RADIANT
May the radiant light of our Lord fill your heart with great warmth and joy!
~Marie T. Morrison~
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label joy. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
SPIRITUAL JOY
SPIRITUAL JOY
Seeing the angelic face of rapturous innocence imbibes the soul with spiritual joy.~Marie T. Morrison~
Sunday, January 27, 2013
PERISHABLE OR INDESTRUCTIBLE
PERISHABLE OR INDESTRUCTIBLE
Material goods bring temporary joy. Things with a heart bring everlasting happiness and love.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Saturday, January 5, 2013
THE BOUQUET
THE
BOUQUET
Place on the table
today a bouquet of remarkable blessings, amazing joy and delightful serenity.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
SPECIAL GIFTS OF KINDNESS
Holding on to
something special, I saw it removed from my hands, given to someone else. Others
not knowing my emptiness filled the void in no time, approaching me with
excitement, one with a beautiful, spiritual gift, another with an unexpected gift
of praise. It made me see how kindness overrides unkindness, that the Holy
Spirit is ever-present to bring us joy.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
HOLD THE LIGHT
Doing goodness for another can bring out an unexpected joy, relieving one out of the depths of sadness. It is God’s Will at work, having others bring a calm voice, a warm hug or a cheerful hello to someone in despair. The actions and words will hold the light out of the darkness for a long time.
~Marie T. Morrison~
~Marie T. Morrison~
Sunday, February 12, 2012
OUR FINAL RIDE
Our last ride in life will be an exquisite one. The angels will come, finding where we are by the bright glow surrounding us. It is our souls they see adrift, made up of a myriad of transparent colors, waves of purple, green, yellow, pink and white. With their immense and majestic heavenly wings, they will swoop down to pick us up and carry us, leaving a trail of light as they quickly disappear into the sky. Those we have left behind need only smile, as the journey to our glorious home has been filled with an unexplainable love, peace, and joy.
~Marie T. Morrison~
~Marie T. Morrison~
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
THE SHARING
"Among all things, who hasn't known that the LORD's hand did this, In whose grasp is the life of everything, the breath of every person?" Job 12:9-10
Job continues to be an inspiration on what faith is about. No matter how tough life got, he looked at life as something given to him by the Lord's hand. In his own pain, he knows that without God, there would be no air. Without the air, we cannot breathe in God's glory. Without His glory, there could be no excitement and anticipation of His Son birth, bringing a new beginning to the world. Because of His Son's later pain and sacrifice, mankind was saved. Mankind offers us the sharing of God's faith, love, peace, grace, joy and mercy, now and forever.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Job continues to be an inspiration on what faith is about. No matter how tough life got, he looked at life as something given to him by the Lord's hand. In his own pain, he knows that without God, there would be no air. Without the air, we cannot breathe in God's glory. Without His glory, there could be no excitement and anticipation of His Son birth, bringing a new beginning to the world. Because of His Son's later pain and sacrifice, mankind was saved. Mankind offers us the sharing of God's faith, love, peace, grace, joy and mercy, now and forever.
~Marie T. Morrison~
Sunday, June 12, 2011
ON FIRE WITH JOY!
Feel the flame of the Holy Spirit heat up your mind, body and soul, refreshing your life, moving your spirit to live out God's joy each day! ~Marie T. Morrison~
Sunday, December 5, 2010
SEEKING
In every life, there are mountains to climb, reaching the hope we are seeking. There are valleys below, ready to bury anger, leaving a harmony of silence behind. Seeds blow, embedding their roots deep into the soil wherever we walk, blossoming into petals of angel wings. Mazes of winding rivers and clear lakes are anxious to wash away sadness, misdeeds and guilt. Contentment and joy remain, filling the soul. The spirit triumphs. A prayer to God is made, feeling blessed to live in His world.
~Marie Morrison~
~Marie Morrison~
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
THE WRONG NUMBER
Not long ago, I answered the phone, with caller asking if a Sandra was there. I immediately recognized the voice on the other end. She and her husband were on the same educational tour I took of Europe, nearly 30 years ago. After the tour, we stayed in touch through handwritten letters, as there was no e-mail back then. In time, our lives got busy, losing touch with one another. I always wondered how she and her husband were doing; now she was on the other end of the phone!
I told her this was not Sandra’s number, a neighbor of hers in Texas, but Marie, a person from the tour so long ago. She is in her eighties now. It took awhile for her to recall who I was, but after a minute or so, all the memories of our three weeks together returned.
Neither one of us know how she called me, as it wasn’t close to the number she was dialing, much less being in the same state! It was a joy to visit, though bittersweet, as she told me of her husband’s passing three years ago. The love story she told me that day, of the two of them, brought tears to my eyes. She was with him until his last breath, speaking of their love for one another until he shut his eyes for the last time.
I promised her I would send her a photo of my family. She got a giggle in her voice, saying that only ten days before, she had pulled out my letters from the past and photos I had sent. She, too, was wondering how I was doing, as she read the letters from long ago. Now, here I was on the phone, by her dialing a wrong number! Both of us said God had to have a part in this.
She did not get to reach Sandra through her phone call that afternoon. Rather, we both received an unanticipated joy, flooding us with beautiful memories. Tears and laughter shared reminded us just how precious and dear life is.
I told her this was not Sandra’s number, a neighbor of hers in Texas, but Marie, a person from the tour so long ago. She is in her eighties now. It took awhile for her to recall who I was, but after a minute or so, all the memories of our three weeks together returned.
Neither one of us know how she called me, as it wasn’t close to the number she was dialing, much less being in the same state! It was a joy to visit, though bittersweet, as she told me of her husband’s passing three years ago. The love story she told me that day, of the two of them, brought tears to my eyes. She was with him until his last breath, speaking of their love for one another until he shut his eyes for the last time.
I promised her I would send her a photo of my family. She got a giggle in her voice, saying that only ten days before, she had pulled out my letters from the past and photos I had sent. She, too, was wondering how I was doing, as she read the letters from long ago. Now, here I was on the phone, by her dialing a wrong number! Both of us said God had to have a part in this.
She did not get to reach Sandra through her phone call that afternoon. Rather, we both received an unanticipated joy, flooding us with beautiful memories. Tears and laughter shared reminded us just how precious and dear life is.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A LOSS IN OUR DAILY LIVES
Somehow, through the years, the giving of respect and dignity for one another has dissipated. There was courtesy shared between all. Now, it seems it is only given to those within our own cast of people. A group of adults who have their children in a private school would not associate with those who receive a public education and vice versa. Criticisms are stated if one is not within a social group. Even the simple ‘hello’ shouted out to one another on the street has disappeared, keeping eyes straight ahead, as one passes by.
We have all heard about the woman collapsing in the emergency room, with no one going over to assist her, passing away right there. No one bothered to tend to her even then. Everyone seems to be lost in his or her own little worlds.
Now, not everyone is like this, but is happening more often. When I was in college, people popped by to meet one another at the table in the dining hall or calling out a greeting as all were rushing to classes. In the classroom itself, there were more friendly greetings. Within minutes, names were exchanged and new friendships formed. My daughter, in her third year of school, said this does not happen anymore. At the beginning of her freshman year, she was assigned to a suite of four bedrooms, with a common kitchen and living space. I imagined all kinds of fun going on through the school year, as they shared stories over popcorn and hot chocolate. Instead, no one would speak to one another! My daughter tried, but they were not interested. One night, at the end of school, she called excitedly, to say one of them asked her to join her and her friends for a movie and popcorn. To think it took nine months for this to happen! A friend told me a similar story of her own daughter, at another university. Tears have been shed, saying no one wants to get together to ‘hang out, all wanting to stay with friends previously known. Her daughter is a precious young woman; I would be running up to say hi, eager to have her as a friend.
The homeless are also ignored. I told my teens the story of a homeless man leaning against the wall near the entrance of our Church. He was seated, his back against the wall, on this cold evening. His head was down, as if he was asleep. He had on a dirty hat, filthy pants and hands, an orange and a dollar bill near his feet. My children were quite young, gasping to see him, eyes having a look of fear in them. I quietly told them not to stare and to say a prayer for a safety as we hurried by. During the priest’s homily that evening, this man began to walk down the aisle, using a tree branch for a walking stick. You could hear the shuffle of everyone in their seats and little gasps of surprise, as he continued to walk down the aisle, head down. Not one of us reached out to help him. He stopped in front of the priest.
Father told us this man was actually not homeless, that it was an experiment to see how the congregation would respond to him. He asked how many of us had seen him, with all hands going up in the air. He then asked how many stopped to see if he was okay. Now, the hands went down. Father said only one person had stopped, to give him his coat, taking it off his own warm body to place over him. All of us felt rightfully ashamed. How could we treat another of God’s creatures as we did? Father asked the owner of the coat to come retrieve it; a 15-year-old young man walked down the aisle! Think that a teenager did respect him with dignity, but the rest of us hurriedly walked by! Yes, I told my children not to stare and to say a prayer, but I did not open my purse to hand over a few bills!
I asked my current group of teens if they see a certain homeless man walking the streets of our town. One of them asked if I was describing the man who wore a dirty coat. I affirmed that was the one. He said all the kids call him “Smilin’ Joe,” as he was always smiling as he walked. I thought that was a great name, but his real name is George. My husband saw him standing outside the store one day, asking him if he could buy him a cup of coffee. He readily accepted. As he spoke, my husband said what a beautiful, deep voice he had. At one time, he had a terrific job with a great salary, but those days are now gone. He chose to walk everywhere and anywhere each day, no mission in mind. He was not an evil character, an alcoholic, or involved in drugs. He survived by people handing him a dollar for a burrito, sandwiches given to him or enjoying that cup of coffee. If my husband had not stopped to share a moment with him, we would have never known this special someone, practicing a life of endurance, character and hope, just as God would have each of us experience. He was more of an example of living in the image of God than many of us. We need to adopt that smile he gives everyone, not carrying a bad thought in his mind. This is what dignity is actually about.
Of course, I did have a friend who walked over to someone in a restaurant who looked homeless, handing him a cup of coffee. The man was puzzled why she would do such a thing. She responded to not worry about it, just enjoy the coffee. She continued to watch the man from her table. Soon, a cashier came over with several sacks of food, saying his phone order was ready! The man asked why that woman gave him the coffee; he was not even sure if he should drink it, unsure of its contents. The cashier smiled to say the coffee was okay, a nice customer wanted to help someone out! As she told the story to several of us, we could not stop laughing. We said maybe that he wanted to dress up a little more before he went to pick up ‘carry out!’ However, she did reach out, again not caring about one’s background!
God created each of us in His image. We carry His Spirit within our hearts; people have forgotten this. We are blessed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, those of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Yet, we do not always practice the gentleness of God as we go through our days. Our minds tend to overflow with matters in our own lives, rather than realizing everyone needs to have that human touch. It does not matter whether one is rich or poor, dirty or clean, ill or well, of one ethnicity and not another, a busybody or a quiet person. What matters is how God wants us to be in our daily lives, to do for others what you want them to do for you, God’s Golden Rule.
It is hard to get rid of old habits, but pray to God to help us make needed changes, giving everyone to have a life filled with dignity, kindness, love and respect.
We have all heard about the woman collapsing in the emergency room, with no one going over to assist her, passing away right there. No one bothered to tend to her even then. Everyone seems to be lost in his or her own little worlds.
Now, not everyone is like this, but is happening more often. When I was in college, people popped by to meet one another at the table in the dining hall or calling out a greeting as all were rushing to classes. In the classroom itself, there were more friendly greetings. Within minutes, names were exchanged and new friendships formed. My daughter, in her third year of school, said this does not happen anymore. At the beginning of her freshman year, she was assigned to a suite of four bedrooms, with a common kitchen and living space. I imagined all kinds of fun going on through the school year, as they shared stories over popcorn and hot chocolate. Instead, no one would speak to one another! My daughter tried, but they were not interested. One night, at the end of school, she called excitedly, to say one of them asked her to join her and her friends for a movie and popcorn. To think it took nine months for this to happen! A friend told me a similar story of her own daughter, at another university. Tears have been shed, saying no one wants to get together to ‘hang out, all wanting to stay with friends previously known. Her daughter is a precious young woman; I would be running up to say hi, eager to have her as a friend.
The homeless are also ignored. I told my teens the story of a homeless man leaning against the wall near the entrance of our Church. He was seated, his back against the wall, on this cold evening. His head was down, as if he was asleep. He had on a dirty hat, filthy pants and hands, an orange and a dollar bill near his feet. My children were quite young, gasping to see him, eyes having a look of fear in them. I quietly told them not to stare and to say a prayer for a safety as we hurried by. During the priest’s homily that evening, this man began to walk down the aisle, using a tree branch for a walking stick. You could hear the shuffle of everyone in their seats and little gasps of surprise, as he continued to walk down the aisle, head down. Not one of us reached out to help him. He stopped in front of the priest.
Father told us this man was actually not homeless, that it was an experiment to see how the congregation would respond to him. He asked how many of us had seen him, with all hands going up in the air. He then asked how many stopped to see if he was okay. Now, the hands went down. Father said only one person had stopped, to give him his coat, taking it off his own warm body to place over him. All of us felt rightfully ashamed. How could we treat another of God’s creatures as we did? Father asked the owner of the coat to come retrieve it; a 15-year-old young man walked down the aisle! Think that a teenager did respect him with dignity, but the rest of us hurriedly walked by! Yes, I told my children not to stare and to say a prayer, but I did not open my purse to hand over a few bills!
I asked my current group of teens if they see a certain homeless man walking the streets of our town. One of them asked if I was describing the man who wore a dirty coat. I affirmed that was the one. He said all the kids call him “Smilin’ Joe,” as he was always smiling as he walked. I thought that was a great name, but his real name is George. My husband saw him standing outside the store one day, asking him if he could buy him a cup of coffee. He readily accepted. As he spoke, my husband said what a beautiful, deep voice he had. At one time, he had a terrific job with a great salary, but those days are now gone. He chose to walk everywhere and anywhere each day, no mission in mind. He was not an evil character, an alcoholic, or involved in drugs. He survived by people handing him a dollar for a burrito, sandwiches given to him or enjoying that cup of coffee. If my husband had not stopped to share a moment with him, we would have never known this special someone, practicing a life of endurance, character and hope, just as God would have each of us experience. He was more of an example of living in the image of God than many of us. We need to adopt that smile he gives everyone, not carrying a bad thought in his mind. This is what dignity is actually about.
Of course, I did have a friend who walked over to someone in a restaurant who looked homeless, handing him a cup of coffee. The man was puzzled why she would do such a thing. She responded to not worry about it, just enjoy the coffee. She continued to watch the man from her table. Soon, a cashier came over with several sacks of food, saying his phone order was ready! The man asked why that woman gave him the coffee; he was not even sure if he should drink it, unsure of its contents. The cashier smiled to say the coffee was okay, a nice customer wanted to help someone out! As she told the story to several of us, we could not stop laughing. We said maybe that he wanted to dress up a little more before he went to pick up ‘carry out!’ However, she did reach out, again not caring about one’s background!
God created each of us in His image. We carry His Spirit within our hearts; people have forgotten this. We are blessed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, those of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. Yet, we do not always practice the gentleness of God as we go through our days. Our minds tend to overflow with matters in our own lives, rather than realizing everyone needs to have that human touch. It does not matter whether one is rich or poor, dirty or clean, ill or well, of one ethnicity and not another, a busybody or a quiet person. What matters is how God wants us to be in our daily lives, to do for others what you want them to do for you, God’s Golden Rule.
It is hard to get rid of old habits, but pray to God to help us make needed changes, giving everyone to have a life filled with dignity, kindness, love and respect.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
HOPING
Spring isn't quite ready to arrive in Santa Fe. It did warm up to 44 degrees today, but we have a couple of months to go before our trees and gardens come to life. However, it doesn't mean I can't enjoy some of those blossoms a bit early. I will clip a few offshoots from the apple tree and forsythia bush, bringing them into the house. Placing them into a vase of water, I will get to see them blossom, bringing a lovely color and fragrance into our home. It is a nice way to keep the spirits up, while the dreary weather lingers on. It leaves us with a sense of hope, of what is to come.
Hope is just what Christ wants us to have. I always think of Job and all he went through. There was one struggle or tragedy after another, but he continued to hope for better things to come. It took awhile, but because of his faith, never giving up, life did get better. The Psalms tell us of having hope in God, aiding us in good times and in bad. Psalm 31:24 tells us, “Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord.” There is even the funny proverb, Proverbs 29:20, “There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”
I love Romans 5:3-5, “We rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us.” Paul gives us an important message in Acts 23:6, “...Fellow Israelites ! I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. I am on trial here because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to life!” How apropos, knowing that at the end of our Lenten season, our sorrow will turn to joy, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.
The Bible uses the word 'hope' about 150 times. It has a powerful meaning, reminding us to always keep our faith, knowing that if God is in our lives, there is always hope.
Hope is just what Christ wants us to have. I always think of Job and all he went through. There was one struggle or tragedy after another, but he continued to hope for better things to come. It took awhile, but because of his faith, never giving up, life did get better. The Psalms tell us of having hope in God, aiding us in good times and in bad. Psalm 31:24 tells us, “Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the Lord.” There is even the funny proverb, Proverbs 29:20, “There is more hope for a stupid fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”
I love Romans 5:3-5, “We rejoice in our sufferings, know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us.” Paul gives us an important message in Acts 23:6, “...Fellow Israelites ! I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. I am on trial here because of the hope I have that the dead will rise to life!” How apropos, knowing that at the end of our Lenten season, our sorrow will turn to joy, as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.
The Bible uses the word 'hope' about 150 times. It has a powerful meaning, reminding us to always keep our faith, knowing that if God is in our lives, there is always hope.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
BIRTHDAY
Today is the 18th birthday of my third and youngest child. Wow! Eighteen! Last night, she was teasing me that since she will be 18, she will go get tattoos and body piercings. As I screamed in horror, she was giving me her big smile.
It is wonderful to have a tight bond with her. She has the same bond with my husband, her dad. As we visited with one another in the living room last night, I couldn't help but think back to the day she was born and the days leading up to her birth. Three months prior to her birthday, I was on bed rest, only being allowed to raise my head by two pillows. Sitting on the bed with me each day were my five year old son and three year old daughter. It was a wonderful time. I could turn on my side, meaning we played many a card and board game. I read them stories and they drew me pictures. It was one of the nicest times in my life. A 'mom' usually has to be cleaning, cooking and doing laundry, throwing in some quality time with the children. Now, I could have quality time with them all day long. What fun we had!
But, at the end of these three months, things took a precarious turn. I was rushed by air ambulance to a hospital in another city, where there would be the medical facilities to treat a premature baby. You see, she would be arriving eight weeks early, and her lungs were not yet developed. We would soon find out there many other complications from arriving early.
She arrived, weighing in at 4 lbs 4 oz. We were thrilled at the weight, which was a plus for her, as well as being a female. The neonatal doctor said the female is a stronger fighter than the male, even from the start! We didn't know, though, from one hour to the next, what condition she would be in. It was a rough five week hospital stay. We brought her home, earlier than the doctors wanted, but the insurance representatives wanted her home. It's funny how they get to make the decisions, isn't it.
Her big brother and sister were delighted to meet her, as they had not been allowed into the neonatal intensive care unit. It was a beautiful homecoming.
During her first year, she had a heart monitor and medications every three hours. She remained tiny, going through months of pain. Once, she cried for 19 straight hours. I never let her out of my arms, trying to soothe her. She cried the next day, too, but she had laryngitis. I continued to hold her next to my heart.
Months turned into years. She continued to prosper, enjoying her physical, occupational and speech therapies. She remained a shy little girl, having a nice group of friends, writing stories which made her teachers think she would be a great author one day. Each wanted to keep an original writing so they could show it to others, saying they knew her when...
She remained to be my shy child, smiling with her big eyes to others, but not speaking. Even to her own family, she spoke with the quietest voice. At age 16, she surprised us by saying she planned to join the teen choir at Church. As she went to her first practice, I sat in the Church, my head down in prayer. Suddenly, I heard a voice which sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps down my arms. My eyes watered, as I said to myself that what I was hearing was the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. Imagine my surprise to see it was my daughter, as I looked up from prayer!
My teen had blossomed into such a spiritual being. Her shyness disappeared. She asked three different churches if she could teach in their Vacation Bible School programs over the summer. At the Children's Museum, she asked if she could also volunteer, which led into a job down the road. She joined the swim team and Key Club, becoming its president. She became involved in another sacred choir and school music productions. God has taken good care of her.
I know none of this would have happened if it weren't for God. He became present in her little soul from the moment she began her life within me. He has carried her through the struggles, the pain, the joys and through all she has wanted to do in her life. He heard everyone asking for His help as she began her fragile life. Hope was always there. Hope does not disappoint us, just as Romans 5:3-5 says, as the love and Spirit of God will endure forever. Thank you, God, for giving me your hope and love, even when I couldn't see the light.
It is wonderful to have a tight bond with her. She has the same bond with my husband, her dad. As we visited with one another in the living room last night, I couldn't help but think back to the day she was born and the days leading up to her birth. Three months prior to her birthday, I was on bed rest, only being allowed to raise my head by two pillows. Sitting on the bed with me each day were my five year old son and three year old daughter. It was a wonderful time. I could turn on my side, meaning we played many a card and board game. I read them stories and they drew me pictures. It was one of the nicest times in my life. A 'mom' usually has to be cleaning, cooking and doing laundry, throwing in some quality time with the children. Now, I could have quality time with them all day long. What fun we had!
But, at the end of these three months, things took a precarious turn. I was rushed by air ambulance to a hospital in another city, where there would be the medical facilities to treat a premature baby. You see, she would be arriving eight weeks early, and her lungs were not yet developed. We would soon find out there many other complications from arriving early.
She arrived, weighing in at 4 lbs 4 oz. We were thrilled at the weight, which was a plus for her, as well as being a female. The neonatal doctor said the female is a stronger fighter than the male, even from the start! We didn't know, though, from one hour to the next, what condition she would be in. It was a rough five week hospital stay. We brought her home, earlier than the doctors wanted, but the insurance representatives wanted her home. It's funny how they get to make the decisions, isn't it.
Her big brother and sister were delighted to meet her, as they had not been allowed into the neonatal intensive care unit. It was a beautiful homecoming.
During her first year, she had a heart monitor and medications every three hours. She remained tiny, going through months of pain. Once, she cried for 19 straight hours. I never let her out of my arms, trying to soothe her. She cried the next day, too, but she had laryngitis. I continued to hold her next to my heart.
Months turned into years. She continued to prosper, enjoying her physical, occupational and speech therapies. She remained a shy little girl, having a nice group of friends, writing stories which made her teachers think she would be a great author one day. Each wanted to keep an original writing so they could show it to others, saying they knew her when...
She remained to be my shy child, smiling with her big eyes to others, but not speaking. Even to her own family, she spoke with the quietest voice. At age 16, she surprised us by saying she planned to join the teen choir at Church. As she went to her first practice, I sat in the Church, my head down in prayer. Suddenly, I heard a voice which sent shivers down my spine and goosebumps down my arms. My eyes watered, as I said to myself that what I was hearing was the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. Imagine my surprise to see it was my daughter, as I looked up from prayer!
My teen had blossomed into such a spiritual being. Her shyness disappeared. She asked three different churches if she could teach in their Vacation Bible School programs over the summer. At the Children's Museum, she asked if she could also volunteer, which led into a job down the road. She joined the swim team and Key Club, becoming its president. She became involved in another sacred choir and school music productions. God has taken good care of her.
I know none of this would have happened if it weren't for God. He became present in her little soul from the moment she began her life within me. He has carried her through the struggles, the pain, the joys and through all she has wanted to do in her life. He heard everyone asking for His help as she began her fragile life. Hope was always there. Hope does not disappoint us, just as Romans 5:3-5 says, as the love and Spirit of God will endure forever. Thank you, God, for giving me your hope and love, even when I couldn't see the light.
Friday, January 29, 2010
How to Learn From A Butterfly
I happened to catch a show on PBS tonight, on the monarch butterfly. What a magnificent creature! More magnificent was the journey taken, from Canada to Mexico, covering 2,000 miles each fall and spring. The concept of migration has always fascinated me. I had not thought of the tiny butterfly going on such a long expedition. Yet, tens of thousands take the trip each year. It isn't an easy excursion. There is the weather and there is the harm given by man. Little did I know that while resting on a leaf among the crops, the monarch would meet its fate as the crop plane flew by. Spewing a spray among the crops, this beautifully winged being does not have a chance.
The monarchs do not stop. All along the way there will be obstacles. Yet, they carry on. Humans following the journey are amazed how nothing stops them. There is even a monumental range of mountains in Mexico they must encounter before they can reach their resting place.
Nearly two months later, they reach their destination. They do not understand what it means for them to arrive at this village. The people residing there are quite poor. Just as the farmers depend on crops for their livelihood, the villagers depend on this majestic being for theirs. Unbeknown to them, fireworks, food and drink provide a welcoming celebration. From the tiny booths, there are tee shirts and tote bags for sale, with the monarch being the celebrity.
It is interesting to observe God's role in all of this. In his mysterious ways, He tells the butterflies it is time to migrate. He leads them through terrific hardships, yet they keep moving. They don't have the capacity to think, “Should I or shouldn't I?”. They just go for it.
Maybe we can take a lesson from them. We get worried, what we should do next. We need to leave it in God's hands, as the butterflies do. They survive, bringing in the next generation of brilliant monarchs, coming to life all along the way as they return to Canada. We could also survive, if only we would give God the chance.
Being human, we have the tendency to question our actions, deciding what would be best for us. But as the butterfly, we should turn to God, having His will take care of us. It would bring less stress, replaced with joy. Leaving it in God's hands may bring us unexpected
bliss. Next time, think of the mindless butterfly, bringing beauty and joy, just as God can. Pray to Him, helping you let go of your boundaries. Letting go and letting God take over isn't easy, but it may bring unexpected surprises, filled with comfort and delight. May God bless you as you learn to spread your wings!
The monarchs do not stop. All along the way there will be obstacles. Yet, they carry on. Humans following the journey are amazed how nothing stops them. There is even a monumental range of mountains in Mexico they must encounter before they can reach their resting place.
Nearly two months later, they reach their destination. They do not understand what it means for them to arrive at this village. The people residing there are quite poor. Just as the farmers depend on crops for their livelihood, the villagers depend on this majestic being for theirs. Unbeknown to them, fireworks, food and drink provide a welcoming celebration. From the tiny booths, there are tee shirts and tote bags for sale, with the monarch being the celebrity.
It is interesting to observe God's role in all of this. In his mysterious ways, He tells the butterflies it is time to migrate. He leads them through terrific hardships, yet they keep moving. They don't have the capacity to think, “Should I or shouldn't I?”. They just go for it.
Maybe we can take a lesson from them. We get worried, what we should do next. We need to leave it in God's hands, as the butterflies do. They survive, bringing in the next generation of brilliant monarchs, coming to life all along the way as they return to Canada. We could also survive, if only we would give God the chance.
Being human, we have the tendency to question our actions, deciding what would be best for us. But as the butterfly, we should turn to God, having His will take care of us. It would bring less stress, replaced with joy. Leaving it in God's hands may bring us unexpected
bliss. Next time, think of the mindless butterfly, bringing beauty and joy, just as God can. Pray to Him, helping you let go of your boundaries. Letting go and letting God take over isn't easy, but it may bring unexpected surprises, filled with comfort and delight. May God bless you as you learn to spread your wings!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
VASTNESS
VASTNESS
As I envision the vastness of the sea, never seeing where it ends, my thoughts lead me to another vastness, that of Heaven. Up in the skies there is a mighty Kingdom, God’s Kingdom. It is flowing over with love, stretching into eternity. I try to conceptualize what Heaven looks like, knowing it is a nirvana of divine happiness. God provides His domain with peace, calmness, joy and serenity. The tranquility is one of pure bliss. It is time to relax in this harmonious world. There is no more grieving, sadness, pain, worries or judgment. They have been erased from the mind. It is time now to laugh, sing and dance, and even skip merrily if you want. No one will care.
Elegant pools are endless, holding clear, cold water, ever so pure. How fresh the water is, sipping it, tasting it. Awe-inspiring waterfalls hang over the edge of the pools, pouring their crisp sprays of water into the boundless gardens. Gardens of every kind permeate the Kingdom. There are simple gardens of petunias and massive gardens of iris and orchids, unleashing a fragrance of fine perfume. The lush greens and colors make it an enchanted dreamland. Stepping away from the gardens, there are more pools, this time brimming over with warm water. How nice it is to immerse into the pool, with only the gentlest of wave in it, providing a soothing sense of placidity to the soul.
In the distance, there is music heard. The angels are forever joyful, displaying their exuberance through song. Voices, harps and trumpets create a splendid symphony. There is no time in heaven, meaning there are always jubilant sounds heard, as the warmness of the sun radiates upon them.
This grand empire belonging to God holds the generations of loved ones who have left us. They are waiting patiently to grasp the hands of those who have departed from earth, welcoming them to their new home, a timeless life in Paradise.
As I envision the vastness of the sea, never seeing where it ends, my thoughts lead me to another vastness, that of Heaven. Up in the skies there is a mighty Kingdom, God’s Kingdom. It is flowing over with love, stretching into eternity. I try to conceptualize what Heaven looks like, knowing it is a nirvana of divine happiness. God provides His domain with peace, calmness, joy and serenity. The tranquility is one of pure bliss. It is time to relax in this harmonious world. There is no more grieving, sadness, pain, worries or judgment. They have been erased from the mind. It is time now to laugh, sing and dance, and even skip merrily if you want. No one will care.
Elegant pools are endless, holding clear, cold water, ever so pure. How fresh the water is, sipping it, tasting it. Awe-inspiring waterfalls hang over the edge of the pools, pouring their crisp sprays of water into the boundless gardens. Gardens of every kind permeate the Kingdom. There are simple gardens of petunias and massive gardens of iris and orchids, unleashing a fragrance of fine perfume. The lush greens and colors make it an enchanted dreamland. Stepping away from the gardens, there are more pools, this time brimming over with warm water. How nice it is to immerse into the pool, with only the gentlest of wave in it, providing a soothing sense of placidity to the soul.
In the distance, there is music heard. The angels are forever joyful, displaying their exuberance through song. Voices, harps and trumpets create a splendid symphony. There is no time in heaven, meaning there are always jubilant sounds heard, as the warmness of the sun radiates upon them.
This grand empire belonging to God holds the generations of loved ones who have left us. They are waiting patiently to grasp the hands of those who have departed from earth, welcoming them to their new home, a timeless life in Paradise.
Friday, December 25, 2009
JOY!
Joy! The sounds of laughter early Christmas morning, as children see what Santa has left. Joy! Presents being opened, surrounded by loved ones. Joy! Traditional holiday breakfasts. Traditional dinners. Joy! Friends and family stopping by to visit on this happy day. Joy! Gathering after the big meal to play board games, enjoying one another, sounds of merriment surrounding the room. Joy! Christ the Savior is born!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
REMEMBERING
Today is a bit of a 'gray day.' A few inches of snow have fallen, with the skies promising more. I do not see any 'glistening in the snow,' as the approaching storm nears. It is two days before Christmas, when family and friends gather, bringing much conversation and laughter. But in a number of homes, there will be a sense of quiet, grieving over those passing away this year. In Santa Fe, we are especially hit, losing four teens at once this summer, due to a drunk driver hitting their car. Life has to go one for the families, but it a different kind of life now. Nothing will ever be the same. Through our joys, let us remember all of those having sorrow, praying to God that they will feel the love and gentleness of the Holy Spirit as they go through each 'season of memories.'
Saturday, December 5, 2009
EXQUISITE
"Your words, Lord, are spirit and life." Ps. 19
How exquisite these seven words are. The Lord never stops speaking to us. He is there in the splendid array of reds and oranges from a sunrise or sunset, or by the snowflakes silently falling upon trees. We feel Him as the wind provides a peaceful breeze. He is in the sounds of ocean waves breaking as they reach the shore, the rain hitting the windows, a squirrel chirping, the birds singing. There are the sounds of laughter, the cries of a newborn, the tears of sadness and joy. We hear it in the conversations with one another. We feel Him speaking as we share a hug or in the holding of hands. Our Lord never sleeps, always there to share His Spirit and His life, expressing His eternal love for us.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Blessed Gifts, Blessed Fruits
..."For your imperishable Spirit is in all things!" (Wisdom 12:1) Can you imagine life if the Spirit wasn't always there, dwelling within us? A part of our own spirit would be lost, as the Spirit makes us be who we are. What we have to do is nourish it, and listen to what is being said to us if we begin to take a wrong path. Have patience with everyone, as hard as it can get at times. Have generosity.Share the blessed gifts God has personally given you with others.Have joy in your heart.Bring a radiance of happiness to others instead of self-pity. Learn from the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. Everything we say, every act we do, can build upon our experiences, strengthening the wisdom given to us. Practice counsel. Strive for a life of perfection in the eyes of God. Practice piety. Don't be pious only once a week; have it be an active part of your daily life. Have understanding. What might seem trivial to us is important to another. Understand this, sharing your heart with all before you. Do have fear of the Lord. Keep Him in awe. Recognize how great God is. Let the Holy Spirit constantly feed you with the grandeur of the Lord. Feel His power, Feel His strength. Feel the enormity of his passion and care. What He does for us, through His Son and in the Holy Spirit far surpasses what any other being can give us. Be blessed!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)