I Won't Tell by Anya N. Otto

During my 5th grade year, I attended a Christian School in Cadillac, Michigan. Of course, I made my share of mistakes and had my share of mishaps. I think one of the craziest things I did that year was to speak too quickly. Here’s how it happened: One day, we had a particularly difficult math assignment. I don’t remember a whole lot about the assignment now, but I do remember that I did not understand it. I was sitting in the Patriot’s room (that was sort of our multi-purpose room) trying to finish my math assignment before the bell rang. When my friend Minnie* came in and sat down, I asked her if she had been able to figure it out, and if she could help me comprehend it too. I don’t remember everything we said, but as we talked she told me how she got it if I would promise not to tell anyone else. “O.K.,” I agreed, not even knowing what I was promising not to tell. BIG mistake; huge, gigantic mistake!! “Well,” Minnie explained, “my mom and her friend did them [the math problems], because she didn’t think that I should have to do them at my age.” Oh, how I repented of my thoughtless promise! I was aghast; that was cheating! But my hands were tied; I’d promised. I had gotten myself into a terrible predicament, but life went on, at least somewhat. I went to class when the bell rang, tried to concentrate; and got more and more miserable. Days passed, and still I told no one. Pretty soon, I started having trouble with my schoolwork (I wonder why). I felt guilty and distressed. Sitting at my desk, I would wish again that I had never made that thoughtless promise, but it was too late. I guess teachers must have a sixth sense (or else it was very obvious that something was amiss), because one afternoon. Mrs. Wilds, my teacher, came up to my desk and asked me what was wrong; would I like to tell her about it? I jumped, inwardly if not outwardly. How could I tell her? How could I not? “No, I can’t,” I exclaimed, feeling quite ashamed. “Well, could you tell Mrs. Casing [the school secretary] about it?” she rejoined kindly. “No.” I wailed (hopefully not loudly enough to disturb the rest of the class), “she’ll be in enough trouble when you find out.” “Let’s come out in the hallway.” My teacher said.There, alone in the hall, the whole story spilled out: the math problems; how I didn’t understand them; my asking Minnie for help (now I know it wasn’t very wise to ask a fellow student for help); my promise not to tell); how Minnie hadn’t done them. I never heard anything more about it, but I always felt a little sheepish about the whole thing; if Minnie found out that I’d told, she wouldn’t trust me, and her mom wouldn’t think well of me at all. Nevertheless, it did feel good to be rid of that big, ugly secret (if you ever see this, Minnie, please pardon the terminology). I hope that I learned my lesson that time, because my hasty promise cost me more than I could ever have imagined when I agreed not to tell. *All names used in this story, save my own, are fictitious.

Ye Are Kept

Ye are kept by the power of God
Safe in His hand, where e’er you trod
Wherein this promise now rejoice
Sing praises, lift ye up your voice.

Ye are kept by His mighty arm
Hidden there from the Devil’s harm.
Though ye are tempted, in this rest:
He is perfecting through this test.

Ye are kept by our Jesus Christ
Thus serve Him with your heart and life.
Protected from the Devil’s darts
Yield to Him mind and soul and heart.

I am kept by Thy power, O Lord
As I take up Thy Shield, Thy Sword.
I will fight daily enemies
Lord, help me! Thine the glory be.



Opt. Tune: Doxology

Based on I Peter 1:5-8
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, February 10, 2008

All rights reserved.

www.freewebs.com/poems4him

Student Prayer Advance 2008

The Student Prayer Advance (SPA) is for students, leaders, youth pastors, and parents who believe young people can experience God! Openhearted youth ages 13 and older are encouraged to attend. Mature 12-year-olds are welcome to attend, preferably with at least one parent. This is not an event for rebellious or reluctant youth. This event is specifically designed for young people with open and teachable hearts. The College Track is for those who are college age regardless of whether they are attending college. This year's 2008 theme is: Being an Example and is based on I Timothy 4:12: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Strong Bible preaching, special prayer times, and group time make up the agenda. This Advance is designed to maximize the participation of each attendee. Our emphasis will center on Preparation, Purpose, Possibilities, and Personal Revival. This is not just a camp to have fun - this is a serious time of learning more about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You will come away closer to God! My favorite part of each of the past weekends has been the "Sweet Hour of Prayer" a whole hour on Friday in which each attendee is challenged to talk to no one but God, and also to get alone enough that they feel as if they can talk to the Lord aloud. It is a great blessing! I also enjoy the "half-night of prayer" on Thursday night. The preaching and teaching are sound and convicting, and the music is God-honoring. It is also encouraging to see the Lord working in young people, and to see other young people that want to serve the Lord too.

This year's advance will be held July 31st - August 2nd at Piedmont Baptist College in Winston Salem, N.C. In the past years, the S.P.A. has been a great encouragement to me and I am definitely going this year! I would encourage all of you to go, and to bring your siblings, friends, classmates and family. It will be a experience well worth your time and money!

Check it out at:
http://christlifemin.org/prayer_advance/Student

If you are planning on going, please leave us comment and let us know. We here at Roses in His Hands look forward to seeing you there!

With Songs of Deliverance

With songs of deliv’rance my Savior compasses
My soul round about in His mercy and grace.
My Strength in the battle I shall have the victory
When He is my Rock and my Hiding Place.

With songs of sure vict’ry His Spirit doth strengthen
My heart in the trouble, He hears ev’ry cry.
Though Satan would tempt me, I call unto Jesus
My Tower of Refuge, my Fortress in nigh.

With songs of assurance, my Comfort doth help me.
Why should I fear with my Jesus beside?
I shall not fear what men shall do unto me
Still I will trust Him to lead me and guide.

With songs of forgiveness, my Jesus doth cleanse me,
When I acknowledge my sin unto Him.
He breaks down each stronghold if I would but ask Him,
Renews me to serve Him in truth once again.

With songs of His blessing He teaches me daily
Instructing therein in the paths of His choice.
I trust in His holiness and wait for direction
Glad in His presence, my heart shall rejoice.

With songs of deliv’rance, my Savior compasses
My life round about. He is all that I need.
The vict’ry is sure for it was won on Calvary
In Him I am free, yes free, free, indeed!

Based on Psalm 32: 8
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, September 13, 2006

All rights reserved.

www.freewebs.com/poems4him

Funny Quote of the Week

"If you promise not to repeat something, does that mean you can only tell it once?" ~Anonymous

Once I Tried to Use Him

Once I tried to use Him
To satisfy my soul
How foolish I! For ‘twas a gift,
That cleansed and made me whole.
Once I thought my goodness,
My works, could set me free.
Once I tried to use Him –
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
I took His grace for naught.
Sinning that grace might abound
Not living as I ought.
Asking Him for strength
Using all day for ‘me’.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
To save my soul from hell
I was afraid His love to show
When Jesus whispered “Tell”.
I’d turn away with this reply:
“I’m scared. What if? Not me.”
Once I tried to use Him,
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him,
Now vain I see those days.
I pray that He will use me –
That He receives the praise.
I see Him so much greater
His majesty I see.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

How sweet the path has grown
Since I’ve yielded to His care
No need to ask for anything –
For HE is always there.
No need to ask for grace –
It rolleth like the sea.
Once I tried to use Him
But now He uses me.

Once I tried to use Him
Now forevermore I’ll live.
For Him who died on Calvary
For He such freedom gives.
And then when I behold Him
That His words to me might be:
“Once you let me use you;
Child, I am pleased with thee.”

Copyright Miriam Rainwater, October 16, 2007

All rights reserved.

www.freewebs.com/poems4him

Funny Quote of the Week

"Out of the mouths of babes comes things parents never should have said!" ~Anonymous

I Serve the One Whose Flag I Bear

I serve the One whose flag I bear
The King of Hosts is He.
Though some would have me fear, despair,
My Lord shall stand by me.
He giveth me the strength to stand
Yea, even more to fight.
Thou Lust be on my left hand
And Pride be on my right.

I serve the One whose flag I hold,
My Captain – He will win.
And He will cause my soul be bold
To triumph over sin.
Though Satan and His host defy
The power of His name.
Still I will unto Jesus cry,
Yea, He who overcame.

I serve the One whose flag I raise
While pressing farther on.
Through danger, trouble, toilsome ways,
Here by His grace I’ve come.
Yea, thus as I still breathe and live
And serve and shout and sing,
May Jesus wear the crown. I give
All glory to my King!

Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 10, 2008

All rights reserved.

www.freewebs.com/poems4him

Funny Quote of the Week

My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder." ~ Anonymous

My Life In Hid

My life is hid in Christ, my God;
He cleanses me from sin.
His blood – it covers ev’ry stain
And makes me pure within.

My life is hid in Christ, my God;
He hides me by His hand.
No matter what He walks beside
And leads me by His plan.

My life is hid in Christ, my God;
He gives me grace to die.
His cross: my own; His plan: my joy,
And days and years go by.

Based on Col. 3:3
Copyright Miriam Rainwater, May 4, 2008

All rights reserved.

www.freewebs.com/poems4him