|| thinking BIBLICAL ||

i desire to have good, godly, biblical thinking. the WORD even tells us what to think about.

finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are True,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are Just,

whatsoever things are Pure,

whatsoever things are Lovely,

whatsoever things are of Good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, Think On These Things.

[philippians 4:8]

We all know however that unless there is much preperation, much work, and much reliance, it's right next to impossible to think biblically. I have so much growing to do in this area and it's really a journey that i've started months ago, i'm just here to share some things that have been helping me along the way!

|| 5 ways to have a God-focused thought life ||

I. ASK God for help

Do you really think that God doesn't want you to think on Him and His Word? If you do you're absolutely WRONG! He wants us to bring our thoughts captive and control them!

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

II. LISTEN to good media

Most people always have some sort of background noise...so why not choose something that will draw your attention to the Saviour? Listen to music that sings His praise and exalts Him.

Psalms 45:11 So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.

Psalms 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Why not turn on a sermon? Everyone has access to the internet these days and Sermon Audio is a great place to turn for good preaching. Personally I like to listen to a sermon before I go to bed at night, or when I'm doing housework. It's so easy to look one up on your laptop and for those of you with a smart phone or some sort of ipod or mp3 player it's even easier! All I have to do is open my app and I already have messages that I've chosen to download. Podcasts are a great place to find good sermons too! Taking walks and long car rides are a great time to turn on some good media too!

{for those of you wondering who to look up on SA try out a few of these names: Jerry Ross, John Van Gelderen, Rand Hummel, or Dr. David Gibbs II. That should at least get you started!}

III. MEMORIZE Scripture

Scripture memorization is something I've gotten pretty serious about over the past year and have no regrets about the time I've given to it! When you're trying to memorize something more than likely you will meditate on it- you'll mull it over in your mind again and again. How much more Biblical can your thinking get than thinking on the Bible? Set a goal for yourself and work at it. For me keeping the verse I'm working on somewhere where I'll see it helps. A tip I just got from a good friend was to read over your verse at the start of the day. Make it the first thing you do after you turn off your alarm clock! I am so thankful for this tip. It has helped me tremendously, because from the start of my day I've got something to grasp hold of and recite all throughout the day.

Psalms 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalms 119:97 MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

IV. PRAY throughout the day

God wants us to pray!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Not only that, but did you know that you can't pray without thinking of the Father? I believe in time spent in prayer where you confess to the Lord, praise the Lord, thank the Lord, and lift your supplication to the Lord; but I also believe that aside from your prayer time, you should remain in a spirit of prayer. Some call it popcorn prayer. Just little requests offered up to the Lord as you think about people and things. Some people put requests on 3X5 cards above their desks, or just focus on one request a day. Something new I've tried is plastering the mirror on my closet door with sticky notes. On each sticky note is a different name of a relative or friend and under their name I have their requests listed. For me I knew I'd see them fairly often because once I open my closet door in the morning it stays open all day. I have also tried to target one person each day and really earnestly pray for them throughout the day. Checking in with them about requests and really spending the day praying for them. I know there are a lot of creative ideas out there...what works for you? Talking to the Father means thinking about the Father!

V. SURROUND yourself with the Bible

When your eyes are constantly running across a verse or portion of Scripture every time you walk in to a room, it is a great way to draw your mind back from it's wandering. Not only is it great to have Scripture displayed throughout your house, but putting it as your desktop wallpaper or phone lock screen is a great place to display it too! Put verses up where you know you'll often look...maybe it's the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, on the door, the fridge, in your lunch box, on your locker, or wherever your eyes frequent!

Psalms 77:12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Right now in my life right now I have placed at least 5 signs to draw my attention back the the Lord and back to the goal. A chalk drawing rests on my desk that displays Philippians 4:8, a picture on my mirror displays Philippians 4:8, my lock screen on my iphone displays Philippians 4:8, my picture frame has a 3x5 card with Proverbs 31:26 written on it, a sticky note on my laptop screen has Psalm 50:23 on it, and another chalk drawing hangs above my head that simply says “glorify God.” I know, I know three of the six things I mentioned are all the same, but when my eyes meet those words and my mind reads them I am immediately reminded to draw my thoughts back to Christ!

I hope this may help someone or encourage you. We are daily becoming what we think about! There are plenty of others ways to keep a right focus, these are just a few that I often use. What about you? What helps you think biblically? 

|| g r a d u a t i o n 2015 ||

-I'm finally here to post about graduation-

It's so crazy to think that was a couple weeks ago. Our ceremony took place at our church, so we got to basically plan the whole thing- from music to colors...

Abbie and I specifically chose each piece of music to reflect our Creator and to bring Him glory. It was such a blessing to graduate with someone who shares the same heart beat-- and that is {glorifying God} 

These two pictures above are personal favorites of mine. I didn't know at the time that they were being taken, but I am so glad this moment was captured. My grandma just arrived with my dad and I went out to the truck to meet her. I can't explain how much it meant to have my hero there on that day. To make it even better that's three generations of us pictured. My grandma, Dad, and I... who all seem to have a lot in common.

so many people helped with the day and I am so grateful for everyone's participation- instrumental special's by my siblings, singing specials by our pastor's family, help with the fellowship, taking pictures, and speaking...

I am especially grateful for our youth leader, Bryan. Bryan isn't just a teacher, leader, rule-giver, or authority- he's a friend. The fact that he spends his life investing in mine is so amazing to me! We asked him months previous if he would speak and he agreed. He spoke out of what is probably my favorite Bible story. The Story of Mary and Martha. 

"As I've praying for Abbie and Erin as they graduate, I haven't been praying as as much that they serve the Lord with their lives, but I've really been praying that their personal walk, their personal fellowship with the Lord grows closer each and every day and that their fellowship is not broken. Because I understand this, if their fellowship is right, serving God is going to be a natural by-product of that. You don't have to- I don't have to worry about their serving the Lord as long as their relationship is right. So that is my prayer for Abbie and Erin. That Abbie walks with God. That Erin walks with God. If that's their testimony, I think the Lord will be pleased." 

[part of Bryan's challenge]

singing "I Give It Back" 

 

 {the following words in quotation marks are part of my graduation speech}

"I can't believe this day is already here. There were times that I didn't think I would ever make it this far, and I'm sure my mom thought that plenty of times! 

 As I look back over the years I can't help but stop and give God the thanks, praise, and glory for all the wonderful blessings He's given me. I wasn't exactly sure what to talk about in my speech-  As I was talking to my older sister, Anna she said this "just talk about how good your God is and how thankful you are to be where you are in life." that had to be the best advice anyone could give me, because really this moment in my life, and really my whole life wouldn't even be here if it hadn't been for Jesus. 

I'm thankful for my church. Having a place to worship the Lord and serve Him is a big deal, and I am so thankful for a place where I can do that. I am so thankful that God allows me to serve Him, and count it a great privilege. The fact that God can use me and wants to use me is amazing. God doesn't need big,smart, mighty people, He just needs humble people who are willing to give all they have for Him. I don't have much to offer, but what I do have, I want to give Him.  I'm thankful for my church family and their friendship to me. I'm thankful for Pastor and for His willingness to be a vessel through which Christ can flow. Not only am I thankful for his faithfulness in the pulpit, but I'm thankful for his friendship. I'm thankful for Pastor Terry and all he does for our church, though most things he does are unrecognized I am thankful he continues to serve. I am thankful for my pastors wives- I can't think of two more godly pastors wives. For Bryan and Lynn and all the other youth workers who put up with all of us crazy teens. That fact that you will give all your time to invest it in my life is incredible. For all of my friends, I am thankful for  all the encouragement to serve the Lord that each one of you gives me. You all are the best and I couldn't ask for better friends. For the kids that I teach, I'm thankful for each one of you and the opportunity that I have to teach each one of you about Jesus...as one of your teachers, I can't tell you enough to just follow Jesus and give Him your all. 

For Abbie. It is such an honor for me to graduate with you. Your friendship to me is such a blessing. It has been a blast spending time together, planning about this day. Abbie, we made it, and while life may lead us down different roads, I'll never forget celebrating this day with you, and the impact you've had on life. Thank you so much for your heart to serve God and your example to me of what a servant is. 

I'm thankful for my family. I am so blessed to have the family I do, and can't imagine my life any other way. 

I am thankful for my two brothers in law, Matt and Trevor. I'm so thankful for their godly influence that they have both had on my life, and believe or not, I even happen to like all the teasing. 

For Josiah. My only brother. I can't imagine my life without you. As an older sister it has been my responsibility to be an example to you. While I know I have failed many times and will continue to fail, I hope that if I teach you one thing about my life it's that it's not about you- it is all about God. Get to know Him, serve Him, give Him your all, and seek His glory. I am so thankful for you and your irreplaceable friendship. 

For Olivia. I was having a hard time thinking about not having you here for this day, so I have to say thank you to you and Anna for flying in and surprising me. You are the closest earthly friend I have ever had.  I'm so thankful for you always putting up with your little sister...and for teaching me all through life as we grew up together. Your life is a living testimony to me of what a godly lady is like. 

For Anna. You have taught me so many things in life and continue to teach me so many things. From the beginning you were there for me- from the start you were like my second mother, and now you are one of my best friends. You have been an amazing teacher and example to me of what it means to give up all and just simply do what God wants. You're always there for me and for that I can't say thank you enough...

...For Dad. I am so blessed to have a dad who decided to make our home a Christian home. If there is one thing that I will never forget, it is this- that my dad always put all his effort and poured out his life making sure that his kids knew that the only life worth living is one that is lived for Jesus. You have always made it a priority that us kids had a place to serve the Lord. 

Finally for my mom. Because the best has to come last. For the past several years I have seriously wondered why you've put up with me sometimes. I'm sure there were school days that you wanted to just send me off somewhere to learn instead of having to try and teach me. Actually I know that, because you told me! I know more often than not I was pretty hard to teach. I'm so glad you never did and that you stuck with homeschooling. No matter what anyone says, you're the best school teacher in my book. Not only have you taught me all the necessary school knowledge, but you've taught me about life. About what it means to be a wife, and mom, and most importantly what the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is like. Thanks for being a pattern for me to follow...

 

...Though there are more things I could talk about, I will end with this. The most important. I am thankful for my Jesus. Because it weren't for Him, my life would be pointless. I'm thankful that almost 12 years ago, I came to recognition of my sin and of a great Saviour. I'm ever so grateful that He saved my soul. I'm thankful for every perfect way He has worked in my life so far and greatly anticipate following where He leads me for the rest of my life. It is my very deepest desire to do God's will for my life. I used to very much dislike when people asked me what I was going to do when I graduated, basically because I really didn't know. I knew I wanted to do God's will, but I was looking for a title to put with my life, I guess- like teacher, missionary, etc. but God has shown me over time and specifically these last few months that God's will for my life is to glorify Him in every situation, every moment, every day that I walk this path here on earth. So, if you want to know what I'm planning on doing, I plan on glorifying God with my being every single day of my life. My life is totally not about me and what I want to do- it is all about God and His glory. " 

Erin Rae 

class of 2015

Headlines: Little Boy with Seemingly Nothing

The sun was setting and the men decided  it would be best if they sent the people in to the town to get food for themselves, since there was no food where they were. Then a very wise Man spoke up, "Don't send them away, give them food." They looked at the man as if He were crazy. "Give them food?!?!? Have you forgotten that we are in the middle of nowhere, that we have no food, and that there are over five thousand people here with us?" 

Then a little boy walks up to one of the men and he tries to get his attention. "Excuse me, sir." He says it again and again, but is only ignored, then finally the man he is talking to turns. "Son, can't you see we are trying to solve a serious problem here?!?!" "I'm sorry, but I just wanted to give this," and he hands him his little lunch, "It's just five small loaves of bread and two small fishes that I brought along with me for lunch. It's not much, but it's all I have."  Just to satisfy the young boy he took the lunch. "Sure, this will help. Five loaves and two fishes. I mean we only have a few thousand people to feed." He chuckles under his breath, while mocking the boy. 

The wise Man comes back to see if they have solved the problem yet. "Did you figure out what we're going to do?" He asks. "I'm not sure," they say, "even if we had two-hundred pennyworths, it still wouldn't be enough money for food for all these people. The only thing we have so far is this." he says while gesturing to the lunch. "Some little boy came up to me and gave me his measly little lunch. I know it's ridiculous!" 

The wise Man spoke up again. "Just make the people sit down, I'll take the lunch and handle this." Though puzzled at the crazy way this Man was acting they obeyed Him. Then the wise Man took the bread and He thanked the Father for it. Then He started break it into pieces. He started handing it to the men. The men who had mocked the little boy for bringing such a small lunch to them.  Then the wise Man did the same thing with the fishes. 

Every one there ate. Then the men went around with baskets and gathered up all the leftovers...and wow! There was an abundance of leftovers! Ever since that day this little boy who had seemingly nothing, this wise Man, who seemed crazy; and the men helping, who made fun of this little boys sacrifice have been talked about. It's a story that won't ever be forgotten.

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Two Sundays ago as I sat in church in Texas and listened to the pastor preach, he preached about this story  -the feeding of the five thousand-  you know, the one found throughout the gospels. As he preached my eyes became filled with tears, and while he spoke the warm tears streamed down my face. 

{but why?}

Because of that boy. He was young. He was a nobody. He didn't have much. But what he did have, he gave. So I sat there and I listened and I became overwhelmed. Because...

{I'm a nobody}

{I don't have much} 

{BUT, I can give} 

and just like Jesus did with this boy's offering, He can use me in ways we could have never imagined-- and He wants to. 

There were also some people that came to my mind during that sermon who need to know this story, and know it well. Those people would be "my" kids, the ones I teach and go to church with. They need to know that God can use the young ones, just like themselves. 

Have you heard the headlines? One boy gives seemingly nothing- just five little loaves and two small fishes. They weren't much, but they were all he had, and God uses this boy and his lunch to feed over five thousand people, but more important than that he continues to use this boys story to change the lives of people thousands of years later. 

Completely Set-apart?

{1Peter 1:15}

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.


So What does it mean???
Holy→Set-apart
All→Complete,total,whole
Conversation→Lifestyle


Christ Jesus is holy and we are live in the image of Him. We are to be set apart in each and every aspect of our lives.


How set apart is your...
Music?
Dress?
Entertainment?
Speech?
Etc...

Let Your Light So Shine

My pastor recently started preaching a series on Sunday mornings called "For God's Glory,By God's Grace."

 The messages have been really good. One of the verses that he used has been continually brought back to my mind. 

Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works,and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

One of the points in the first sermon in this series was this:

The Glory of God Includes Perception 

What kind of perception are you giving people of God? Is it drawing others to Him? Is it turning others away? 

This really challenged me...my response to circumstances can affect people's view of my God. Like at work. Sometimes there are problems that come up at work that I have to deal with. it would be extremely easy for me to just get frustrated and complain about it,but lately I have been watching how I respond to situations like these. I am constantly reminded of Matthew 5:16. Would I be setting an example that would draw others to Christ if I got upset just like the rest of them? 

During his second message in this series he made this point :

Your Righteous Fruit Will Plant the Gospel Seed 

He said that your life should be lived in such a way that others see it and want the same thing!! So again I am challenged this week to always be consciously aware of what kind of representation of my God I am making. I must be glorifying God even when the less-than-perfect circumstances come up. 

There is a quote and it goes like this:

Be careful how you live,you will be the only Bible some people will ever read. 

How are you representing your Saviour? 

Can others see Jesus in you? 

Perfect...

His will is not the same for everybody,but it is perfect for you.

~Jeff Redlin

"As for God,his way is perfect:

the word of the Lord is tried:

he is a buckler to all those who trust in 

him...

It is God that girdeth me with strength,

and maketh my way perfect."

-Psalm 18:30&32

 I will bless the Lord at all times:his praise shall continually be in my mouth.Psalm 34:1
I want to have the heart of David,I want to make the commitment to the Lord that I will bless him at all times.In the good and the bad times.Or the heart of JOb,who after everything was taken from him said "The Lord gave,and the Lord hath taken away;blessed be the name of the Lord."

The Lord has blessed me in so many ways:
 2,000 years ago when he sent His Son,to hang on a tree to pay for my sins,and for your sins too.
9 years ago when He made me recognize my need for salvation,and then so graciously adopted me into His family.
when He brought me into this world and gave me the family that I have,knowing that they would be the people that I would need the most-people to love me,correct me,and go on adventures with me.
when He put me in a church where I am learning,growing,and serving.
When He gave me the friends that I have,people that understand me,like me just the way that I am,and act crazy with me.
And each day as he supplies a place to stay,clothing,and food-physical and Spiritual.
"Lord thank you for giving me much more than I deserve!"

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no despise thy youth;but be thou an example of the believers,in word,in charity,in spirit,in faith,in purity.

God Will Provide

Oh that we would all have the faith of Abraham!Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son,but believed that God would provide a lamb.I wish I had the faith to just step out believing that God will provide,no matter what the need!
And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father,and said,My father:and he said ,Here am I ,my son.And he said,Behold the fire and the wood:but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?And Abraham said,My son,God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering,so they went both of them together.~Genesis 22:7&8

Psalm 61:2b

...when my heart is overwhelmed.Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;           ~Psalm 6l:2b  

   

Psalm 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life:in thy presence is fullness of joy;at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. ~Psalm 16:11

Lamentations 3:22-23

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning:great is thy faithfulness.
~Lamentations 3:22-23

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light unto my path.~Psalm 119:105

Hill of Praise

 READ:Psalm 113:1-6
"Look how beautiful the sunset is!" exclaimed my friend as she paused in her ascent up the hill.
 I looked,but wasn't impressed.I was at a lower elevation than she was,and decided that apparentley she saw something that I didn't.
 When I reached that height,I,too was awed by the splendor.None of it had been evident in the bottom of the hill.The rest of the neighborhood went about their business,unaware of what we were witnessing.Trees obscured their view of the beautiful sunset.
 Sometimes you may feel like life is boring:the world goes on day after day,always the same old thing.Or maybe life is full of sadness,death's,tragedies,or natural disasters,and you don't see the purpose in it.Everything seems to go wrong.
 How can you rise up out of the valley of despondency and see the beauty of life?By climbing the hill of praise.Praise God for who he is and for what He has done.Remember His promises.Thank Him for your blessings,for all the good things in life.Sing and smile.
 As you climb the hill of praise,more and more of the glories will be revealed.Once you reach the top,you will be amazed how bright the outlook is.
 Reaching the top of one small hill of praise doesn't necessarily mean that you will see all the beauty and understand all the meaning of life.There will always be more heights to climb and more to see and experience.One glorious day you will enjoy the perfect beauty of heaven with no recollection of the sadness below.
        *Taken from Harmony for the Heart-compiled by Elaine Berry

Lesson's learned at Camp

Here's some really good things pointed out this past week at camp:
When:Monday Night
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title:"Secret Sins and Faults"
Point:"Small sins are making a way for bigger sins,they are like a wedge.Avoid your sins and God will help you overcome it."
When:Tuesday Morning
Speaker:Pastor Chris
Message title: "Setting your Sails"

Point:"Saying 'yes' to God,is saying 'No' to someone else."
 When:Tuesday Night
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title: "The Prodigal Son"

Point: "God may send a 'famine' to bring you to the Father";"The Father will embrace you and except you no matter what you are like"
 When:Wednesday Morning
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title: "Changing your music"

Point:"Listening to bad stuff will flush all if the good things out that you have learned"
When:Wednesday Night
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title: "Out with the Old,in with the New"

Point: "Let the mind of your Master,be the Master of your mind";"You need to daily Renew your Mind to prepare for the battles"
 When:Thursday Morning
Speaker:Mrs. Tammy
Message title: "Perspective"

Point: 'Every one influences someone,you are leading them,which way will you lead?";"your perspective will influence others around you"
 When:Thursday Night
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title: "Running the Christian Race

Point: "Our race is pre-arranged by God,it is His course.Don't fight His will,run His race!"
 When:Friday Morning
Speaker:Pastor Courtney Lewis
Message title: "How long halt ye between two opinions?"

Point:"Decide who you are going to stand for God or Satan,and who ever you choose give them your all."
 When:Cabin Devotions
Speaker:Amy
Point:"Don't always worry about the future will,be delighting in,and doing God's will now and see how you can help around you."

A Virtuous Woman

How Great His Love

1.How great His love,how great His mercy,to choose the path that leads to Calvary,to drink the cup of pain and sorrow,how great His love how great His love for me.

2.How great His love,the love of God the Father,to choose a plan that sends His only Son,to live with us,to walk among us,how great His love,how great His love for us.

Chorus:How great His love,how great His love,that he should call us His children,that He should give Jesus,how great His love for us,how great His thoughts,how great His love for us.

3.How great His love,how generous His compassion,to meet our need before we knew to ask,to call our name,to beckon us to follow,how great His love,how great His love for us.

How great His love for us,how great His love,how great His love for us.

*Ruth Elaine Schram

Contentment...

Being content is probably one of the hardest things for me to grasp!I'm always complaining about how I wish certain things could be better,when really I should be looking at the things that I already have,that I don't deserve!To help with the problem,everyday I write a few of the things I'm thankful for...

The nice weather

The freedom of worship

Hanging out with my family

etc...

Well the other night I couldn't sleep...my mind was racing!It was everywhere,so after laying there for an hour I decided to get up and read my Bible.I tried to "sneak" around seeing as how it was a little after 12 A.M..When I finally sat down on the steps I opened up my Bible,deciding I would read wherever I opened up to!Well it was Psalm 95-The Psalm is labeled A psalm of praise to the great God -the whole chapter is about singing praise to God,making a joyful noise unto him,coming before him with thanksgiving,etc...after reading there I decided to read Isaiah 53-AMAZING how God places things together!The chapter is talking about Christ on the cross and how he never said a single complaint!Hmm...I don't know if you caught this or not but it seems to me instead of complaining we should be offering our praise to God!Also at the beginning of,I guess,last week,the verse Psalm 34:1 came to mind where it states; I will bless the Lord at all time:his praise shall continually be in my mouth. I've been signing my e-mails with that verse,once again how God places things together!I looked up some verses on contentment so I think I'll end with them!


BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN.~1 Timothy 6:6

And having food and raiment LET US THEREWITH BE CONTENT.~1 Timothy 6:8

Let your conversation be without covetousness;AND BE CONTENT WITH SUCH THINGS AS YE HAVE:for he hath said,I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE,NOR FORSAKE THEE.~Hebrews 13:5

The lesson of the Droopy Rose

I actually saw this story on another website but I thought it was a good reminder!

Today, I laid 2 beautiful red roses in the center of the concrete table. The girls "ohh and ahhed" over them. We admired them throughout the meeting, enjoying their faint scent floating on the breeze.

After we finished our worksheets, I gently picked up one of the roses, held it to my nose and {dramatically} breathed deep. "Doesn't a rose just smell heavenly?" We passed that rose around the table. Each girl held it to her nose, smelling the red rose.

Next, I rubbed one of the outside petals between my fingers. "Don't they feel so soft and velvety?" Each girl had a chance to rub the rose between her fingers and against her cheek.

The rose made 2 more circles around the table, letting each girl enjoy it's beauty. After much delicate abuse the petals were droopy and several fell out. I laid the well-used rose back in the center of our circle, beside the untouched one. "Now, if you could take one of these roses home with you, which rose would you choose?" Each girl said the perfect looking, untouched one.

"Today, you are young, beautiful, pure...just like this fresh rose." I went on to describe in detail how not to turn out like the droopy rose.

"When Prince Charming comes charging over the hill on his white steed, which "rose" do you think he'd choose?"