The year fades away in the twinkling of any eye. It will be hardly noticed by some, regreted by others, and thankful to a few. I am one of the later who sits before her computer grateful to God for all the gifts of Himself He has given me.
One of the big things I am truly appreciative of this New Years Eve is God's awakening in me the urge not to give up nor to lose my faith despite what I see financially. Perhaps this is a good message for anyone out there struggling tonight with being "in the red". I learned this year that I had to stop focusing on what I feared. I had to ask myself "Did I have faith or would I continue in fear?" The fear was only taking me on a downward spiral. I was moving away from what I believed. "Who was this God I trusted in?," I asked myself.
Or perhaps it was God himself asking me.
I can only see it as a graced experience which led me up from my groveling fears to a heart wisdom that answered: God promises He will never stop doing good for you so why are you believing this lie? This lie filled me with this fear and said, I had to sell the house and run. The truth was God loved me and would provide for me no matter what.
Keeping the faith began with this truth then swelled to include not giving up on friends and family. You see, dear reader, I had got downhearted in my relationships because of distance, time, and troubles. I let go of what I held truly dear because I felt disinhearted. Some people were not living up to my expectations. But then God showed me I hadn't been living up to theirs or God's either! Yet God hadn't given up on me. How could I give up on anyone? Who am I? Am I better than God? No answer is necessary here!
Somehow not having money also encouraged me to let go of people I loved. I couldn't give as I once had. You see, growing up, I learned that love was given in the form of gifts. Despite working at a food bank and trying to help others when I could when it came down to it that old family value was still there. I still felt I could only love if I had money to share!
Once again, God has shown me love has really very little to do with money and a whole lot to do with forgiveness, simply giving through phone calls, letters and yes, even emails.
So I am really grateful that God has given me a new heart of hope. You see hope lights the way, doesn't it? If we don't have that then we perish for lack of vision. My hope is in the Lord, that is one thing I had to re-learn. Secondly, Faith means believing despite what I see. Odd, that I speak of a vision in one verse and faith being beyond what I see in the next sentence! Yet they go hand in hand. For you see, my friends, the more you trust God, despite what you see, allows God the grace to take you to a new level of believing that is actually based on what you do see. For me, over the years, my belief system has been continually filled with rich truisms from God's word. Truisms that are truth, really, that He will never leave me nor forsake me, that He will supply all my needs in a way worthy of His magnificent riches and on and on. They fill my heart with His bounty. They have over the years. I have experienced His gifts that have testified to his faithfulness. I forgot this and somehow I got caught up in the fear that became so pervasive around me in the media, in the stores, and everywhere you looked.
I recognize now I erred. I told our heavenly Father so. It was a blessed time of repentance, albeit, filled with sorrow at how I had let my good God down and let so many family and friends, as well.
I close this text and this year with my hope for everyone in 2010. I hope and pray with God's grace we all look up and trust Him when all around may fail. For my God is a good God and His love endures forever! Happy New Year everyone! Keep the Faith!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
In Her Polyester Pants
I caught a glance of her today, for an instant.
I hadn't seen her for a long time, just perhaps, in my memory.
But there she was this morning, as I was driving home.
The first gaze was upon the white polyester pants
and the familiar white running shoes she often wore.
Her slow gate seemed more sluggish now and she had a
walker attending her.
She had not changed too much it seemed,
at least from the view from behind.
Distractions of cars ahead blocked my vision and in that
moment love flashed in my heart and made me yearn to
see her again, to stop, and talk with her for just a
second.
I wanted to see her welcome smile, her love that allowed so much from me, and even
more to experience one hug and the words "I love you" come from someone that had
cared for me. I needed it today. I needed her reassurance.
As I drove closer and could see the frontal view of this
woman I realized (knowingly) it was not her. It could not
be so. Yet within that first moment when I had looked
upon the polyester pants had come past familiar pictures
of her memory which made it possible, for just a brief
second, to hold the warmth of her love again.
Sadly, I reflect that she is gone and not here to comfort me but what does console
me is that someday I will see her again. Yes, in my pink blossomed heaven where sky
and ground are filled with the soft colours of the magnolia tree,
I will meet her, hold her, and reminisce with her. And yes, this comforts me even
now and I hold on to this thought, and that glance, for an instant of her,
in her polyester pants.
I hadn't seen her for a long time, just perhaps, in my memory.
But there she was this morning, as I was driving home.
The first gaze was upon the white polyester pants
and the familiar white running shoes she often wore.
Her slow gate seemed more sluggish now and she had a
walker attending her.
She had not changed too much it seemed,
at least from the view from behind.
Distractions of cars ahead blocked my vision and in that
moment love flashed in my heart and made me yearn to
see her again, to stop, and talk with her for just a
second.
I wanted to see her welcome smile, her love that allowed so much from me, and even
more to experience one hug and the words "I love you" come from someone that had
cared for me. I needed it today. I needed her reassurance.
As I drove closer and could see the frontal view of this
woman I realized (knowingly) it was not her. It could not
be so. Yet within that first moment when I had looked
upon the polyester pants had come past familiar pictures
of her memory which made it possible, for just a brief
second, to hold the warmth of her love again.
Sadly, I reflect that she is gone and not here to comfort me but what does console
me is that someday I will see her again. Yes, in my pink blossomed heaven where sky
and ground are filled with the soft colours of the magnolia tree,
I will meet her, hold her, and reminisce with her. And yes, this comforts me even
now and I hold on to this thought, and that glance, for an instant of her,
in her polyester pants.
A Special Christmas 2009
A Special Christmas
It was late November and the air held no hint of Christmas. You know the kind of weather I speak of; where ear muffs are a must, mittens a plus, and if they had a covering for Rudolph’s red nose everyone would be wearing it! No, it had been mild but it gave many eager people an opportunity to put up their outdoor lights. Mary, herself, had taken a special interest in the approaching season, putting up lights and all the hoopla.
It had come as a surprise to even her. She had become hungry for it like a deep craving for chocolate that couldn’t be satisfied. Her husband, who was not so excited because of the financial climate, had been gracious and helpful helping even in putting up the lights. Those lights, she thought to herself, what a gift! They had had a flood in the spring and much of their Christmas paraphernalia had been lost including their lights and tree! Mary was a good shopper so had looked at the price for them at many stores. It seemed there was nothing out there less than $10 a string. Worse, were those new fandangle energy efficient lights that really had no brightness to them! That irked her the most. Mary had almost given up hope until a local church flea market.
In her diggings she had turned up 7 sets of lights in boxes which had never even been opened! They were the old style that would bedazzle her house like no tomorrow! Best was the price; they were only $3 a string! In retrospect Mary realized the lights were a gift from God, an answered prayer. Her house literally glowed like a picture from a Kinkade Christmas card. Oh it made Mary feel so good and she thanked God for she knew He was at the root of the wonderful gift!
Considering all her enthusiasm this season Mary couldn’t quite figure out what all this excitement and joy was about since she and her husband had decided for a second year in a row not to exchange gifts. Mary realized it was actually a financial relief not giving anything the year before. She knew last year there had been a special grace for it. Mary didn’t miss it, didn’t care to go out, or look, or shop, or even decorate last year.
However, this year’s enthusiasm was the biggest surprise to Mary. It came along side of a deep belief that was growing inside her that somehow they had made it over the rough spot and the future would be brighter. Oddly, nothing was really different. Mary and her husband still faced the same monetary needs but there it was deep inside her; a flickering hope that grew brighter each time she turned on her outside lights.
On this particular mild November day Mary had been discussing Christmas trees with her husband as she drove him into work. He was employed in Windsor so Mary had a whole half hour to share any concerns with him. He was her captive audience. She grinned at that thought. Anyways, Mary had been looking all over for a tree and dragged her obliging husband along on several excursions to look at what was available. Their budget afforded only a 4 foot Wal-Mart special. It was such a disappointment when they had gone to look at the advertised tree. It was so skimpy and small. There were hardly any branches and no amount of ornaments was going to hide that fact!
Now Mary’s husband, Robin, had liked a big 6 foot tree the store carried but it was well over a hundred dollars! So on the way to work that day Mary and Robin had discussed other options including buying a real tree. There was a nursery on her way home which sold potted Christmas trees that Mary thought they could plant outside in the spring. She would take a look at them today. After dropping Robin off at work Mary began her trip back home.
It was a bit of a boring ride back and forth to Windsor so Mary often took a different route home on one of the many Concessions. Today she thought she would take Concession 6. Mary was deep in thought as she drove reflecting on earlier Christmases. She had never had to struggle as she had these 6 years being married to her second husband. Her first husband had been well off and though he was a bit of a miser they could well afford a new tree if they needed one. She recalled one of their many trees was a 7 and half foot beauty. It lasted them many years during some very tough times – emotionally.
It was another story and another lifetime ago. Though Mary didn’t have a lot now what made up for their lack financially was the fact Robin was a fantastic husband whom she loved tremendously. He was so kind and good and best of all was a Christian. Though they struggled financially they prayed together often and saw God move many times.
The only thing that bothered Mary was the sadness she saw in Robin’s face. She knew he wanted to and would have given her the world if he had the money. Mary had that kind of life in her past. However, that first marriage was one without faith, no hope, and definitely no love. What Mary also knew was that all the money in the world would not buy happiness. Though she and Robin struggled she preferred this loving relationship where God was at the center over that first tormented (albeit more financially comfortable) relationship she had come out of back in 1997.
Mary was suddenly brought to attention by the sight of a box on the side of the road that she just passed by. She put her foot on the brake and backed up slowly down the street. Lo, and behold what did she see? It was a Christmas tree in the box! A familiar green tree stand had poked its nose out of the box and that is what she perceived as she had driven by! Mary was so delighted and got out of the car. The box appeared to contain all the parts to a large tree! The box was so big though and Mary realized she could never lift it. She resorted to removing the pieces from it and putting them in the car.
Oh Mary was so delighted and drove home full of glee! Smiling to herself she realized she finally understood what that word glee meant! At home she dragged all the parts into the house and moved the furniture around to prepare a spot for her latest treasure. Once Mary put the tree up she stood dumbfounded. This perfect specimen stood at least 6 and half feet tall! Best of all it didn’t cost them a cent. She was already thanking God for this beloved gift.
She couldn’t wait for Robin to come home. Mary had positioned the tree right at the perfect angle so Robin could see it when he entered the front door. Well, Robin came home at his scheduled time. When he entered the room he looked at the tree. He thought it was a real one, that’s just how beautiful it was. Then Mary shared where she had got it from. Robin just shook his head in amazement. It was just one more example of how God had supplied their need. Mary wondered what other surprises God had up his sleeve this Christmas. Mary smiled as sugar plums danced in her head.
It was late November and the air held no hint of Christmas. You know the kind of weather I speak of; where ear muffs are a must, mittens a plus, and if they had a covering for Rudolph’s red nose everyone would be wearing it! No, it had been mild but it gave many eager people an opportunity to put up their outdoor lights. Mary, herself, had taken a special interest in the approaching season, putting up lights and all the hoopla.
It had come as a surprise to even her. She had become hungry for it like a deep craving for chocolate that couldn’t be satisfied. Her husband, who was not so excited because of the financial climate, had been gracious and helpful helping even in putting up the lights. Those lights, she thought to herself, what a gift! They had had a flood in the spring and much of their Christmas paraphernalia had been lost including their lights and tree! Mary was a good shopper so had looked at the price for them at many stores. It seemed there was nothing out there less than $10 a string. Worse, were those new fandangle energy efficient lights that really had no brightness to them! That irked her the most. Mary had almost given up hope until a local church flea market.
In her diggings she had turned up 7 sets of lights in boxes which had never even been opened! They were the old style that would bedazzle her house like no tomorrow! Best was the price; they were only $3 a string! In retrospect Mary realized the lights were a gift from God, an answered prayer. Her house literally glowed like a picture from a Kinkade Christmas card. Oh it made Mary feel so good and she thanked God for she knew He was at the root of the wonderful gift!
Considering all her enthusiasm this season Mary couldn’t quite figure out what all this excitement and joy was about since she and her husband had decided for a second year in a row not to exchange gifts. Mary realized it was actually a financial relief not giving anything the year before. She knew last year there had been a special grace for it. Mary didn’t miss it, didn’t care to go out, or look, or shop, or even decorate last year.
However, this year’s enthusiasm was the biggest surprise to Mary. It came along side of a deep belief that was growing inside her that somehow they had made it over the rough spot and the future would be brighter. Oddly, nothing was really different. Mary and her husband still faced the same monetary needs but there it was deep inside her; a flickering hope that grew brighter each time she turned on her outside lights.
On this particular mild November day Mary had been discussing Christmas trees with her husband as she drove him into work. He was employed in Windsor so Mary had a whole half hour to share any concerns with him. He was her captive audience. She grinned at that thought. Anyways, Mary had been looking all over for a tree and dragged her obliging husband along on several excursions to look at what was available. Their budget afforded only a 4 foot Wal-Mart special. It was such a disappointment when they had gone to look at the advertised tree. It was so skimpy and small. There were hardly any branches and no amount of ornaments was going to hide that fact!
Now Mary’s husband, Robin, had liked a big 6 foot tree the store carried but it was well over a hundred dollars! So on the way to work that day Mary and Robin had discussed other options including buying a real tree. There was a nursery on her way home which sold potted Christmas trees that Mary thought they could plant outside in the spring. She would take a look at them today. After dropping Robin off at work Mary began her trip back home.
It was a bit of a boring ride back and forth to Windsor so Mary often took a different route home on one of the many Concessions. Today she thought she would take Concession 6. Mary was deep in thought as she drove reflecting on earlier Christmases. She had never had to struggle as she had these 6 years being married to her second husband. Her first husband had been well off and though he was a bit of a miser they could well afford a new tree if they needed one. She recalled one of their many trees was a 7 and half foot beauty. It lasted them many years during some very tough times – emotionally.
It was another story and another lifetime ago. Though Mary didn’t have a lot now what made up for their lack financially was the fact Robin was a fantastic husband whom she loved tremendously. He was so kind and good and best of all was a Christian. Though they struggled financially they prayed together often and saw God move many times.
The only thing that bothered Mary was the sadness she saw in Robin’s face. She knew he wanted to and would have given her the world if he had the money. Mary had that kind of life in her past. However, that first marriage was one without faith, no hope, and definitely no love. What Mary also knew was that all the money in the world would not buy happiness. Though she and Robin struggled she preferred this loving relationship where God was at the center over that first tormented (albeit more financially comfortable) relationship she had come out of back in 1997.
Mary was suddenly brought to attention by the sight of a box on the side of the road that she just passed by. She put her foot on the brake and backed up slowly down the street. Lo, and behold what did she see? It was a Christmas tree in the box! A familiar green tree stand had poked its nose out of the box and that is what she perceived as she had driven by! Mary was so delighted and got out of the car. The box appeared to contain all the parts to a large tree! The box was so big though and Mary realized she could never lift it. She resorted to removing the pieces from it and putting them in the car.
Oh Mary was so delighted and drove home full of glee! Smiling to herself she realized she finally understood what that word glee meant! At home she dragged all the parts into the house and moved the furniture around to prepare a spot for her latest treasure. Once Mary put the tree up she stood dumbfounded. This perfect specimen stood at least 6 and half feet tall! Best of all it didn’t cost them a cent. She was already thanking God for this beloved gift.
She couldn’t wait for Robin to come home. Mary had positioned the tree right at the perfect angle so Robin could see it when he entered the front door. Well, Robin came home at his scheduled time. When he entered the room he looked at the tree. He thought it was a real one, that’s just how beautiful it was. Then Mary shared where she had got it from. Robin just shook his head in amazement. It was just one more example of how God had supplied their need. Mary wondered what other surprises God had up his sleeve this Christmas. Mary smiled as sugar plums danced in her head.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Late Harvests
Today I returned from driving, Robin, my husband to work. On the way home I decided to stop in and wish a Merry Christmas to someone I hadn't talked to for a while. We had a little misunderstanding.
Driving up the old gravel driveway my friend, Carolyn,was hanging over her railing, shaking an old rug out the door. I don't think Carolyn realized it was me for she disappeared back inside. Carolyn lost her husband a couple of years ago and now lived with her son and 3 grandchildren on a turkey farm. Of course, there were no sign of turkeys. They are all kept safely behind barn doors from the contamination of the world.
Anyways, after knocking on the door and a short pause Carolyn answered. She appeared sleepy eyed, not her usual pretty blue-eyed blonde maternal woman of 60 or so. The morning dew was not yet washed from her face. However, she smiled brightly at my appearance and we entered into her old farm house with its large rooms, cold lineloeum floors, and clothes and what have you scattered all over. It was to be expected with three young children aged 5 to 10 years of age! Not upset by it at all I sat down and was thankful for the hot cup of coffee she placed in my hands.
Nothing unusual occured; light banter and a few laughs followed. But the embraces we experienced in my coming and in my departure were frequent and welcome. We had missed each other. That was for sure. No wood stove could ever warm the heart the way this reunion made us both feel.
Getting into the car and driving away I realized this is what Christmas was all about - happy reconciliations. Smiling a self-satisfied smile to myself I drove up the old country road with its deep ditches and watched as a big machine was bringing in a late harvest of corn. Carolyn had said the ground was too marshy earlier to harvest it. Thinking about what she said I realized today was the perfect timing for our get together.
Christmas does that to us, doesn't it? It makes our hearts warm and oh, so forgiving towards those around us who have hurt us. Perhaps you can think of someone who you have distanced from yourself. Seems to me this would be a good day to say "Hi" by phone, or email even. Why not? What will it hurt? If anything you will find your heart warmed like mine was today. You will feel good about yourself and life again. Believe me I did.
Happy Harvesting!
Driving up the old gravel driveway my friend, Carolyn,was hanging over her railing, shaking an old rug out the door. I don't think Carolyn realized it was me for she disappeared back inside. Carolyn lost her husband a couple of years ago and now lived with her son and 3 grandchildren on a turkey farm. Of course, there were no sign of turkeys. They are all kept safely behind barn doors from the contamination of the world.
Anyways, after knocking on the door and a short pause Carolyn answered. She appeared sleepy eyed, not her usual pretty blue-eyed blonde maternal woman of 60 or so. The morning dew was not yet washed from her face. However, she smiled brightly at my appearance and we entered into her old farm house with its large rooms, cold lineloeum floors, and clothes and what have you scattered all over. It was to be expected with three young children aged 5 to 10 years of age! Not upset by it at all I sat down and was thankful for the hot cup of coffee she placed in my hands.
Nothing unusual occured; light banter and a few laughs followed. But the embraces we experienced in my coming and in my departure were frequent and welcome. We had missed each other. That was for sure. No wood stove could ever warm the heart the way this reunion made us both feel.
Getting into the car and driving away I realized this is what Christmas was all about - happy reconciliations. Smiling a self-satisfied smile to myself I drove up the old country road with its deep ditches and watched as a big machine was bringing in a late harvest of corn. Carolyn had said the ground was too marshy earlier to harvest it. Thinking about what she said I realized today was the perfect timing for our get together.
Christmas does that to us, doesn't it? It makes our hearts warm and oh, so forgiving towards those around us who have hurt us. Perhaps you can think of someone who you have distanced from yourself. Seems to me this would be a good day to say "Hi" by phone, or email even. Why not? What will it hurt? If anything you will find your heart warmed like mine was today. You will feel good about yourself and life again. Believe me I did.
Happy Harvesting!
Good Morning
Just a short note to wish you all a wonderful day, this Christmas Eve. I hope you are all well. This is the third or fourth day for me with my new blog. I am excited about it and hope to add some poetry I have done and must locate to place here. I will be adding reflections when the thought comes to me. Any of your comments are welcome. The painting on glass here is only one of many I have done. I sold most of the original set of paintings. My generous and blessed sister Martha drove them all up to Parry Sound to my other generous and blessed sister Theresa who graciously sold them all for me last summer. I love doing them.
Oh, guess what I am doing these days? Who would figure that I would be helping feed the poor. I am actually cooking in a kitchen every Wednesday morning feeding 50 or more people. It is very tiring because you are lifting and moving heavy pots as well as cooking and then giving it out. I love helping and giving. I thank God for this time in my life when he has given me this oppurtunity to share of myself.
Have a great day and don't eat too much chocolate, lol.
Oh, guess what I am doing these days? Who would figure that I would be helping feed the poor. I am actually cooking in a kitchen every Wednesday morning feeding 50 or more people. It is very tiring because you are lifting and moving heavy pots as well as cooking and then giving it out. I love helping and giving. I thank God for this time in my life when he has given me this oppurtunity to share of myself.
Have a great day and don't eat too much chocolate, lol.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Funeral
I went to a funeral today of a friend of my husband's. His name was Paul. It was a beautiful affair. It was very sedate and Paul left a legacy of kindness behind that was shared with everyone. Oh, he wasn't perfect by any means. But he was loved and you could see that.
They had his life depicted in photos and antitdotes shared by all those in attendance. It left me feeling a bit lonely for such a coveted spot in the hearts of those left behind. How I hope that someday I might be remembered in such a good light. However, what was more important to me was that this man had given his life to Christ and was assured of a heavenly home.
I guess these are two of the most important things in life: to be loved and accepted by family here on earth and to have a home awaiting in the heavenlies.
Now that is a lovely security, isn't it? I am glad I went today.
It has been growing me in this need to rekindle familial interests and bondings as I have neglected them. This man's wife and children, his sisters and brothers, some in wheelchairs, some so teary they couldn't speak all reminded me of the wonderful family I have. I don't get to see them all the time but I realized today I don't want to wait until its at my funeral and there I am in some wooden box. I am eager for the spring and plans for a reunion of sorts. I am eager to see the faces I love, to hold them, and tell them so, and to touch their flesh while I am still warm, able to love and give.
They had his life depicted in photos and antitdotes shared by all those in attendance. It left me feeling a bit lonely for such a coveted spot in the hearts of those left behind. How I hope that someday I might be remembered in such a good light. However, what was more important to me was that this man had given his life to Christ and was assured of a heavenly home.
I guess these are two of the most important things in life: to be loved and accepted by family here on earth and to have a home awaiting in the heavenlies.
Now that is a lovely security, isn't it? I am glad I went today.
It has been growing me in this need to rekindle familial interests and bondings as I have neglected them. This man's wife and children, his sisters and brothers, some in wheelchairs, some so teary they couldn't speak all reminded me of the wonderful family I have. I don't get to see them all the time but I realized today I don't want to wait until its at my funeral and there I am in some wooden box. I am eager for the spring and plans for a reunion of sorts. I am eager to see the faces I love, to hold them, and tell them so, and to touch their flesh while I am still warm, able to love and give.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Reflections on the day
Christmas fast approaches. All the while we busy ourselves with checking off our lists, finishing off buying gifts for those people we don't want to miss out on, and just tiding up all those loose ends of Christmas. As I reflect on it all I am reminded how inadequate I feel as a person at Christmas. I always tend to see that I have somehow missed out on and shortchanged those in need. Oh, I give to this one and that one but the bigger picture includes all those who don't have and who might even wake up on the street. This presents me with a dilemna: did I miss out once again on spreading enough of the wealth God has given me? Mind you these last years I have been learning a lesson of what it is to walk in a poor man' shoes but I still have more than the shoe-less man or woman!
I am not sure where I am going with this except to say I feel like I owe God an apology. Perhaps next year I will do better. "Perhaps" is a big word but it takes me to a hopeful stance that somehow God will give me the grace I need to see beyond myself this coming year in a bigger way to reach out more to those in need.
How about you? Do any of you out there ever feel inadequate at this time of year? I know you all have to deal with different things like family members who let you down, or died, or somehow rejected you. I know these are important and I have had to deal with all these issues. But in the bigger picture perhaps (and I say that hopefully)we need to realize the importance of letting go, letting God, and reaching out past these personal issues. Let us not allow bitteness and resentment to prevent us from sharing our hearts and souls to those really in need.
Do you know what I mean people? True growth means being able to take full stock of ourselves, forgive those who hurt us, and get on to these bigger issues of the vast majority's poverty that smacks us in the face every time we turn on a Joyce Meyer show or a World vision program. For heaven sakes, we feed the animals and send money off to Peta. Does it end there? What is Christmas all about anyways?
I think we forgot Christmas began with Christ. Do you know what I learned the other day; that Boxing Day began over 800 years ago and it started in the church. It was the church opening its poor box to those in need! In this 2009th year of our Lord, Boxing Day has become a selfish, greed filled, day where eveyone runs around feverishly trying to buy up everything they can. Perhaps this Boxing Day we can revive the 800 year old tradition or make it a new one! Let us open up our hearts to those we see who are without. At least I think I will. Is that to appease some guilty heart? Perhaps. But someday I will have to answer for a selfish heart. I would prefer to appease my guilt than hang my selfish head before God. There are many begging Lazarus among us. Let us remember Christ at Christmas was born in a poor manger and remember the reason for the season.
I know I will and I have.
God bless you all
I am not sure where I am going with this except to say I feel like I owe God an apology. Perhaps next year I will do better. "Perhaps" is a big word but it takes me to a hopeful stance that somehow God will give me the grace I need to see beyond myself this coming year in a bigger way to reach out more to those in need.
How about you? Do any of you out there ever feel inadequate at this time of year? I know you all have to deal with different things like family members who let you down, or died, or somehow rejected you. I know these are important and I have had to deal with all these issues. But in the bigger picture perhaps (and I say that hopefully)we need to realize the importance of letting go, letting God, and reaching out past these personal issues. Let us not allow bitteness and resentment to prevent us from sharing our hearts and souls to those really in need.
Do you know what I mean people? True growth means being able to take full stock of ourselves, forgive those who hurt us, and get on to these bigger issues of the vast majority's poverty that smacks us in the face every time we turn on a Joyce Meyer show or a World vision program. For heaven sakes, we feed the animals and send money off to Peta. Does it end there? What is Christmas all about anyways?
I think we forgot Christmas began with Christ. Do you know what I learned the other day; that Boxing Day began over 800 years ago and it started in the church. It was the church opening its poor box to those in need! In this 2009th year of our Lord, Boxing Day has become a selfish, greed filled, day where eveyone runs around feverishly trying to buy up everything they can. Perhaps this Boxing Day we can revive the 800 year old tradition or make it a new one! Let us open up our hearts to those we see who are without. At least I think I will. Is that to appease some guilty heart? Perhaps. But someday I will have to answer for a selfish heart. I would prefer to appease my guilt than hang my selfish head before God. There are many begging Lazarus among us. Let us remember Christ at Christmas was born in a poor manger and remember the reason for the season.
I know I will and I have.
God bless you all
chaplain
Hello and welcome to Amherstburg Counselling Services
I am local to this small historical town outside of Windsor located on the Detroit River downstream from Detroit and closer to the timid Lake Erie. I am at present open for business most days except Sunday. I offer single as well as couple counselling. I deal with marriage and divorce issues as well as grief counselling due to deaths, divorce or sickness. I also help with those depressed, angry and needing direction and hope.
I will consider helping 0n line those with problems I merit are easily resolved. Otherwise, we will book appointments to deal with the issues.
I have a B.A. in religious studies and a Master of Divinty and worked as a chaplain for a short while in Corrections. I deal with issues from a theological angle. I focus on the ethical and moral issues in a problem.
I believe most people have subtracted God from the issues of today and my intention is to bring back that focus into the problems at hand.
Please email me if you have any interests: chaplain@cogeco.ca
I am local to this small historical town outside of Windsor located on the Detroit River downstream from Detroit and closer to the timid Lake Erie. I am at present open for business most days except Sunday. I offer single as well as couple counselling. I deal with marriage and divorce issues as well as grief counselling due to deaths, divorce or sickness. I also help with those depressed, angry and needing direction and hope.
I will consider helping 0n line those with problems I merit are easily resolved. Otherwise, we will book appointments to deal with the issues.
I have a B.A. in religious studies and a Master of Divinty and worked as a chaplain for a short while in Corrections. I deal with issues from a theological angle. I focus on the ethical and moral issues in a problem.
I believe most people have subtracted God from the issues of today and my intention is to bring back that focus into the problems at hand.
Please email me if you have any interests: chaplain@cogeco.ca
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