SET FREE

SET FREE

Setting free the inconveniences in life means there is more time to enjoy the blessings!

~ Marie T. Morrison~

GETTING STUCK

GETTING STUCK

To think only of the injustices of yesterday makes a soul become still, hardening like a stone. Releasing the mind of times past allows God’s daily blessings to shine forth, keeping the emotions flowing with love and gratitude.

~Marie T. Morrison~

THE BOUQUET

THE BOUQUET

Place on the table today a bouquet of remarkable blessings, amazing joy and delightful serenity.

~Marie T. Morrison~

 

HARMONY OF GOODNESS

God molds each of us with unique gifts and talents. When they are shared, many creatures are blessed. A harmony of blessings embodies a community, one filled with tranquility, peace and love.

~Marie T. Morrison~

 

NOTHING SPOKEN

A tear in the eye, a hug given to console. Laughter over a child taking those first steps, all clapping hands in joy. Walking into the cold ocean, grabbing the hand of the person nearby to share that instant shiver. Sadness over the loss of a pet, facial
expressions shared in sorrow. Eating a delicious meal, eyes bright, nodding in agreement how tasty it is. Not one word has been spoken, as no one understands the language of the other. The silence brings an inseparable bond, carrying a vibrant noise of God's blessings and love.
~Marie T. Morrison~

HARD WORK AND WEAKNESS

HARD WORK AND WEAKNESS

A friend of mine wanted to become a deacon in our parish. He attended my classes, one among many, being pulled by the Lord, to learn more about the faith. How excited he was, going through the interview process,waiting for the acceptance letter. The mailbox remained empty, bringing tears to all of us knowing him. We offered our words of comfort, not understanding, upset that this outstanding man in our community was turned away.

This gentleman was discouraged, but he did not stop believing in what God gives, nor did he turn away from his faith. He did not dwell in what was not, feeling there was something else in store for him. We prayed with him, asking our Lord to lead this generous, committed,somewhat quiet man toward the path he should take on his spiritual journey.

Within weeks, my friend began talking a new community project starting in our town, an inter-faith shelter for the homeless. He attended a few of the meetings, quite interested in how the shelter would help many, no matter their background. His eyes had a new look to them, a sparkle of excitement, his voice raising a pitch as he spoke. Those in my class laughed, knowing he was now taking the path he was meant to follow.

We began to see less of him at the once a week class; we knew where he was. I got a phone call weeks later, apologizing for not attending, he had been so busy, going beyond meeting attendance, now doing the labor with others to make the shelter come true. His commitment was now toward the homeless, I told him. I loved having him in my group, but this is where God wanted him. Instead of being a deacon for one group of people, he was being there for a large community. He was too valuable to only be in one place! “Tom's Place” is even what some of those needing help started to call the shelter where he worked, giving his own time and energy, night and day. Hearing this, he grins, but says there are many making this mission a success.

If it were not for the hard work of Tom and those like him, the homeless would be outside in the freezing temperatures. There would be no food to eat , a place to sleep, a place to feel safe. There would be no place to call 'home.' What a blessing it is, for all of those choosing to give rather than to receive.

~Marie T. Morrison~


In everything I have shown you that, by working hard, we must help the weak. In this way we remember the Lord Jesus' words: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:25 (Common English Bible)
http:CommonEnglishBible.com

TIME OUT

In this week of school exams, hectic shopping and rushing to get here and there, remember our Lord. Take a moment or two and spend time to pray and converse with Him. Listen to His words of wisdom and understanding. He will give you the strength and planning to carry you through, as well as His blessings!

The LORD'S spirit will rest upon him,a spirit of wisdom and understanding,a spirit of planning and strength. Isaiah 11:2 (Common English Bible)

HOPE

H old on, don’t let go.
O ffer prayers to God, asking for His blessings during the difficult times.
P ersevere, stay strong, remember you are never alone.
E ndure what is given to you, because yes, things do get better!
~Marie T. Morrison~

GOD’S GIFTS

What are God’s gifts? They are the ones that make us burst into smile. They have us take a small leap of excitement, even while seated. They fill our hearts with a passion that is not describable. None is a task, but pure joy. As you share your gifts, others can feel your love, all filled with God’s Spirit and blessings. The passion never ends, nor do the blessings!
~Marie T. Morrison~

MY GUEST

I felt
a touch of breeze
as I sat
on my cushioned bench
in my heavenly garden,
filled with every shade
of green, purple, orange,
yellow, pink and white.
The light wind
carried with it
savory scents,
all so delicate,
yet rich enough
to fill a kingdom.


As I smiled,
Inhaling the luscious fragrances,
there was
a second touch of breeze,
lightly brushing my cheeks.
I knew I had company,
the Holy Spirit joining me.
Using the most delicate
of artistry,
my guest filled me
with many blessings,
before gently moving on.

~Marie T. Morrison~

A BRUSH OF THE CHEEK

A BRUSH OF THE CHEEK
A touch of breeze may lightly brush your cheek. Smile, knowing it is a visit from the Holy Spirit, leaving you with an stroke of blessings, before it gently moves on.
~Marie T. Morrison~

BLESSING US

May we bless God, as He blesses us!

~Marie T. Morrison~

GRADUATION

Watched my 18 year old graduate this morning, while sitting in my wheelchair and looking out on the football field where the graduates sat. God had the sun shining upon us on this memorable day. Many blessings to all the graduates, feeling the spirituality surrounding them as they venture forth!

UNEXPECTED

In the musical performed by my daughter's theater class this weekend, there was a humorous line which has stayed with me. One cast member said it was an 'unexpected' surprise, the other cast member asked if there was really any other kind of surprise. It set all of us laughing. In Stephen King's book “On Writing,” these are the things we need to learn about. If it is a surprise, it is of course unexpected!

There is much in life which is unexpected. There can be an untimely death, an undiagnosed illness, or coming across a friend from long ago, sitting right across you at the cafe. The unexpected can also bring about new friends, within the workplace, at a Church committee meeting, or the sitting across from someone at that same cafe.

We should never turn our head when the unexpected happens. Rather, we should accept it with God's redeeming grace. I remember sitting across from a stranger at cafe, many years ago. She was alone, with a little one, about the same size as our little one, both us having the baby carrier sitting upon the tables We asked her to join us. Exchanging a discourse on what each of us did for a living, it came out that someone at her husband's work, the putting together of a major film, was looking for a private tutor during the works of putting together the film. Phone numbers were exchanged, and within days, I was tutoring two children during the duration of the filming of this film. It was a fun experience, though I kept wishing it would be Robert Redford picking up the children at my door, rather than their nanny.

I had hoped, it would lead to more tutoring, but it did not happen. I had not gone out to assert myself to gather new clients. How would anyone know about me if I didn't let them know I was here, expressing my beliefs in how I, as a teacher could educate their child while they were on set!

It is the same today; how is anyone going to know about the good Lord's Grace and His Spirit, to be shared among others, if we keep silent? We need to live our lives in a way where we are never too distant, now saying what we truly believe in. We must feel the power of Christ as we go out to reach others. We are not to ignore the filthy guy asleep on the sidewalk, the person asking for help with his car, nor the person attending to every day needs. These people can be the ones to turn our lives around, just as Abraham did in the Old Testament, saying there is only one God, and this is the God to be worshiped. God is the one sending others to be part of us, recalling our own rule under Him; to always kneel, washing of the feet of our brethren, not looking at the conditions of our brother or sister.

Just as I had hoped for other movie clientèle to come visit me, we hope others will go find God. In either instance, it does not happen by itself. I needed to bring myself to the film office, to say I was there, ready to serve. In the same way, we need to bring ourselves and others to God, ready to serve Him at all costs. At times, we may feel this is impossible. It is then we must remember the Scripture of Matthew 20:17, where we read our re you God saying, 'I assure you that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can see to this hill, “Go from here to there!” and it will go. DO have the faith. It is what keeps each of us moving!

Reflect upon your love for God. Pray, meditate. Ask Him how you can you do everything, serving Him at all possible times. May you become closer to our dear Lord as you open the shuttered windows, inviting Him in, telling Him you will do all possible to have a better life, blessed with His Grace!

WHAT I WITNESSED TODAY-edited

Here it is, nearly 2:30 AM. Yes, I often have insomnia! I cannot get out of my mind what I witnessed within the last 12 hours. To start, I could not find a parking spot close to the place I had an appointment. I did see a truck in the handicapped place, with a man behind the wheel, no handicapped card in view. I was ready to ask him, in a polite voice, if he needed the place, or if he was waiting for someone. When I called out hello,he turned to my voice;it was someone I knew, who indeed needed the handicapped place. I parked further on. My thought was that even though it was a downhill ride in my wheelchair to my destination, I would have quite a trip on the uphill grade afterwards.

Of course, just as I rolled past the driver in the place across from where I had to visit, and had hoped to park, he drove away. I saw him only text messaging when I had arrived; it looked like he had finished the conversation. I laughed to myself, saying this is how it always went for me.

After my appointment, it was then time to return to my car. I was ready for my uphill journey, knowing I had a challenge in front of me. I smiled, telling God I knew I could do it, my arm muscles had become strong.

Beside where I had parked, I witnessed a woman trying to gather her fifteen plus bags of groceries, trying to figure out a way she could carry them. As I pushed my chair upwards, I saw her try all sorts of ways to carry all of these bags.

My frame of mind changed. I was no longer thinking of how I was going to make it to the car, to how is she planning to carry all of those groceries. There was no way she could do this by herself.

As I got closer, I called out to her, asking if she was attempting to carry all of those groceries by herself; she said yes, she was trying. I admired her, for getting as far as she did, about a block from the grocery. I had no idea where she was going, but I knew she could not do this alone. I said I would drive her to her home.

What a sweet woman she was. She immediately introduced herself to me. To think she did this often, yet I thought a challenge was to make it to the car in an uphill parking lot.

God put my mind in the proper prospective right then and there. If I wanted to know what a challenge was, let me see what was really a hardship. I thank Him for that!

God had one more idea in store. In my trunk, I had a box of clothes I had washed and folded, to deliver to Goodwill. As this sweet woman was taking the last of her groceries from my trunk to her front door, I told her she could take this box if she wished. She did take it, telling me "God Bless You!" as she walked away.

I called out "And may God Bless You!" as she left me. I was the one who was truly blessed. God was showing me that though I have challenges, others have ones that are somewhat tougher than mine. I thank our dear Lord for this message. This one woman has blessed me more than she will ever know.

THE SHACK

I just finished reading the novel, The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. It is a spiritual book, one I will be recommending to many. The story starts with one family’s sadness. Because of it, there is a learning how God is with us at all times, not against us, when something terrible happens. The father in the story is in anger, which anyone of us would be, if we experienced a similar tragedy. Taking on human images, God, His Son and the Holy Spirit go through the process of talking to the father, all taking place at a mountain shack, close to the place where the sadness began.

This is a beautifully written book. I read it in two days, not wanting to stop. One feels as if God is actually speaking.  In a way He is, using the author to have His words expressed. It makes sense in all that is said, in this 248 page book. I was surprised to see it had this many pages when I put the book down, as it seemed less than 100, with one page flowing to the next. I sound as if I am writing a review for the author. It is more I am writing a review of how wonderful God is, even in times of terror and agony. It helps me understand what those who have passed away unexpectedly are saying to us, and gives the reason for forgiveness so one may continue a wondrous life with God.  It is written in ‘down to earth’ terminology  on what we are to do and how it can help those left behind.

I just finished it, but I would not mind picking it up and reading it again, right at this very moment.  There are endless words of wisdom told to the father of the story, ones we can easily and readily apply in our own lives.

It is a book apropos to this very day, Good Friday. Here is an innocent person, Jesus Christ, going through agony, ridicule, betrayal, torture and death. Jesus prays for forgiveness of those who tormented Him.  We wonder how He could do this. Yet, it is explained with such tenderness, love and beauty in this book. It makes me love Christ more than I already do. For those who know me, you are aware how much I love our God. What a huge impact this simple book can leave on the soul.

As I read the book, I could feel my cheeks begin to feel a bit sensitive; it was because I was smiling all the while because of the words written.  I feel myself still smiling at this very moment! You will think of those you love, having much more acceptance of all of God’s children, no matter where they are in their lives, whether good or evil.

The Shack has a website, http://www.theshack.com, where you can read a few excerpts from the book. This is a different kind of blog I have written today.  But, oh, what a difference this read can make in your life.  You will not forget it. You will look at life, nature and everything in between in a whole new way.

God Bless all of you, as we feel the passion of Christ today, praising his love, acceptance and forgiveness for all.  We thank our Lord for His abundance of caring, ever-so bountiful kindness and gentleness. We proclaim our love for Him, as He fulfills our spirit and souls with his Spirit, making us face whatever is given to us, no matter how hard it is. We understand that being divine, He is with us wherever we are. We cannot shield ourselves from Him.  He will find us, because of His love for us, never wanting us to face anything alone. We are part of His grace. How joyous it is!

CLIMBING TO ACHIEVEMENT

     CLIMBING TO ACHIEVEMENT

Happy New Year 2010!  It seems as if it was only yesterday we were wondering what would happen at the turn of the new century. The blackout never happened, and people quickly made the transition of writing '20' for the first two numbers of the year, saying goodbye to number 19. Conversations included how there would be positive changes in individual lifestyles. I wonder now how many people can remember what they said during the course of those conversations.  We can hardly remember what was to be a life changing decision for 2009!  

          Years ago, I decided to write down my own changes for the New Year, narrowing my list to five.  I decided not to call them resolutions, naming them 'goals.'  It would be much easier for me.  There was not a concern about breaking a resolution. I might briefly fall away from my goal, but I could get back up and resume my climb to achievement. I did obtain my goals. Gradually, they became a natural part of my life, which was one of my wishes. 

         My first goal that year was the most important, to become more spiritual. Those around me laughed, wondering how I could improve my already strong spirituality. I knew there was much more out there! I began to take classes, read religious works and volunteered often in religious instruction. I laughed to myself one day, realizing I was facilitating four classes a week. l enjoyed my audiences, ranging from age seven to those over 65 years old. I have loved those I have gotten to know, richly benefitting from their own spirituality.
        God continues to bless each and everyone one of us with His own Spirit. He has created us to be individuals, where the teaching and learning from one another never ends!

GIVE-AWAY

It’s been 20 years, but I still have a memory of a boy about 13  years old standing in the street selling newspapers. He had  a thin shirt on, shivering.  I rolled down my window,  asking him where his coat was.  He said he didn’t have one.  To this day, I wonder why I didn’t hand him my jacket. Learning from this, I  keep extra coats in my car, as well as gloves, neck scarves and hats.  I carry boxes of raisins and snack crackers to give to those begging at intersections.  In the summer, I carry cold water bottles.  As they light up, I see how a little something can mean so much. All of us should ‘give away,’ as many are hungry and cold. Our closets have items no longer worn.  Post holiday sales are great for stocking  up on hats and gloves. Pray to our Lord how thankful we are, blessed to reach out to someone else.

Radiance

We often say how our heart is filled with warmth at a particular moment, as something special happens in our lives.. But what we forget to say is how our Spirit is also filled with warmth.  This is where the glow is starting from, the fire burning within the Holy Spirit. From there, it radiates out, warming our hearts and our souls, with our eyes radiating, as if, they, too are feeling the fire of the Spirit. May you feel the warm blessings of the Holy Spirit today, letting your sparkling eyes reach out to others, bringing a joy to all of you!

Spirituality-What It Means To Me

1. First, I would define spirituality as a 'presence' I feel in myself and in others. It appears to have a calmness about it, which radiates from within. As it radiates, it transcends its calmness to the next person. A breath is inhaled, allowing the spirituality to enter, allowing this human being to also feel the calmness.
   
   Spirituality is seen in the eyes of the carrier, as they take on a glow of happiness. As they shine, it cannot be helped but to begin to feel the same luminosity within oneself, shining with the warmness of intense love and caring. It is God's own love and caring being present, as we absorb what those eyes are telling us.
   
   Spirituality is seen in the smile. The smile which is full of blessings, thanking God for the gift of life, for the gift of feeling His presence, no matter where the smile carries us. The smile spreads from one person to the next, as God fulfills each and everyone with His passion for all of His children.
   
   Spirituality is in the way one listens to another. It is taking time to hear what is being said, commenting on what is heard. It is taking the message told and acting upon it, whether it is with a hug, a prayer, or the lighting of a candle. It is being there for someone after knowing what has been told to another.
   
   It is felt within the heart. The heart is strong, filled with warmth, reaching out to others. It is going beyond oneself, to always offer a hand, an ear, a voice, an observance, to those surrounding us.
   
   It is understanding. No judgments are made. It is nodding one's head, in agreement to what is occurring in the lives of our fellow brethren. It is showing one will be there for our brothers and sisters, no matter what.
   
   It is acting upon faith and displaying faith. It is living the way God wants to to live, based upon our strong belief in Him. It is never giving up, to continue to live the faith, how having God in a one's life serves as a continuing inspiration so many can see how wonderful life is, in spite of the downfalls we endure.
   
   It is never feeling alone. It is knowing the Holy Spirit dwells within us, never leaving us, not even for a given moment. It is always feeling His love, warmth, care, attention and thoughts, day and night, throughout our lives, in this Kingdom and in the next.