Journal Entry #1 - 77 Roses

Hello! Thank you so much for joining me in my first journal entry. I am so excited to start this up and to be able to share more about this journey of songwriting and to reach out and touch more people's lives.

In this entry, I want to explain why my journal is called 76 Roses.

The idea came from this verse in the gospel of Matthew:

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' 

Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"

~Matthew 18:21-22 NIV

I know, I know, it may seem like I didn't read the number right. Stay with me just a little longer, I will explain...

The 76 Roses come from being forgiven 76 times. It seems a beautifully sad picture, where each rose is a time I have been forgiven, each rose a grace given to me by Jesus, and one by one they wilt away and fade and lose their color. I also think the rose is very symbolic of the crucifixion: the crimson colored petals matching the blood Christ poured out for us, as well as the thorns which He worn as a crown upon His brow. 

Why 76 and not 77? Well, if I have 76 roses and each one represents a time I have been forgiven, then I still have one left. One more chance. A hope, yet despair, for I am a broken human being in ever constant need of God's grace. Therefore, I will need that last rose, and then no more. 

But this is not the news of the gospel. The news of the gospel is that Jesus came an died and was resurrected for all my sin, to forgiven every single one, that I might receive eternal life with Him.

And so, 76 Roses came from this beautiful picture of God's grace and forgiveness in my life. 

Thank you again for joining me in this very first journal entry,

Let me know if you have any questions or comments below!

God bless,

Emmaline Albers

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 1, 2023 at 2:51 AM

    To my friend, Emmie. I am excited about your journey and your sharing the Lord and your art through this blog! Love you!!

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  2. AnonymousApril 1, 2023 at 5:24 AM

    That is beautiful and do encouraging! I'm excited to read your blog!

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  3. Chestnut Mtn. StudioApril 1, 2023 at 2:51 PM

    This is wonderful Emmie, really looking forward to reading your story God has put on your heart for your songs.

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  4. AnonymousApril 2, 2023 at 4:18 PM

    I’m touched by this insightful thread and I will enjoy reading the posts!

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  5. AnonymousApril 2, 2023 at 6:03 PM

    I cannot wait to hear more from you… How is the Lord moving in your life right now? My guess is that some people get tattoos to express big moments, changes, and people. You write songs!! Love you!!

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  6. 76 Roses JournalApril 3, 2023 at 9:15 AM

    Thankyou all so much for joining and commenting, it's extremely encouraging! The Lord is moving in so many ways in this season of my life. He is continually showing me day by day how to fix my eyes on Him instead of the storm, and just how blessed I am by Him even in the mundane.😊
    Love ya'll!
    Philippians 1:3-11

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  7. Kathy WrightApril 8, 2023 at 2:40 PM

    Can you post a song? Love you!!

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