his cherished possession. The wise man replied, "I did it for your own good. That painting was retarding your progress. It was an excellent piece of art, but it was not perfect. Start again and see if you can do even better." The student took his advice and produced a masterpiece called "Sacrifice of Iphigenia," regarded by some as one of the finest paintings of antiquity.

Like the teacher in the story above, God never wants us to be content with our accomplishments. He wants us to reach even higher plateaus of service. My dear friends, let us not be satisfied with our spiritual attainments. In this world decaying with immoralities, let us keep pressing on ....

When you've reached a plateau,

And your strength almost gone,

But the Lord still says, "Go,"

That's the time to press on!

~~Hess~~

I wish you the best of the season Bloggers! Amidst the festive mood and celebration this season, let us not forget that the Babe of Bethlehem is the Savior at Calvary.

Have a blessed day one and all!

Sincerely,

Ophelia

Meditative Rose, 1958 by Salvador Dali

THE ROSE

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger
An endless aching need
I say love, it is a flower
And you, its only seed
It's the heart, afraid of breaking
That never learns to dance
It's the dream, afraid of waking
That never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying
That never learns to live
When the night has been too lonely
And the road has been too long
And you think that love is only
for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed
That with the sun's love, in the spring
Becomes the rose

~~Lyrics and Song Music by Amanda Mc Broom~~

HOLA BLOGGERS! The song above, The Rose, is one of my perennial favorites. I love the song, i love the melody. I love the lyrics. It echoes classic emotional upheavals on love, life, hope and inspiration. Yet, there is one thing about the rose which we can ponder upon whenever we see a rosebud.....

Unfolding The Rose

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 such as I.

GOD opens this flower so sweetly,

When 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 His 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.

~ © Bryan T. Burgess ~