tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16039994478071747742024-02-25T03:31:45.661-05:00ELLIE KINGS...on Life, Love and LossEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-40974108210400642472017-08-14T00:07:00.003-04:002017-08-14T00:07:32.723-04:00TODAY I CRIED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans; font-size: 16px;">I cried for all the things I could have done but have not finished yet. I cried for a Past I thought I let go, yet somehow draws me back.</span></div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for the Little things that mean so much and yet I take for granted. I cried for the Big things; the dreams I once had and still have not fulfilled.</div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for the childhood friends I left behind when innocence was blissful. I cried for the family who moved away to a place they called Better.</div>
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Today I cried. </div>
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I cried for all the Good people... My Mentors, My Pastors, My Life coaches who came into my life for a Season. I also cried for all the Bad people... who God allowed to be my stumbling block, my brick wall, my Goliath. The ones that threw their stones without any kind of Reason.</div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for all the wonderful friendships I've lost along the Path to self discovery. I cried for those few men who loved me yet I could never reciprocate their love. I cried for all the men I believed in but never kept their promise nor honored their word. </div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for that One Man who I will truly love forever; although he no longer walks this Earth. The Man who loved and defended every side of me... the Right and the Wrong. I cried for that Man who everyday reminded me that I was Beautiful... in the Moonlight, in the Daylight and every second in between.</div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for all the lonely nights I spend By myself and the stagnant days I spend With myself. I cried for a Future that is unknown; for a Possibility that might never be; for a Door that is still locked and somehow... somewhere I've lost the key.</div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for Me... For that shy and frightened little girl I used to be; for the confused teenager I left behind; writing down her dreams, anticipating her bright future and always wearing her Joy and Peace. I cried for that young woman's Broken heart and crushed spirit; watching the endless Sea of Disappointments, Sorrow and Despair as they washed up the shore... for even the depths of the ocean couldn't bury them.</div>
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Today I cried.</div>
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I cried for the child I will never bear and the family I will never call my own. I cried because through the Tears of Today; I realized something...</div>
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<i>Tomorrow has Yet to come. </i></div>
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All the heartaches in life could never equal to all the Valuable Lessons learned. I might not be where I thought I'd be in life Today, but I am still Thankful to be Alive. And when the time comes, my clock stands still and I head toward my final Resting place, I will honestly admit...</div>
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It was not the Life I would have chosen for myself, nor did I treasure every second of my days; but One thing I can be certain of, Without a doubt... I Never walked Alone. Because the Lover of my Soul held my hand All the Way. Tomorrow... I will Smile again.</div>
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<i>© 2017 By Ellie Kings</i></div>
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<i>All Rights Reserved</i></div>
Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-31222822989992326942016-07-04T04:03:00.005-04:002016-07-04T05:38:59.968-04:00Insomnia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever so often you can't sleep, thinking upon the things you didn't accomplish throughout the day. You know? the little things that lead to bigger questions. You ask yourself, ' Was I productive enough?' 'Did I accomplish my goals for the day?' 'Am I headed in the right direction?'<br />
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<b><i><a href="https://sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/content/what-causes-insomnia" target="_blank">Insomnia</a></i></b>... It keeps me up at night. It doesn't wonder if I've I slept enough or ask if it's time to sleep. I've often wondered if I started counting the sheep that so many others count, will I too fall asleep?<br />
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What is it that keeps us up at night? Could it be that darkness is much quieter than daylight? Is it that we think deeper at night? Pondering on one of the items we forgot to check off on our to-do-lists. Or could it be something greater... something <i>deeper.</i>.. something that gnaws at you, creating an abyss of questions, and leaving you longing for something <i>more</i>!<br />
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The gifts which have been bestowed upon us that we've buried in time.The death of a loved one whom we never told 'goodbye'. The endless invites of family weddings and picnics you never attended. The long distance between you and those you'd love to be with.<br />
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Thinking back on the things we wanted to do years ago, but were too afraid to do them. And now... Well now, is it too late to even try?<br />
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So what really keeps us awake at night? Is it the dirty dishes in the sink or the dirty dishes in our <i>mind</i>? Though, the dishes in the sink can be easily washed and put away. But is it as easy to wash the dirty dishes in our mind? The 'could have, should have, would have' statements that we casually repeat time and time again to excuse the things we didn't do in <i>life</i>. Not because we couldn't, but because we allowed so many things to get in the way. Fear. Procrastination. Lethargy.<br />
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And now? Where am I now? Where are you now?<br />
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There is still time right? Didn't Warren Zevon say it best?... 'I'll sleep when I'm dead.'<br />
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When you can't sleep and find yourself wondering why your life didn't go as you planned. Why you never finished writing that book or playing that instrument or singing that song or travelling the world or falling in love or <i>washing those dishes</i>... Just remember these words; As long as you have a beating heart, breath in your lungs, and the strength of a lion; or a lamb...<br />
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<i> <b> There is still time</b></i><b>!</b><br />
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<i>'My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.' </i>Maya Angelo<br />
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Copyright ©July 2016 Ellie Kings<br />
All Rights Reserved.<br />
Sleeping woman painting -Pinterest<br />
<br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-72670300267106462542014-01-03T22:17:00.004-05:002016-07-04T05:23:52.173-04:00A Little Life <div class="tG QF" style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; position: absolute; width: 0px;">
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As we walk into another year of the 21st century, I am reminded that life can be so fleeting. Many of the living are left behind to endure the painful loss of loved ones year after year. Death is certain. When your clock tells the stop-time, there is no cheating death.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the 19th century, German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer said some very wise words that have transcended time. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />If we find that we are born a little each day and die a little each night, maybe we'll be conscious enough not to take life for granted and enjoy every day as if it were our last. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Burying another year and welcoming the New Year 2014, I must say, I'm impacted by some of last year's deaths, more notably Paul Walker and Nelson Mandela. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Chicago Tribune stated that no drugs or alcohol were found in the body of actor Paul Walker after a fiery car crash killed him and a friend in November. But they were traveling at 'an unsafe speed, approximately 100+ mph' (according to a coroner's report)</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnX17e66miKtrG9YkSZs29Q5c0-3PTjJzyaeU_7B8IEjv-hoCzjfYP7Z9G7SybTwVD74EemPQpAjJbMiRDv4lbYEJKblqUhtLGMHyGKjmiXmopB7fWMqBoy6r7fMYi4ryfo61IEV3T9ZI/s1600/paul+walker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnX17e66miKtrG9YkSZs29Q5c0-3PTjJzyaeU_7B8IEjv-hoCzjfYP7Z9G7SybTwVD74EemPQpAjJbMiRDv4lbYEJKblqUhtLGMHyGKjmiXmopB7fWMqBoy6r7fMYi4ryfo61IEV3T9ZI/s200/paul+walker.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As one who enjoys speeding from time to time, I'm not one to judge. But I am sadden by the loss of a talented young actor who I'm sure, to his family and friends, left more that the "Fast and Furious" blockbuster movies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of you, who have lost a loved one, are aware that death is surreal. Death doesn't play favorites. It took over three years for me to say the words, "I can breathe again." And just when I was learning to breathe again, death knocked on my father's door, taking him away at almost sixty years old.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The loss of a loved one can be devastating, no matter if it's a sudden death or a long drawn-out one. I would be lying if I said the hurt is the same with each death. I believe after a few losses your heart goes numb, not necessarily feeling nothing, but more like learning to survive with all of its punches. Grief knocks the wind out of you and usually we aren't sure if to breathe or to cry out. But when we do catch our breath, we think back on all of the time we spent <i>not living.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our loved ones wouldn't have wanted us to curl up and die with them. On the contrary, they'd want us to live, to breathe, to dance, to sing, to dream and to believe that there is a purpose even in death. Even if we never know the answers to the 'why's'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Nelson Mandela also dying in 2013 'never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he never answered racism with racism. His life has been an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived. While facing the death penalty his words to the court at the end of his famous ‘Speech from the Dock’ on 20 April 1964 became immortalized:'</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Mandela, like Walker and our loved ones, left behind a legacy, whether big or small. Let us take the time to honor them and our loved ones by keeping their memory and our spirits alive. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Deut.30:19</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">With this new year comes new possibilities, new hopes and new goals. Let us learn to leave the past in the past and grasp tightly the reins of the future. Let us learn to live and breathe again because merely existing is not an option. We are survivors of loss, sadness and grief. Though, a <i>New</i> day emerges. And it brings with it life and death. Choose Life!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Copyright © 2014 Ellie Kings All Rights Reserved</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">References: <a href="http://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography" target="_blank">Nelson Mandela</a> and </span><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-paul-walker-autopsy-20140103,0,895801.story" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul Walke</span>r</a></span>Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-70280162756590720652013-10-25T21:55:00.002-04:002014-01-03T03:44:14.107-05:0025 Twenty Five Years with God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a very special October for me. I am celebrating two anniversaries. My second anniversary here in the state of Rhode Island and my 25th Anniversary with the Lord. <br />
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It's amazing that I stayed this long in a place where I was just stopping by for two weeks. It goes to show how our plans are not always God's purposes. But I am grateful to God for guiding my every step, especially during a time when I was blinded by sorrow. The Lord has been very good to me. He surely loves the way I love to love; passionately, unconditionally and intensely. It must be why we are called his children.<br />
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<strong><em>"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Prov-19-21">but it is the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21</span></span></em></strong></blockquote>
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I can still remember the day I accepted the Son of God as my Savior. I was barely sixteen, sweet, innocent and very naïve mind you. Fortunately, the Lord took my hand all the way and my heart was inclined to His Word and not man's. <br />
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The baby steps were difficult, but very important. I stumbled many times in the beginning because I wanted to run when I still crawled. I held religion close to heart, obeying His Word at each letter. Now that I've grown more in the Lord, I've come to understand it is not about religion, but about a wonderful<em> relationship</em> with our heavenly father. For you must know, we no longer live under the law but under the grace of God.<br />
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As the years passed, <span class="text Rom-8-39">I'm very pleased to say I was </span>'convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,<sup> </sup>neither the present nor the future,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28155CD" title="See cross-reference CD">CD</a>)"></sup> nor any powers,<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28155CE" title="See cross-reference CE">CE</a>)"></sup> <span class="text Rom-8-39" id="en-NIV-28156">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, would be able to separate me from the love of God<sup class="crossreference" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28156CF" title="See cross-reference CF">CF</a>)"></sup> that is in Jesus our Lord'. <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Romans 8:38-39)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, I learned there are times when the <em>weak say we are strong</em>, but don't necessarily feel it. We lose hope and our faith diminishes. The struggles and scars in the battles of life leave us breathless. And sometimes we walk away from God, not realizing leaving Him behind is the worst mistake we could possibly make. We try it our way for a while and when we notice it doesn't work without the Lord in the equation, we come back to Him. If you've been here at any point in your life, then you know that it only takes one prayer to get back into God's good graces. The good thing is He doesn't hold a grudge. He will love you even when it looks like He doesn't. He will love you even when you've left him a dozen times or betrayed him a hundred more.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't remember anything else in life, remember this: The Lord is a very loving Father. There will always be room at his house for you. He will always gather you with loving kindness and tender mercies. Don't give up or disappear on Him cause He hasn't given up on you.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-39"></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fmZcqrmz4cM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<i><span class="text Rom-8-39"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>To read the words to this poetry/spoken word piece, go directly to my YouTube channel. </i><i>© 2013 Ellie Kings</i>Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-35339495703809839542013-10-13T08:30:00.001-04:002014-01-02T20:56:34.500-05:00Dry Land<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/paXS7uCzLVk" width="459"></iframe><br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-43191619674632674172013-10-08T14:51:00.001-04:002014-01-02T20:56:55.960-05:00Dip Me in His Blood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-51569998783542060032013-09-16T15:34:00.003-04:002014-01-02T20:49:03.041-05:00Bring on the Champion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD-kFLoK81hN6Czspwu0ra8JatdmXAe8J94U4IEl-oOgnnLVPe2jmnCUoIGgy8rWEin-94GIw5AxGCTDCZF9AT21OKqKZ28q3wWdmaEkJKYcyA0giPr7NyiCAY-rFtKw5vDENCyxUKfrb/s1600/UFC+digital+art+by+juniper+jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjD-kFLoK81hN6Czspwu0ra8JatdmXAe8J94U4IEl-oOgnnLVPe2jmnCUoIGgy8rWEin-94GIw5AxGCTDCZF9AT21OKqKZ28q3wWdmaEkJKYcyA0giPr7NyiCAY-rFtKw5vDENCyxUKfrb/s320/UFC+digital+art+by+juniper+jones.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It appears, the world loves to fight! It's in human nature to stand for what we believe in; to defend our point of view and the things we value most! We fight to obtain that which we want out of life; whether it be a championship belt, a winning goal, a clean bill of Health, or a mind at Peace.</div>
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</div>
Our arms & legs in a defense position, sword thrusting, blood gushing, body sweating- Ah... the anticipation of a good battle! Like the strong gladiators in Rome, the disciplined Samurai in Japan, or the Sambo of Russia, the Muay Thai of Thailand, the MCMAP of the United States, the Silat of Malaysia, the Eskrima of the Philippines, and the Krav Maga of Israel. When fighting against the Enemy, we should all imitate a hungry lion letting out his roar just before his fatal kill.<br />
<br />
It really doesn't matter what we're fighting for, as long as we stay in the fight. Make sure you stay in it to win it. Use every single drop of energy you have. Strategize your opponent's style of fighting. Study your Enemy's moves, his weaknesses, and his strengths just as he studies yours.<br />
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<div>
<em></em><br />
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<em><strong>"For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm." Eph. 6:12</strong></em></blockquote>
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</em></div>
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Take a UFC fighter for example. In each of the five rounds for a title bout, his mission is to knock his opponent out or to hold him in a submission position until he taps out. Fighting mixed martial arts, (using different techniques & strategies) he tries his best to win the round (battle). But if he doesn't, he'll try again in the next one. Going in a little more tired but he continues the fight until he brings on the champion in him and finally wins the Championship title belt.<br />
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<strong>"Más sabe <span class="yshortcuts cs4-visible" id="lw_1379357927622_1">el Diablo </span>por viejo que por diablo."</strong><em> (The devil knows more because he's old, not because he's the devil.) <strong> Spanish Proverb</strong></em></blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
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We should be more like UFC fighters when it comes to fighting for God and against the Enemy. Let us use a full range of mixed martial arts. Studying the Enemy's moves, strategize the best techniques (prayers, obedience and acts of love) to hold our Enemy under submission or knocking him out all together. Remembering that each day is a daily battle for a bigger war. Yes, we could easily throw in the towel before actually fighting a good fight or we can give the Devil hell! What would you rather do to gain that Championship crown? Submit or knock him out?! Me? I'd rather go in with courage, knock him out, get my belt(crown) and walk out with my greatest reward, Eternal Life!<br />
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<strong><em>"Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Tim 6:12</em></strong></blockquote>
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</strong></div>
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<strong>© Sep 2013 Ellie Kings</strong><br />
Digital Art: Juniper Jones<br />
References: <a href="http://www.cracked.com/article_16595_6-great-martial-arts-killing-man-with-your-bare-hands.html?page-full" target="_blank">Six Great Martial Arts</a> & <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Fighting_Championship" target="_blank">wiki: Ultimate Fighting Championship</a>Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-23573183717064327512013-08-26T08:05:00.003-04:002014-01-02T20:49:43.118-05:00A World without Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrebhA-NCbXUAW21rKbSaZYShFc4cS8yU7DeUpMGXPyDVTjXInkZ1BqHcZX6ee-l1R8ez5Em93vmIcNzjTyubS3FZu_IwjwAyd9Ip8dV6Riw5oo9zOwHtaIn5H4RBrjsKZDuDqpYXzpRi/s1600/a+questionable+risk+by+joey+remmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrebhA-NCbXUAW21rKbSaZYShFc4cS8yU7DeUpMGXPyDVTjXInkZ1BqHcZX6ee-l1R8ez5Em93vmIcNzjTyubS3FZu_IwjwAyd9Ip8dV6Riw5oo9zOwHtaIn5H4RBrjsKZDuDqpYXzpRi/s320/a+questionable+risk+by+joey+remmers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">There are some things that keep your mind occupied for years. Unfortunately for me, </span></em><a href="http://elliekings.blogspot.com/2009/10/binding-fear.html" target="_blank"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Binding Fear</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">, has been one of them. To remind me that it no longer has control over my life, I've decided to write of it again. One of my goals currently, is to work on that fear, take up my cross and be a Brave soldier for the kingdom of God.</span></em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
~Take Courage~</div>
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Have you ever thought, what would you do if you lived without fear? The kind of fear that paralyzes you to the point of doing absolutely nothing with your life. Afraid of becoming a failure or a success stumps every idea, dream, plan or project from being fulfilled. <br />
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Something is holding us back. The question is what. Procrastination? Lethargy? or the fear of...?<br />
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God didn't give us the spirit of fear, yet many of us carry it with us wherever we go. It's as if fear is part of our wardrobe. A cloak we put on as soon as we wake in the morning. Standing in front of the mirror of truth, we see nothing more than someone lacking the courage to pursue dreams, finish projects, and slay dragons (well, maybe the Prince can slay the dragons). We reach for the mark, but the mark is almost unattainable and far out of reach. Mostly, preferring the quiet of our comfort zone, we quit at the beginning of the race.<br />
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For one moment, close your eyes, and imagine with me a world without Fear? If everyone, I mean, literally, every single person on Earth had NO FEAR- How would our World be then? I believe there would be peace on Earth. No wars, no violence, no crime, no poverty, no hunger. Our world would be prosperous, productive, and fruitful. Success would ring, like chimes, out in the streets. Joy would be our daily manna. All would be wise and wealthy. If only...<br />
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<strong>If we are to fear anything in life, let us fear God.</strong><em> "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!"</em> <em>Psalm 111:10 </em>Let us prove to our Lord that we honor and respect him. Should we fear Him, we will have the knowledge to overcome the fears that hold us back from finishing the good work of the Lord.<br />
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<em>"Therefore, do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be shown." Matthew 10:26</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Today, I am given another perspective of the above Word. I think of the many gifts God has given us which we have hidden and covered. We've buried them because of the spirit of fear. But when the Lord returns, we know He will ask for interest on that gift. <br />
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So<strong><em> Let us put aside fear</em></strong>, and uncover the gifts to change our world, within the World. Reveal and share the talents He's given you to family, friends and others! Use your courage & wisdom to uncover all the good things (ideas, plans, projects, gifts) that are in you. Take a risk!<strong> <em>Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets... For it awaits an appointed time... though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay</em>.</strong> Habakkuk 2:2-3<br />
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Take time to lift your head with courage and knowledge to defeat the tactics of your Enemy. It can take thousands of failures before coming into success. Let me remind you, success is the product of trial & error. So try and try again until you finally face the fear that holds you back from accomplishing yours dreams and seeing the vision come alive.<br />
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Join me in conquering FEAR again & again; As many fights as it takes- to create a beautiful, fruitful world where all who have golden ideas and promising dreams will see them fulfilled sooner than later. Let us be brave, build towards a better tomorrow and live in a World without Fear!<br />
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© August 2013 Ellie Kings<br />
<em>Art: A Questionable Risk by Joey Remmers</em><br />
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<br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-24596347262665671332013-08-20T13:30:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:51:26.554-05:00SHE IS...<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Written for me, by a dear friend, during a trying time. It honors me to know that I can impact someone in a special way. Thank you Hector.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gXezWe4-x0Ym83JY8EcD8xGDjTt5nad0T3fG9T1y9c8mkSkFMmPyiikDKTorUMp7OsViPPgXQhymb1Ghb6tW-mJMDSIa3ad13AbA6urTtAulJK3wRxQAY7CvINq_OWqqVhptI42960Kt/s1600/Constellation+by+Karen+Koski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gXezWe4-x0Ym83JY8EcD8xGDjTt5nad0T3fG9T1y9c8mkSkFMmPyiikDKTorUMp7OsViPPgXQhymb1Ghb6tW-mJMDSIa3ad13AbA6urTtAulJK3wRxQAY7CvINq_OWqqVhptI42960Kt/s1600/Constellation+by+Karen+Koski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8gXezWe4-x0Ym83JY8EcD8xGDjTt5nad0T3fG9T1y9c8mkSkFMmPyiikDKTorUMp7OsViPPgXQhymb1Ghb6tW-mJMDSIa3ad13AbA6urTtAulJK3wRxQAY7CvINq_OWqqVhptI42960Kt/s320/Constellation+by+Karen+Koski.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">She is like the sky, the moon, and the stars <br />
her daylight brings calm, joy, </span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">and peace in ones soul <br />
her words are as the guiding moonlight
</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">that does not leave one in the dark </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">her presence is like the stars </span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em>that bring a warm glow to ones heart</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em></em><br />
<em>She is the fresh scent of a flower </em>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em>She is the voice of reason </em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em>She is the angel of God's word </em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em>She is the lifter of ones heart </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><em>As she lives, and walks throughout her day</em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Never noticing... </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>She brings meaning to the day</em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>She is all these things and more</em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
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<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em> </em><em>As I stop to think of all of the things </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>that God has given me</em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>whether it be the warmth of the sun</em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>the cool breeze in the summer </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>or the smell of millions of flowers in the meadow </em></div>
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</em><div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>I thank God for her, </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>for it was He who decided </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>to combine all of these things</em></div>
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</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>into one person </em></div>
<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
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<em>
</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>I call her my lifter, my voice in the dark,</em></div>
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</em><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>but most importantly, I call her my friend.</em></div>
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</em><div style="text-align: left;">
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<em>
</em><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>© 2002 Hector Agosto<br />
For Ellie Kings </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Art: Constellation by Karen Koski <em> </em></span></div>
</span><br />
<br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-6399006473609754102013-08-15T19:52:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:47:35.696-05:00Forgetting Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-3APlW7js0eLRSwCpvy4Zgu77t-b7MvCZhUtwiXpEdkoiEg1Tj2uTs7VP9CI8tSmnQpYSUBkdqypN4eYptKb-RrUOi6lBl7lYXVVRZPpJHyOXWLfOOSBm_suRgGctpjp605cmXS3sduJ/s1600/kiss+of+death+by+michelle+monique+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-3APlW7js0eLRSwCpvy4Zgu77t-b7MvCZhUtwiXpEdkoiEg1Tj2uTs7VP9CI8tSmnQpYSUBkdqypN4eYptKb-RrUOi6lBl7lYXVVRZPpJHyOXWLfOOSBm_suRgGctpjp605cmXS3sduJ/s320/kiss+of+death+by+michelle+monique+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">love said to forget</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> how could I forget him</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">his heart stitched to mine</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><em> and when he died so did I</em><br />
<br />
</em><em>love wished me to forget</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I refused to...</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">still holding onto him</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> willing him to breathe </span></em></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">he never did...</span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> so I dreamed</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">and without me noticing</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I, too, danced a waltz with Death</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">while Death breathed in my life</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> And <em>I</em> was...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">dancing slowly</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> breathing softly</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>exhaling calmly</em><em> </em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> screaming quietly</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the years passed</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I tried and tried </span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">but I couldn't hold onto Forever</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I had to forget</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had to forget love </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">kill Death</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">and invite Life again</span></em></div>
<em></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW3TWhMTR80xE-fIWf7V5bu01pd-lGz_P7aw35mXccptSgEFN2zv5c3eqa0Kqqfrotoerv0_O4COwJWnljkFblsQ-wcyek0m0ZWLmnW_DUozArYB_aV246YcdV5SSWTKeUel8ygh5N-kS/s1600/Dancing+with+Death+by+Michelle+Monique+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiW3TWhMTR80xE-fIWf7V5bu01pd-lGz_P7aw35mXccptSgEFN2zv5c3eqa0Kqqfrotoerv0_O4COwJWnljkFblsQ-wcyek0m0ZWLmnW_DUozArYB_aV246YcdV5SSWTKeUel8ygh5N-kS/s320/Dancing+with+Death+by+Michelle+Monique+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em></em><br />
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<em></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>© August 2013 Ellie Kings</strong></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">Digital Art: Kiss of Death & Dancing with Death</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small;">by Michelle Monique</span></em></div>
<em></em><br />
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Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-56732610561674951522013-08-13T10:40:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:50:56.566-05:00A Colorful World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjh4WIlTnKo46CY2syY6-s-X5p5MCKrDuhgTp2JU8o7oGV7GqZSb4Y7-SFstjrVFTdjoNrZYPTZnQ2kLJcwR2JGpS2C5lGeAtpQRz4u6ZIxjVmZYMgqW1OPJZIpIzWwxcxNO2GIs4DefE/s1600/pintura+en+Galeria+de+Arte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjh4WIlTnKo46CY2syY6-s-X5p5MCKrDuhgTp2JU8o7oGV7GqZSb4Y7-SFstjrVFTdjoNrZYPTZnQ2kLJcwR2JGpS2C5lGeAtpQRz4u6ZIxjVmZYMgqW1OPJZIpIzWwxcxNO2GIs4DefE/s1600/pintura+en+Galeria+de+Arte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjh4WIlTnKo46CY2syY6-s-X5p5MCKrDuhgTp2JU8o7oGV7GqZSb4Y7-SFstjrVFTdjoNrZYPTZnQ2kLJcwR2JGpS2C5lGeAtpQRz4u6ZIxjVmZYMgqW1OPJZIpIzWwxcxNO2GIs4DefE/s320/pintura+en+Galeria+de+Arte.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
My world is filling with color all the shades of gray that engulfed my heart. Strength and Courage along with Peace & Joy are becoming my best allies now. I'm coming out of the dark cave to see the sunlight shine on me once more. <br />
<br />
I've decided... to Live; to breathe. I really had no choice in the matter. God had other plans for me, just as He has for you. I thank the Lord for the courage to face the unknown future again. Come let us face it together.<br />
<br />
Walking out of the dark has taught me to focus my sight on the brighter things of life & let go of things I cannot change. After three and a half years, I've come to the realization it's not my time to die. God hasn't stopped my clock yet. Nor has He stopped yours.<br />
<br />
For a long time, I couldn't see in the dark. My heart hardened, grew confused, and couldn't rest. If not for the Lord, I surely would have fainted forever. But GOD! ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our Daddy... All powerful, all merciful, encouraging & loving. He never lets us down even when we feel all hope is lost. I am so grateful to Him for breathing life back in me and renewing my mind.<br />
<br />
Death is so final, but Life is a gift we should always treasure. Don't allow the death of a loved one drain the life out of your life. It's the last thing our loved ones would've wanted. Be encouraged in knowing we will see them again in the Kingdom of Heaven.
<br />
<br />
Thanks again, family and friends for encouraging me & being patient to see Me get back to Me at last.<br />
<br />
Come join me, in adding color back in our world. Let us live for God, for ourselves and our families.
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
© August 2013 Ellie Kings</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Art: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/galeriatodoporelartefaleroni" target="_blank">Galeria Todo por el Arte Faleroni</a></div>
Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-74351052010486858652012-09-09T00:19:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:56:02.051-05:00Alone without my Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpcbRY7LXhzfgt9sz-uaTdOm4xhPuVm4NrkWZMHEYIopRIb-NX3Xp-5TfjVvRMm0ZuhbfeqDsPU5BH4vjFGhg859MyVAWEg6CZxBT2aJuLXO-O0NRanG5kg088Yg291lwSOJzW4fQKYva/s1600/David+Revoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpcbRY7LXhzfgt9sz-uaTdOm4xhPuVm4NrkWZMHEYIopRIb-NX3Xp-5TfjVvRMm0ZuhbfeqDsPU5BH4vjFGhg859MyVAWEg6CZxBT2aJuLXO-O0NRanG5kg088Yg291lwSOJzW4fQKYva/s320/David+Revoy.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<br />
When I'm alone, I think... <br />
of many things keeping me up at night<br />
Wonderful words waking me in the early hour <br />
I toss and turn as they slip away, out of reach<br />
In my dreams, sitting at the edge of the shore <br />
Waiting for them to return to me<br />
The wind is fierce, it hits my face and I can't breathe <br />
The fog has come and I can't see<br />
Where are the words that made me speak?<br />
I can almost touch them, but they wither back to sea. <br />
<br />
And I sit alone without my words<br />
Without my poems, without my songs, without my speech.<br />
<br />
I miss my words. <br />
Come back to me...<br />
<br />
© September 2012 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by David Revoy<br />
<br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-80200845123218008532012-08-01T05:46:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:53:35.770-05:00The Shadow of Depression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9J6gSGA6rgMB1ZhBJEwjqM0JOUfaO8hKNTdzOzxinqTNeO72Sw3i3zz3ipt9rmhLHME7CqtsrR_xdsjko50Xt8CVDABRf3OrjX1vwPW7DhNsQdxSqm8Cl9hyphenhyphenCZ4NekhfYPTHcBZtdApq/s1600/desolation+by+enchanted+canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9J6gSGA6rgMB1ZhBJEwjqM0JOUfaO8hKNTdzOzxinqTNeO72Sw3i3zz3ipt9rmhLHME7CqtsrR_xdsjko50Xt8CVDABRf3OrjX1vwPW7DhNsQdxSqm8Cl9hyphenhyphenCZ4NekhfYPTHcBZtdApq/s200/desolation+by+enchanted+canvas.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
Many of you know I suffered the loss of my one true Love in December 2009, but what some don't know is that my mourning turned into severe depression because of it. I've gone through four of the five stages of Grief and am currently in my last one. <br />
<br />
The first was <strong>Denial</strong>. I couldn't believe that my best friend and love of my life was gone... truly gone... forever. That I would never see his beautiful smile again, never hear his contagious laughter, never feel his arms cradling me to sleep. I thought it was a horrible nightmare I'd wake up from the next morning and everything I knew to be true, would be exactly how I left it the night before. That he'd wake me with a morning kiss, tell me how much he loved me for the millionth time and all would be right with our world. I waited many months for that day to come, but it never arrived.<br />
<br />
My world was turned upside down. I had lost my Love and with him our home, the one place I felt safe. I lost the things that furnished our lives decorating our hearts with care. And from there I stepped into <strong>Anger</strong>. I was angry at myself for not being able to stop his death. I was angry at him for leaving me so soon, thinking we'd grow old together. And I was angry at God for taking him from me. I, soon, made peace with myself, with him and with God but not before wishing my own death to be with my Love. A few months after the anger, I moved onto <strong>Bargaining</strong>.<br />
<br />
I bargained with God to take my life for his. To bring him back to his loved ones, to take their pain away. Maybe if I had prayed more, fasted more often, dedicated my life to helping more. Maybe if we had not moved away or stayed closer to family, maybe I could've prevented it somehow. So many whys and so many maybes.<br />
<br />
As the days & months passed the fourth stage set in; <strong>Depression</strong>. This one lasted the longest. The feeling of being lost with a sadness and hopelessness cutting so deep, it almost vanished my existence. True, I had battled depression before. But this was different. It was more severe. It was abrupt & harsh. I spiraled down a dark abyss that no matter how much climbing I did, I couldn't get out. I felt gagged, bound and left for dead. I could see the world revolving around me, but somehow I remained in the same place, stuck in quicksand. I didn't have words, smiles, or laughter. My songs were gone with the wind. I was paralyzed in fear. I didn't know what to do, where to go or who to turn to who would understand my heartache. I was silent with God and with most of my family & friends. I was traumatized by a hurting present and confused by the unknown future.<br />
<br />
The depression was much more than I could bear, but if not for God's strength, I surely would have died. He kept me together even when I thought I would lose my mind. Even when I thought I was undone. Even when I was disheartened, and hated being in my own skin. If not for my loving God, my dear mother, family & close friends... I surely would not be alive to tell my story.<br />
<br />
I am now dealing with <strong>Acceptance. </strong>Yes, I have accepted he's gone, but I have not completely said my goodbyes. I'm holding on tight to a memory that knaws away at my insides. I still speak & dream of him often, think of him daily and ache to hold him again. Sometimes, I smile when no one is looking, daydreaming of little things he'd say or do, just to hear me laugh. I still haven't the slightest clue how to say goodbye. At what point do I let go and move on with my life? I am trying to let go, really I am. But when I find myself laughing more often or actually having a good day, the guilt sets in. The guilt of leaving him behind, of not deserving happiness without him. The guilt of living.<br />
<br />
Coming out of my grief & depression, I am now in the shadow of that depression. I've been told that just before you're actually out of it, when you're more optimistic and actually want to live again, you fall back into the hole. Temporarily. The shadow pursues me wherever I go, imitating the sadness I've felt for so long, confusing me. It frightens me in thinking that I have taken several steps back. That I will fall into the darkness again and never be able to step into the light. <br />
<br />
But God! <br />
<br />
He is my strength & my comforter! He reminds me & I repeat to myself- it is just a shadow. It is not real. It cannot hurt me anymore than what I've been hurt. I am a survivor. I've endured much in life, but this is the deepest heartache of them all. If I've survived this... I can survive anything! I am more than a conquerer! I am ... fearless!<br />
<br />
<br />
© Aug 2012 Ellie Kings<br />
Art: Desolation by Karen KoskiEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-58500626124524486472012-07-01T03:50:00.000-04:002014-01-02T20:55:06.312-05:00The Beating of my Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDBxVCcT5uXr3ZCDJEoi28bYLZI-4ragIlvNauWg7LU3bBmVXUhyxkox5ryjPLh3qEmYH-D3-HVK689deSF9jU7eSXRF_HVJKfjC-qukLvnqcfMcIHNkGpnx_9ymMHXI2PDqBywqjr2ed/s1600/You+still+live+on+in+us+by+Shawna+Erback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDBxVCcT5uXr3ZCDJEoi28bYLZI-4ragIlvNauWg7LU3bBmVXUhyxkox5ryjPLh3qEmYH-D3-HVK689deSF9jU7eSXRF_HVJKfjC-qukLvnqcfMcIHNkGpnx_9ymMHXI2PDqBywqjr2ed/s200/You+still+live+on+in+us+by+Shawna+Erback.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
My poor Heart took a hard beating <br />
Out in the winter cold<br />
Surprisingly, he held onto dear life<br />
He lay there bleeding in the wet snow <br />
As I ran to lift him up<br />
I heard him slow his beat<br />
I thought for sure he wouldn't survive<br />
From all the bruises and the hurt<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He was rushed to Intensive care<br />
Barely alive, but he survived<br />
Unfortunately, he stayed in a deep sleep<br />
<br />
In that coma God softly took his time to heal him<br />
He didn't rush things because he knew my poor Heart needed time<br />
Time to think of every moment he was happy<br />
Time to reflect on all the heartaches he had lived through<br />
Time to consider how far the journey had been<br />
Time to appreciate the Love he had found <br />
<br />
While my Heart lay there more than two years<br />
Many thought he would never wake up<br />
But they were wrong<br />
<br />
One night when all was quiet<br />
and the nurses were busy making rounds<br />
My Heart slowly opened his eyes<br />
Looking more peaceful than ever<br />
He didn't ask how did he get there<br />
He didn't ask how long he'd been sleeping<br />
He simply asked, 'where is my Love?'<br />
<br />
As I sat next to my poor Heart<br />
I held his hand and dried his tears<br />
I said, 'I'm sorry Heart, but Love died'<br />
Confused he looked at me and smiled<br />
'No it didn't; it just left for a little while <br />
My Love will be back soon and I'll be patiently waiting'<br />
I didn't argue with my Heart<br />
After all, who better than him to know Love best<br />
<br />
©<em> July 2012 Ellie Kings</em><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shawnaerback.com/" target="_blank">Painting: You still Live on in Us by Shawna Erback</a>Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-31045456196629997062011-12-20T14:53:00.000-05:002014-01-02T21:00:17.090-05:00Crossroads<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP7Z7I3ho4RreInkIXc8Hcz5ij5t2cxQrec445FGUEBRXtC6IOE7TlT5uI-PqTHqj467l_qAJlsQCs4c5WqjFmyS1cKMVyRMpt84fryRGWBkD0h9479LmDY2UFWQ9dcCJKeNGh33SGDYm/s1600/Flight+in+Blue+by+Zoe+Marlowe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAP7Z7I3ho4RreInkIXc8Hcz5ij5t2cxQrec445FGUEBRXtC6IOE7TlT5uI-PqTHqj467l_qAJlsQCs4c5WqjFmyS1cKMVyRMpt84fryRGWBkD0h9479LmDY2UFWQ9dcCJKeNGh33SGDYm/s200/Flight+in+Blue+by+Zoe+Marlowe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Here I stand at the crossroads<br />
under the pouring rain<br />
what others have forgotten<br />
I remember everyday<br />
<br />
The world moves on without me<br />
while I stand in the same place<br />
these crossroads give me hope<br />
to someday see your face<br />
<br />
<br />
In another skin<br />
in another dream<br />
if just ...<br />
for one more day<br />
<br />
If but in a memory<br />
of a love we once shared<br />
let me keep you alive <br />
until I'm nearly there<br />
<br />
Until I'm ready<br />
to set you free<br />
even if it hurts<br />
after all... me<br />
<br />
Watch you fly away<br />
let you go, wait and see<br />
if you come back to these crossroads<br />
one sunny day ... for me<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2011 Ellie Kings<br />
<em>In loving memory of my one true Love</em><br />
<em>Dec 20th 2009</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Digital Photography by Zoe Marlowe</span><br />
<br />
<br />Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-33504847720213836422011-08-29T13:10:00.001-04:002014-01-02T21:02:06.254-05:00If I were a Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwKdOEOjns_nUb9gnIYFX-QHvF5-OUdvE_KtYXnd5OaeEXCYWu3XfJihMxG1JWyuKlmo431tJOy6CjbfE-YjpUIif9UrUwfbd1EgfLp9tXFRCRitjPXyw5XDsKVnoicxVutRW-80xpHoA/s1600/Nancy+Tillman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwKdOEOjns_nUb9gnIYFX-QHvF5-OUdvE_KtYXnd5OaeEXCYWu3XfJihMxG1JWyuKlmo431tJOy6CjbfE-YjpUIif9UrUwfbd1EgfLp9tXFRCRitjPXyw5XDsKVnoicxVutRW-80xpHoA/s200/Nancy+Tillman.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I'll never be a mother to anyone<br />
I won't get to see the ultrasound photo<br />
I won't get to feel him growing inside<br />
I won't know how it feels<br />
to push him into this world<br />
<br />
If I were a mother<br />
I'd love him unconditionally<br />
Knowing that he'll make mistakes<br />
That it wouldn't matter to me<br />
because after all he'd be my child<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If I were a mother<br />
I'd teach him the things I learned<br />
I'd teach him to be a gentleman to a lady<br />
I'd teach him to be an honest & faithful man<br />
To know when to let his guard down<br />
and let love in<br />
<br />
If I were a mother<br />
I'd know his weaknesses and his strengths<br />
I'd give him security and shelter<br />
I'd let him know that he could run to me<br />
whenever he lost his way<br />
<br />
If I were a mother <br />
I'd teach him to be a wonderful man<br />
But I won't be a mother <br />
not to him or to her<br />
They'll be a someone else's child<br />
They'll be someone else's gift<br />
<br />
© 2011 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by Nancy TillmanEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-78244385088947214992011-08-09T17:43:00.000-04:002014-01-02T21:03:42.940-05:00Just One More Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7ic4pW-MZDv-wtQyD9Z1z5g1SQjqGQxonWhkHt1Z2GGwYHViK5K3pdsY3brqzcsDXhKaz__irMoLoNNbbWjZ7yeh8gX1k4Iy54nfFCalKp7hVuQl-NJOURh5yW-Eq7oEPpxCIrxhwFdc/s1600/Plan9-Joey+Remmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7ic4pW-MZDv-wtQyD9Z1z5g1SQjqGQxonWhkHt1Z2GGwYHViK5K3pdsY3brqzcsDXhKaz__irMoLoNNbbWjZ7yeh8gX1k4Iy54nfFCalKp7hVuQl-NJOURh5yW-Eq7oEPpxCIrxhwFdc/s200/Plan9-Joey+Remmers.jpg" width="200" /></a>There are times when I think back on what I had and wish I could relive those moments again. I think of him walking through the front door, giving me kisses and hugs, making me feel like a queen, as if he worshipped the ground I walked on.</div>
<br />
I think of all those mornings I'd wake up and there he was, lying next to me with a smile... quietly tracing my face. I realized then he had watched over me as I slept, making me feel safe. As if all the monsters in my nightmares were fought off with his sweet love.<br />
<br />
I wish I could turn back time and extend those seconds with him. Moments that were just for us. The alone moments, the together moments, the sweet nothing moments, the long walk moments, the deep talk moments. All those little, and yet monumental moments that are now priceless. Seconds, minutes, hours... wonderful memories that today I wouldn't trade for a million dollars.<br />
<br />
It's amazing how little we cherish those moments when we do have them. <br />
<br />
If I could have one day filled with all those precious moments... I'd be happy... even if it was for just -one more day.<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2011 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by Joey RemmersEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-91275231624754060742011-07-26T15:33:00.003-04:002023-03-21T07:14:54.566-04:00Dear God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i1v2ZCSghVfCH8GVC9Y-xDl-rCYPRUdAUnLalJtd74_YD0dqqUiHIJmz9t0lkh6PXcn1w33nCb4gptFqoO_uUPehVFjSZ-mMgkrdmBDxuZBKfW4ahfmRZkcELQfxIAu1XwBa7z9jy9AK/s1600/me+%2526+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i1v2ZCSghVfCH8GVC9Y-xDl-rCYPRUdAUnLalJtd74_YD0dqqUiHIJmz9t0lkh6PXcn1w33nCb4gptFqoO_uUPehVFjSZ-mMgkrdmBDxuZBKfW4ahfmRZkcELQfxIAu1XwBa7z9jy9AK/s200/me+%2526+I.jpg" width="200"></a><br>
Dear Abba<br>
i have no where to hide<br>
no where to run<br>
but inside<br>
the palm of your hand<br>
the only place i feel safe<br>
where the world is quiet<br>
where each breath i take<br>
is exhaled by you<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>Abba<br>
i feel lost<br>
and i wanted to tell you<br>
in case you hadn't noticed<br>maybe you were too busy<br>
to hear your daughter's cry<br>
<br>
Dear Adonai<br>
have you left me<br>
today i cannot find you<br>
even though i've tried<br>
come back, be near me<br>
and stay with me awhile<br>
i'm not strong enough Adonai<br>
to face another day<br>
to win another battle<br>
to wear this heavy coat<br>
<br>Abba<br>
can you hear me<br>
from the throne you're in<br>
or are you too far away<br>
i just wanted to tell you<br>
i need you more than ever<br>
i can't do this on my own<br>
please don't leave me today<br>
stay with me until tomorrow<br>
<br>
© 2011 Ellie Kings<br>
Art in google imagesEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-75602106511702075952011-02-25T21:13:00.002-05:002014-01-02T21:14:16.356-05:00Me Isn't Here Anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8Q6qHM0OeHd_PycNk5WBD6JaSdd7209TECwnW0yG2c5FLuqDcBKwMFdLP2_yT6On6KDX3JgKV9bWLf5LPPCO3xd2JO2D2IlkMV_PAASmlt5RV6okzT1QNKqRDDRQ9jM_plP4LRUF2gm6/s1600/Primavera+Cinco+by+James+Knowles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8Q6qHM0OeHd_PycNk5WBD6JaSdd7209TECwnW0yG2c5FLuqDcBKwMFdLP2_yT6On6KDX3JgKV9bWLf5LPPCO3xd2JO2D2IlkMV_PAASmlt5RV6okzT1QNKqRDDRQ9jM_plP4LRUF2gm6/s200/Primavera+Cinco+by+James+Knowles.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't recognize Me<br />
Me isn't here anymore<br />
not in the house<br />
not in the mirror<br />
not in the inside of my soul<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
before the mirror<br />
I only see<br />
a stranger that replaced Me<br />
<br />
I wish I could tell her to leave<br />
that I don't need her anymore<br />
her presence makes me uncomfortable<br />
I wish she walked out the door<br />
<br />
but she doesn't want to leave<br />
she taunts me everyday<br />
she makes me sad<br />
she makes me angry<br />
she takes my smile away<br />
<br />
she robs me of the laughter<br />
I had long ago<br />
she steals my peace<br />
she steals my grace<br />
she stole who I was before<br />
<br />
someday I will say to her<br />
exactly what she needs to know<br />
that I hate who she has made Me<br />
that she's not welcomed anymore<br />
<br />
that tomorrow will be the day<br />
when she finally walks out the door<br />
then I'll look in the mirror<br />
I will see Me once more<br />
<br />
and Me will be ... Beautiful<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2011 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by James KnowlesEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-41105834571513696072011-02-22T08:53:00.000-05:002014-01-02T21:17:49.170-05:00To Conquer Somewhere Else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jeffhaynie.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eBBjnH4vjSTVOnRf2Fr485qbGo9fzERwIEGiYujDs8HzuuQOTFcYfrfMxkTKPu-kgI_eplZ8PFH94Gq8AI77KbDfUeLYCdlfosxMvp6d7ibv6a3KODn-u44cjTYNs0m9q9e7GypPrCkN/s200/spirit-sword-fantasy-art.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
my tongue is tied, I cannot speak<br />
but if I could, I'd surely scream<br />
out to the four winds... why?<br />
why did you take him from my life?<br />
before I got the chance to say<br />
all my heart needed to say<br />
that nothing else mattered more<br />
than the love we had for each other<br />
<br />
I didn't get to say goodbye<br />
that word wasn't alive in our lives<br />
I wonder did I show him love<br />
did he know where my heart belong<br />
did he know he didn't have to buy my heart<br />
I'd hand it over free of charge<br />
carefully, I'd cut it out<br />
and tell him, "Love, here's my heart"<br />
knowing him, he'd ask "why me?"<br />
because he's the one God chose for me<br />
because his flaws my eyes didn't see<br />
for in them love runs wild and free<br />
<br />
I'd tell him, I love you more<br />
just the way you truly are<br />
full of unconditional love<br />
going the distance for my hugs<br />
taking snapshots of my smiles<br />
traveling the extra mile<br />
<br />
I learned much from his walk<br />
he taught me to stand strong and tall<br />
he said, "get back up when you fall"<br />
he said, "forgiveness tears down walls"<br />
he was a soldier all the way<br />
his armor tailored by God's hands<br />
He took him home on that day<br />
so he could conquer somewhere else<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2010 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by Jeff HaynieEllie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-84486727988486128152011-02-18T00:29:00.008-05:002014-01-02T21:19:23.367-05:00When is Life Unjust?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim600zot5nlYikVgczSwUunjHzibmeQukQZUMUQipHa88olCyobeUshwu39MXAluujt7wp-mqVj3NJhcifW79e1i9PUAi096m19Jd8B51I4jRa58S6sVYHB7zx-yOT1R8V-gcStOvXj4Dr/s1600/The+Boxer+by+Lefler+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim600zot5nlYikVgczSwUunjHzibmeQukQZUMUQipHa88olCyobeUshwu39MXAluujt7wp-mqVj3NJhcifW79e1i9PUAi096m19Jd8B51I4jRa58S6sVYHB7zx-yOT1R8V-gcStOvXj4Dr/s200/The+Boxer+by+Lefler+Studio.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When does life become unjust?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
When you pray for a happy childhood- but hurt all the way. When you wait all your life to meet Prince Charming- and once you find him- you lose him. again and again. When you wait to wear the white dress- to only get the rug pulled from under. When you pray to have children- to only be called infertile.<br />
<br />
<div>
At what point does life become unjust? When is it too late to be happy? Is it ever too soon? Should you expect the worst, in order, to hope for the best?</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
At what point do you block the last punch? When you're down, do you get back up and keep fighting? What do you do when you know your opponent is stronger? Life can hit you where it hurts- again and again. When does it become unjust? Is enough ever enough? </div>
<div>
There are so many<strong><em> why's </em></strong>in life but never enough answers. Today we hope for a better tomorrow, but sometimes tomorrow never gets here. Or sometimes, your life is shorten without accomplishing all you set out to do. Or sometimes, the life you set out to live takes you down a dark road with no exit. Do you stay in the dark or walk back into the light? Do you hang up the gloves or continue to fight?</div>
<div>
As much as I've been hurt in life, life itself continues to push me to fight. I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I do know I'll wait until tomorrow to find out. Because '<em>why worry about tomorrow, when today brings with it its own burden'?</em> We know that <em>'It rains on the just as well as the unjust'</em>. That alone should be our warning. So when life pushes you, do yourself the favor and push back. What other choice do you have? </div>
</div>
<div>
When does life become unjust? If we stop asking, we might just get answers.</div>
<div>
© 2011 Ellie Kings
Art: The Boxer by Leffler Studio</div>
Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-7297737116596739532011-02-13T23:19:00.006-05:002014-01-02T21:47:05.618-05:00The Girl who Lost Her Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7X5yckvu1_sJ47rvQtW2L4wa_e3XnlrskJHo1IqBi3OHYAaZ_i8ogY2uOlP5UShHAZApdHRzP3bZp3HytDjpGxoMT539JS0o34Tf3vv5Y-kRNNehlKasJ5GVpJrLRzUlQgrZvYraeZ0P/s1600/the+sad+girl+by+Morteza+Katouzian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7X5yckvu1_sJ47rvQtW2L4wa_e3XnlrskJHo1IqBi3OHYAaZ_i8ogY2uOlP5UShHAZApdHRzP3bZp3HytDjpGxoMT539JS0o34Tf3vv5Y-kRNNehlKasJ5GVpJrLRzUlQgrZvYraeZ0P/s200/the+sad+girl+by+Morteza+Katouzian.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
there once was a little girl who lost her voice...<br />
<br />
she searched for it in the oceans<br />
she searched for it in the rivers<br />
she searched above mountains<br />
and through low valleys<br />
but she couldn't find her voice<br />
the little girl was lost in the forest of despair<br />
and went searching for help<br />
she spoke with a man and asked if he had seen her voice<br />
but the man replied, "only you could find it"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
she spoke to a woman</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
then a boy and a girl<br />
but they all replied, "only you could find it"<br />
the little girl walked back home in tears<br />
because she couldn't find her voice<br />
and with every step came a deeper sigh<br />
'if only i could find it, i'd never let it go'<br />
was all she cried</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
she climbed the stairs, opened the front door<br />
sat on the chair, hands on her face<br />
when she finally wiped her tears<br />
she looked up and saw her voice<br />
<br />
it was there,<br />
just where she left it<br />
it had been Home <br />
all along<br />
<br />
<br />
©2011 Ellie Kings<br />
Art by Morteza Katouzian</div>
Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-32217054019856168472011-02-09T23:16:00.004-05:002014-01-02T21:50:44.094-05:00Just One WordHow do you say what you need to say, when you can't find the words to say?<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilewbS-jx0trx7R-sAkCNZtLp_lukOX3qEefAe2QEETsvgEoj6kXyYimpZ_zUJsTa-11c2qJqMi3AtYlEqU0hoNp2G-3IGSandFLq81Lhf15Es7ITeEm7KG4-nAAB6vIUVqVSbbvifsSJ/s1600/Forced+Emotion+by+Lizzie+Prusaczyk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgilewbS-jx0trx7R-sAkCNZtLp_lukOX3qEefAe2QEETsvgEoj6kXyYimpZ_zUJsTa-11c2qJqMi3AtYlEqU0hoNp2G-3IGSandFLq81Lhf15Es7ITeEm7KG4-nAAB6vIUVqVSbbvifsSJ/s320/Forced+Emotion+by+Lizzie+Prusaczyk.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
Today, is a hard day for me. Not because it's a special day but because it isn't. It's not an anniversary or a birthday or even a holiday (that I can think of). It's just another day. Another day without him. What do you say when you need to say so much, but nothing and everything seems to weigh on your heart?<br />
<br />
Yet I write...<br />
<br />
I write because I have to push myself to say ... something. Even if it's nothing. I write because the words are there, but I have to pull them slowly from inside- as if they're hanging at the end of a rope, hidden inside my heart (or mind) and it takes all of my strength to rescue them. Because I don't want them to die. Because I love words. They say so much. To think, that just one word can say much more than one can ever dream of.<br />
<br />
Think of it. Think of one word. And then think of all the stories you can create with just that one word. Today, I think of "peace". Tomorrow - "hope". The day after that- "dream". There are so many beautiful words in the world. All I have to do is think of one. Each day. Every day. And just maybe, I'll be able to make stories out of all the beautiful words that I've been privileged in knowing. One day, I'll be able to open the door to a world of possibilities.<br />
<br />
Today, I might just have only one word that I can think of, but tomorrow, that one word will be a story that will be written on the pages of a book.<br />
<br />
Someday...<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Other Links to follow:</em><br />
<a href="http://elliekings.blogspot.com/2012/09/alone-without-my-words.html" target="_blank"><strong>Alone without My Words</strong></a><br />
<a href="http://elliekings.blogspot.com/2009/11/rescuing-words.html" target="_blank"><strong>Rescuing the Words</strong></a><br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
© 2011 Ellie Kings</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Art: Forced Emotion by Lizzie Prusaczyk</div>
Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-65183355025798552182011-02-04T01:37:00.000-05:002014-01-02T21:58:23.271-05:00A Lesson from Ant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrNRLduFFaSewP7qelzlHx4ieagGII1HmYSCyvr6J4A95sdMcWuUhhnm1OlxEbcOJKMlG1W5fVppDNSECWkgn_Badx3_d2h7tYZ3NlSDFAO6rAhxoskoO1RV5NxCeEXyeRmdoM0kHh2_V/s1600/Leaf-Cutting-Ants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em>ess<img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrNRLduFFaSewP7qelzlHx4ieagGII1HmYSCyvr6J4A95sdMcWuUhhnm1OlxEbcOJKMlG1W5fVppDNSECWkgn_Badx3_d2h7tYZ3NlSDFAO6rAhxoskoO1RV5NxCeEXyeRmdoM0kHh2_V/s320/Leaf-Cutting-Ants.jpg" width="320" /></em></a><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;">Continuing the lesson from Wednesday's post, I'm allowing God to heal me through Nature.</span></span></div>
<br />
<em>An army of ants worked all throughout the day, traveling back and forth to get pieces of food to take back to their colony. They're so tiny, yet the wisdom they possess amazes me. They work together, united strong, so that in the end- none of them should want for nothing.</em><br />
<br />
<em>I smiled watching two of them communicate with each other, as they carried their food. </em><em>The piece of meal that seemed like a speck to me was apparently too heavy for one of them to carry, so she asked for help. I could just imagine their chat, "Hey, you think you could help me carry this, it's too much for me to bear." "Sure thing, no problem." Amazingly, I watched as the other one helped her carry the tiny piece of bread, at least, I thought it looked like bread.</em><br />
<br />
<em>Just like Spider </em>(Wednesday's post<em>), I've also learned from Ant. She wasn't too proud to ask for help when she was carrying a load twice her size. She struggled at first on her own, but then realized she couldn't do it on her own. Ant could've said it one of two ways; <strong>calmly</strong> "I need help with this load, could you do me the favor and lend a hand?" or <strong>wailing</strong>, "Please, help me! I really can't carry this one on my own. I need help!" </em><br />
<br />
<em>But what if she hadn't asked for help, what would've happened? I'm no expert on ants. Maybe, another would've helped voluntarily but on the other hand, would she have been stuck there on her own? </em><br />
<br />
I admire Ant. She and her friends are no more different than us. We, too, carry a heavy load on a daily basis. The question is, are we too proud to ask for help when we need it? Do we wait there with a bleeding heart until someone volunteers to help along the way?<br />
<br />
Take a moment to reflect upon all that you carry and ask yourself if you need help. Then ask your family or a good friend. Sometimes they might surprise you. I'll admit that when I lost my other half, the last thing I wanted was someone to help. All I wanted was him. I wanted to bury myself in his clothes, his things, his love. But that wouldn't have been healthy for me, so like Ant I finally screamed, "I need help! I really can't do this on my own." <br />
<br />
And I got the help from my family as well, as from you. I just wanted to say, thanks again for being there and for being the ear to a voice that's trying to come back to me.<br />
<br />
If I haven't said it lately, I really do love having you all as my friends.<br />
<br />
Apparently, God thinks Ant is important too.<br />
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Proverbs 6: 6-8<br />
{a little harsh, but a powerful message}<br />
<br />
<br />
© 2010 Ellie Kings<br />
<em>Italics from my Journal</em><br />
<br />
<em>Art in Google images</em>Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603999447807174774.post-19950115842490425212011-02-02T01:47:00.000-05:002014-01-02T21:56:39.761-05:00A Lesson from Spider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2bH6c7WBkNdEvTXiNWp-86Ntxy0pTPlcgMZbUzdYzwD8KuzwUPMZ8lZfLW6X8NpqQIm7u-9IgAiqGoWoFkoZx_e6-6OMwSKzY5rgzbS6zN5zbPlqgqrEAa1hUmantD_v3ZQIN7r8HdJk/s1600/spider_fairy+by+Ria+Spencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2bH6c7WBkNdEvTXiNWp-86Ntxy0pTPlcgMZbUzdYzwD8KuzwUPMZ8lZfLW6X8NpqQIm7u-9IgAiqGoWoFkoZx_e6-6OMwSKzY5rgzbS6zN5zbPlqgqrEAa1hUmantD_v3ZQIN7r8HdJk/s320/spider_fairy+by+Ria+Spencer.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
For a few weeks now, I've been keeping a close eye on a small spider that builds her home outside on the porch. It uses the plants that are hanging above the railing to construct her home, connecting her web from one plant to the other. I noticed her the more when my younger brother and his wife watched as she weaved her web one night. <br />
<br />
Spider is brilliant and all so very patient. The heavy rains and loud wind have knocked down her beautiful home many times, but she continues to rebuild it. I'm learning a valuable lesson from Spider and her untouchable patience.<br />
<br />
Hurricane Earl hit this week and it brought with it storms of rain and furious winds, though it didn't do too much damage. I'm getting used to the rain. It seems it rains even in my dreams. <br />
<br />
I enjoy Puerto Rico. My heart feels less heavy here, besides it's nice to be on an island that keeps well-guarded the secret of the Rain dancing around the Sun.<br />
<br />
Hurricane Earl came close- the next morning there were branches everywhere; the trees were wet and droopy. The winds blew the tarp above the aluminum table into the bushes of the garden. The dogs barked through the night, a little more than usual. But their bark was also blown with the wind.<br />
<br />
It was a rough night, not only for the animals in the barn but for me, as well. Amazingly, indoors was very quiet. The electricity was out. And in the silence of the night, I could hear a mosquito flying around in my room; at least I thought it was a mosquito. One can never tell with so many little critters that roam the night, including spiders. But I've especially grown fond of this spider.<br />
<br />
A few days later, after the hurricane passed, I remembered Spider. I thought for sure she and her home were washed away with the storm. But I was wrong. I don't know where she hid or how she survived, but I do know one thing, she was still alive. <br />
<br />
I had just stepped outside to welcome the evening splendor. The sky wore a stunning pink and blue dress. It was absolutely breath-taking. As I sipped my afternoon coffee, my eyes scanned the green of the mountain tops in all their glory, when I saw her- my tiny Spider, my inspiration, my little hope.<br />
<br />
As fragile as she seems, Spider has taught me a most needed lesson in life. She's small but tough and hard-working. She never gives up or loses hope, even when storms and hurricanes hit and destroy her home. She hides when she needs to take cover, but faces the day after the storm. She pursues her dream of having a good home, even if she has to rebuild it over and over again. And when she does rebuild, Spider builds it even bigger than the last. Once she's done, it's no longer a house but a mansion. I watched her weaving her web endlessly and never stopped until she was completely finished. Wow! Now that's an impressive lesson. <br />
<br />
I should walk with Spider more often, be more like her, keep rebuilding again and again when the storms of life tear down my home and wash it away. I should hold onto my faith, hide when I need to take cover and face the day after the storm. My next home will surely be bigger than the last, God willing.<br />
<br />
<br />
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© 2010 Ellie Kings <br />
<em><strong>Excerpt from my Journal</strong></em><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Art 'Spider Fairy' by the talented Ria Spencer. Please visit her blog to see more amazing paintings.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"> </span><a href="http://maria.willowrise.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Ria's Fine Art Studio</span></a><br />
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Ellie Kingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14711249217634726986noreply@blogger.com16