Fittingly, today, we spoke about Jesus as the vine and we are all branches. Separated from Jesus, like a sprout ripped from a tree, we could not survive.
We are also branches from our mothers. The woman's body is so uniquely designed to conceived and nurture a tiny fetus. Even before pregnancy is obvious to the rest of the world, a mother takes that growing child into her heart and holds it there for a live time. Once born, it is the mother's body that offers sustenance for the baby's first months. As the child gains mobility and independence a mother continues to offer a place of refuge, of safety and of unconditional love. Through trials and heartaches, sadness and joy, times of turmoil and times of peace, a mother remains steadfast in her commitment to her child.
Take a few minutes to reflect on the gifts given to you by your mother and mother-like women in your life. Consider the sacrifices these women made for you. Reflect on the blessing that these women have been for you.
With this, I offer thanks to my mother and to all mothers, for the gifts and the sacrifices made for me. Won't you join me in a prayer of gratitude?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Caring
"It was the worst day of my life. They called me into the office, told me that I was no longer working there, asked for my keys and then they escorted me out. After 19 years, it was so humiliating."
"I got lucky. I am new in my workplace, but two of the four people in my department took an early retirement. I am still working, but I feel so guilty knowing that there are many people who are not."
This conversation at a lunch table recently is probably not unique. Many in our communities, in Canada and globally, are experiencing the heart ache of job loss, while others are feeling the emotional pain of surviving with a job knowing that others have lost theirs.
For each of these people the reality will be a little different depending on their age, stage in life and financial situation. But for all of these people the sun will rise in the morning and set each evening. What is important is how they will continue to live each day in their new reality.
No one can survive alone in these tough economic times. This is a great opportunity to grow in our ability to offer support and demonstrate caring for our neighbours. Though financial support is not always an option, spending time with someone in distress is free for us to give.
If you know someone who is a 'survivor' in the workplace or someone who was not, take a little time to listen to their story and offer your support by way of a friendly gesture or kind words. A little time spent caring can go a long way in healing the wounds caused by our economy.
"I got lucky. I am new in my workplace, but two of the four people in my department took an early retirement. I am still working, but I feel so guilty knowing that there are many people who are not."
This conversation at a lunch table recently is probably not unique. Many in our communities, in Canada and globally, are experiencing the heart ache of job loss, while others are feeling the emotional pain of surviving with a job knowing that others have lost theirs.
For each of these people the reality will be a little different depending on their age, stage in life and financial situation. But for all of these people the sun will rise in the morning and set each evening. What is important is how they will continue to live each day in their new reality.
No one can survive alone in these tough economic times. This is a great opportunity to grow in our ability to offer support and demonstrate caring for our neighbours. Though financial support is not always an option, spending time with someone in distress is free for us to give.
If you know someone who is a 'survivor' in the workplace or someone who was not, take a little time to listen to their story and offer your support by way of a friendly gesture or kind words. A little time spent caring can go a long way in healing the wounds caused by our economy.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Gift
Every once in a while we are privileged to be part of an extraordinary moment. Take a few minutes to watch the following video on You tube of Susan Boyle; be sure to continue watch it until its conclusion.
As you may have noted in the media and in this video, people in the audience and perhaps some reading this, doubted that this 47 year old single, unemployed woman had any talent when she walked onto that stage.
Susan Boyle's vocal gift took many by surprise that evening.
How often do we judge a person before we get to know their gifts? How many people in our lives have talents and aspirations for those talents that have gone unnoticed or untended?
While it is rare to have a hidden talent such as Susan's, many of us fail to fully use the gifts given to us by our Creator. We often do not express these abilities because we believe that someone, somewhere can do this better, or that we are not good enough, or we believe that we are too shy. We are not given gifts to keep hidden, but to use them and to develop them fully.
Consider all of the marvelous talents that you and those around you possess. How can you take these gifts and use them to help in your community or with your family, to glorify the God who gave these to you? Perhaps there is a hidden Susan Boyle in you waiting for the chance to be set free.
As you may have noted in the media and in this video, people in the audience and perhaps some reading this, doubted that this 47 year old single, unemployed woman had any talent when she walked onto that stage.
Susan Boyle's vocal gift took many by surprise that evening.
How often do we judge a person before we get to know their gifts? How many people in our lives have talents and aspirations for those talents that have gone unnoticed or untended?
While it is rare to have a hidden talent such as Susan's, many of us fail to fully use the gifts given to us by our Creator. We often do not express these abilities because we believe that someone, somewhere can do this better, or that we are not good enough, or we believe that we are too shy. We are not given gifts to keep hidden, but to use them and to develop them fully.
Consider all of the marvelous talents that you and those around you possess. How can you take these gifts and use them to help in your community or with your family, to glorify the God who gave these to you? Perhaps there is a hidden Susan Boyle in you waiting for the chance to be set free.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Veronica
Earlier this week, while taking part in a Good Friday service, one of my young friends commented to me with great delight that we were wearing the same shoes.
As people journeying together we often look for similarities. The more we are "like" someone else, the greater the possibility we will seek friendship with that person. We often seek friendship with others of the same age group or gender; we enjoy time with people do activities that we also enjoy; we strike up conversation with another who is carrying the book of the same title as the one we are reading. As humans we are drawn to others who are similar to us.
So what was it in Jesus's plight as He dragged his cross up the road to Golgatha that drew Veronica's attention? What did she see in Jesus, covered in sweat, bleeding from wounds brought on by his handlers, that made her rush from the crowds? Why did she push beyond the guards to wipe Jesus's face? What similaries did Veronica share with that prisoner being lead to his death?
Do you have a Veronica in your life? Which of your friends would be there for you when no one else seems to care? Who would stand up for you? Who would stand with you through tough times?
If you have such a person in your life, give her a call to say thank you. Cherish the wisdom of this friend. Use this example of unfailing friendship as a model for your relationships.
Next time you see someone experiencing a tough time, consider Veronica, and offer your support. The help you offer today may become a brave model for others in the future.
As people journeying together we often look for similarities. The more we are "like" someone else, the greater the possibility we will seek friendship with that person. We often seek friendship with others of the same age group or gender; we enjoy time with people do activities that we also enjoy; we strike up conversation with another who is carrying the book of the same title as the one we are reading. As humans we are drawn to others who are similar to us.
So what was it in Jesus's plight as He dragged his cross up the road to Golgatha that drew Veronica's attention? What did she see in Jesus, covered in sweat, bleeding from wounds brought on by his handlers, that made her rush from the crowds? Why did she push beyond the guards to wipe Jesus's face? What similaries did Veronica share with that prisoner being lead to his death?
Do you have a Veronica in your life? Which of your friends would be there for you when no one else seems to care? Who would stand up for you? Who would stand with you through tough times?
If you have such a person in your life, give her a call to say thank you. Cherish the wisdom of this friend. Use this example of unfailing friendship as a model for your relationships.
Next time you see someone experiencing a tough time, consider Veronica, and offer your support. The help you offer today may become a brave model for others in the future.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Journey
In this part of the world families involved with the education system are familiar with the yearly March Break. Many, taking advantage of a week without school, spend time relaxing or vacationing with family. Some celebrate winter on the slopes while others seek sunnier climates to escape the winter's chill.
As my family packed for our week long get-away, complete with warm weather clothing, IPods, laptops, cellphones and other 'necessities', I paused to reflect on the amazing journey that Jesus's disciples took many years ago.
At Jesus's call the disciples left their work, their families and their lives to follow Jesus and spread the Good News.
How difficult would it be for me, my family or many of my friends to abandon everything that we know and follow our beliefs? Can we leave behind the comforts of home and the trappings of 'civilization' not knowing where our next meal would come from or where we would spend our nights? What challenges would we face legally and financially in pursuing this call from God?
I do not doubt that the disciples faced challenges from family and friends as they left to follow Christ. I am sure that on occassion they may have wondered about where food or lodgings would be found. And yet, the Lord provided for them.
Most of us are not asked to abandon life as we know it, we are asked only to follow and to proclaim from our present positions. Yet how many of us are prepared to accept that challenge?
Our journey on this earth is brief, are we ready to listen to His call and follow where He leads?
As my family packed for our week long get-away, complete with warm weather clothing, IPods, laptops, cellphones and other 'necessities', I paused to reflect on the amazing journey that Jesus's disciples took many years ago.
At Jesus's call the disciples left their work, their families and their lives to follow Jesus and spread the Good News.
How difficult would it be for me, my family or many of my friends to abandon everything that we know and follow our beliefs? Can we leave behind the comforts of home and the trappings of 'civilization' not knowing where our next meal would come from or where we would spend our nights? What challenges would we face legally and financially in pursuing this call from God?
I do not doubt that the disciples faced challenges from family and friends as they left to follow Christ. I am sure that on occassion they may have wondered about where food or lodgings would be found. And yet, the Lord provided for them.
Most of us are not asked to abandon life as we know it, we are asked only to follow and to proclaim from our present positions. Yet how many of us are prepared to accept that challenge?
Our journey on this earth is brief, are we ready to listen to His call and follow where He leads?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Human recall notice
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed 'Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality,' or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, JESUS, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, JESUS will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.
DANGER:
The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'.
Because He Lives!
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed 'Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality,' or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, JESUS, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, JESUS will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.
DANGER:
The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility.
Thank you for your attention!
GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'.
Because He Lives!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Time in Eternity
"I'm turning six soon" said my young friend.
"How wonderful," I answered, "When is your birthday?"
"April 6th", she responded, "It's during March Break!"
While some may question my young friend's awareness of the working of our calendar. I paused to reflect on how right she was.
Time is a human thing. We invented the calendar and the clock in an effort to establish order in our world. We have become slaves to this thinking.
We panic that we will be late for an appointment. We wait patiently for days to pass until our next vacation, birthday or rendezvous. Distances traveled are often marked by minutes or hours. Some of us carefully plan each moment of our day.
Yet, in the end, what is time but an invention of man?
I imagine that time in Heaven is limitless and undefined. An hour, a minute or a year each pass in the same way...unmarked.
Because eternity is infinite, there is no need mark it. Conversely, marking time in Heaven is futile, because human time does not exist. Hence, like my young friend's impression of her April birthday occurring during March Break, anything is possible.
When a loved one passes from this world to the next, those in mourning long for the day when they will be reunited. For those left behind, each day may feel like eternity. For our loved ones, in a timeless Heaven, that same time may feel like only a moment or two.
We are so loved by our Creator, that we have been promised eternal life. Knowing that we will be reunited with those who have moved on and imagining that, for those loved ones, time is unmarked; we must continue to live each day and praise God for His tremendous gift and loving promise of life in eternity with Him.
Such amazing wisdom from a little friend about to turn six!
"How wonderful," I answered, "When is your birthday?"
"April 6th", she responded, "It's during March Break!"
While some may question my young friend's awareness of the working of our calendar. I paused to reflect on how right she was.
Time is a human thing. We invented the calendar and the clock in an effort to establish order in our world. We have become slaves to this thinking.
We panic that we will be late for an appointment. We wait patiently for days to pass until our next vacation, birthday or rendezvous. Distances traveled are often marked by minutes or hours. Some of us carefully plan each moment of our day.
Yet, in the end, what is time but an invention of man?
I imagine that time in Heaven is limitless and undefined. An hour, a minute or a year each pass in the same way...unmarked.
Because eternity is infinite, there is no need mark it. Conversely, marking time in Heaven is futile, because human time does not exist. Hence, like my young friend's impression of her April birthday occurring during March Break, anything is possible.
When a loved one passes from this world to the next, those in mourning long for the day when they will be reunited. For those left behind, each day may feel like eternity. For our loved ones, in a timeless Heaven, that same time may feel like only a moment or two.
We are so loved by our Creator, that we have been promised eternal life. Knowing that we will be reunited with those who have moved on and imagining that, for those loved ones, time is unmarked; we must continue to live each day and praise God for His tremendous gift and loving promise of life in eternity with Him.
Such amazing wisdom from a little friend about to turn six!
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