On the way home from the East Coast a few weeks ago, we drove into a blinding snow storm. Outside the car windows, the world became a white wall. The road, a broad white sheet with ridges and stripes from the tracks of cars and trucks, offered no white or yellow lines to guide us. For six hours Tom piloted our little Honda Fit among transport trucks, vans and SUV’s, as slush and wind jerked us across the slippery surface. I prayed and tried hard not to give advice.
This was not a time for “back seat driving”, so I talked with God. “I’m trying to trust. I know my friends are praying for us. Is it our time, to leave this world God? My novel isn’t finished yet. Do you have more work for us to do?” Every time I looked up, my fear level rose another notch. Silently I chanted, “I’m trying to trust. I’m trying to trust.” Eventually, we drove through that storm onto bare highway. We survived without an accident and I am truly grateful.
The lesson for me is very clear. Trusting God requires determination. We often think or say, “Let go and let God.” Sounds simple, but it isn’t easy. Faith takes courage. When the going gets tough and life feels out of control, we stand in the shoes of the father who cried out to Jesus, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) We struggle to hang onto our faith. We want to trust. We seek God’s help. That’s all God asks of us. That prayer will get us through the worst life has to offer.
Ripple Effect
It’s January. The new year has begun. As always, in this part of the world, we start the year with the snow and cold of winter. Our trees are bare. Our part of the world is reduced to black, white and grey. Yet it is also a time of hope. Sleeping in the ground and on the branches of trees, are buds, resting and waiting for the birth of new life that will surely come. That promise is there whether or not we can see it. The same is true for people. God has created us, with potential. Even in the winter times of our lives, the buds are there, waiting to burst forth.
Writer and theologian, Madeline L’Engle, says “We are part of a vast world of relationships whether or not we want to be.” Everything we do, say or think affects our world in some way. We know that a smile or frown, loving or harsh words affect our inter - reactions with people. We forget that the results are passed from person to person to the farthest reaches of the world, through actual encounters, letters, emails and thoughts. Like a tsunami, the waves start out huge. As the waves disperse, the effect appears to be less. Yet even the tiniest ripple makes a difference, just as water dripping on a rock eventually bores a hole.
As you step into this New Year, begin each day with this prayer: “Lord help me to be a blessing to at least one person today.” Be intentional about bringing warmth to this world. Remember, God’s promise of new life is there, whether or not we can see it.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5)
Writer and theologian, Madeline L’Engle, says “We are part of a vast world of relationships whether or not we want to be.” Everything we do, say or think affects our world in some way. We know that a smile or frown, loving or harsh words affect our inter - reactions with people. We forget that the results are passed from person to person to the farthest reaches of the world, through actual encounters, letters, emails and thoughts. Like a tsunami, the waves start out huge. As the waves disperse, the effect appears to be less. Yet even the tiniest ripple makes a difference, just as water dripping on a rock eventually bores a hole.
As you step into this New Year, begin each day with this prayer: “Lord help me to be a blessing to at least one person today.” Be intentional about bringing warmth to this world. Remember, God’s promise of new life is there, whether or not we can see it.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:4-5)
Directions
In North America, we no longer ask for directions. Type your destination into Google’s “Get Directions” on your computer. A map magically appears. Your journey is laid out with a dark line, the distance and time all calculated. Some of us purchase a GPS system, and listen to “the voice”. “Turn left, drive three miles, turn right.” The voice even knows when you’ve missed a turn. Last summer, Tom and I chose to alter the path our GPS laid out. The voice was relentless. The tenth time it told us to “turn around at the next intersection,” we shut it off. These devices leave no room for independent thinking.
In just a few days, we will be stepping into 2011. Would it be helpful to have a GPS system or a Google map for life? I don’t think so. Life is not the shortest distance between two points. We may have our future carefully laid out, yet experience has taught us that there will be unexpected bends, forks, and obstacles in the road.
God has created us with a desire to discover and free will to make choices. God knows that we need much more than a GPS system or a Google map. God has given us the Bible, the experience of God’s people down through the centuries, and our Christian community. All of these provide guideposts for our daily living. Best of all, Jesus has promised to walk with us every step of the way. We are never alone. When we open ourselves to God, Jesus will comfort us and carry us through the twists and turns of life. Jesus is always within us nudging, pushing, strengthening, inspiring us to use our intellect and our faith for every step of life’s journey.
As you step into this New Year, I encourage you to remember Jesus’ words, “I will be with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)
In just a few days, we will be stepping into 2011. Would it be helpful to have a GPS system or a Google map for life? I don’t think so. Life is not the shortest distance between two points. We may have our future carefully laid out, yet experience has taught us that there will be unexpected bends, forks, and obstacles in the road.
God has created us with a desire to discover and free will to make choices. God knows that we need much more than a GPS system or a Google map. God has given us the Bible, the experience of God’s people down through the centuries, and our Christian community. All of these provide guideposts for our daily living. Best of all, Jesus has promised to walk with us every step of the way. We are never alone. When we open ourselves to God, Jesus will comfort us and carry us through the twists and turns of life. Jesus is always within us nudging, pushing, strengthening, inspiring us to use our intellect and our faith for every step of life’s journey.
As you step into this New Year, I encourage you to remember Jesus’ words, “I will be with you always, even unto the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:20)
Christmas Decorations
Christmas Decorations
(321 words)
For me, Christmas decorations are symbols of faith. The evergreen boughs of my Christmas tree remind me God is ever present with me. The lights call me to shine with the light of God’s love. Poinsettias add colour to dark corners and speak of the freshness and beauty of God’s creation. Nativity sets made of fine porcelain from Mexico, olive wood from Israel, and hand knitted by a friend, tell the Christmas story.
And then, of course, there are my angels. Over the years, friends have given me, black, brown, and white angels. I have angel children, musician angels, tall, short, fat and skinny angels, even an angel dressed in lace and ribbons
Angels in the Christmas story bring messages from God. An angel told Mary she would be the mother of God’s child. Joseph’s angel brought reassurance and the name “Jesus” for this child. The shepherds heard the angels say: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy for all people.” For all people – Sometimes we miss those three important words. Joseph was warned by an angel to flee with Mary and Jesus into Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod. Another angel warned the Wise Men to return home a different way for the same reason.
I love my angel collection, not only because it is beautiful and represents the love of friends and family, but because these angelic symbols remind me that God loves me and all of God’s children in this world. When I am feeling defeated and afraid, my angels speak Jesus’ words, “Fear not, I am with you always.”
Today and tomorrow, take a few moments to sit quietly with your Christmas decorations. Listen. They will bring God’s message to you, too.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
(321 words)
For me, Christmas decorations are symbols of faith. The evergreen boughs of my Christmas tree remind me God is ever present with me. The lights call me to shine with the light of God’s love. Poinsettias add colour to dark corners and speak of the freshness and beauty of God’s creation. Nativity sets made of fine porcelain from Mexico, olive wood from Israel, and hand knitted by a friend, tell the Christmas story.
And then, of course, there are my angels. Over the years, friends have given me, black, brown, and white angels. I have angel children, musician angels, tall, short, fat and skinny angels, even an angel dressed in lace and ribbons
Angels in the Christmas story bring messages from God. An angel told Mary she would be the mother of God’s child. Joseph’s angel brought reassurance and the name “Jesus” for this child. The shepherds heard the angels say: “Fear not, for I bring you good news of great joy for all people.” For all people – Sometimes we miss those three important words. Joseph was warned by an angel to flee with Mary and Jesus into Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod. Another angel warned the Wise Men to return home a different way for the same reason.
I love my angel collection, not only because it is beautiful and represents the love of friends and family, but because these angelic symbols remind me that God loves me and all of God’s children in this world. When I am feeling defeated and afraid, my angels speak Jesus’ words, “Fear not, I am with you always.”
Today and tomorrow, take a few moments to sit quietly with your Christmas decorations. Listen. They will bring God’s message to you, too.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” (Luke 2:10)
White Christmas
Snow, we've got enough snow to guarantee a White Christmas. So we sit back and smile. In this part of Canada, Christmas and snow go together. Snow is not a part of the winter landscape in Bethlehem where Jesus was born. It may be chilly and rainy in that part of Israel, but snowfall happens only in the northern regions. Because we are human beings, we create the details of the Christmas story in our own image.
I have a friend who has collected nativity sets from all over the world. Each one has a Mary, a Joseph, a baby Jesus, three kings and some shepherds. But the similarity stops there. In some, the figures have shining black faces, some chocolate brown, some milky white. If we were trying to replicate the people of the Christmas story, most of the figures would have swarthy complexions. At least one, if not all of the kings would be black.
It’s not the details, but the story that is important. Jesus was born in an occupied country. His parents, struggling to obey the laws, made a long journey. They didn’t have enough money to bribe their way into the overcrowded inn. On the night of his birth, Jesus and his parents were homeless, relegated to the place where the animals slept.
Yet, even in this place, and under these stressful conditions, God acted. Jesus was born. To the celebration, God invited shepherds, at the time the lowest members of Jewish society, and Kings, their fine clothing and rich gifts out of place in that stable, or cave.
When we focus on the details that come from our culture, we miss the message. The ancient story tells us that God in Jesus was born into the world as we all are. People of every race and economic position are invited to celebrate Jesus and hear his message.
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
I have a friend who has collected nativity sets from all over the world. Each one has a Mary, a Joseph, a baby Jesus, three kings and some shepherds. But the similarity stops there. In some, the figures have shining black faces, some chocolate brown, some milky white. If we were trying to replicate the people of the Christmas story, most of the figures would have swarthy complexions. At least one, if not all of the kings would be black.
It’s not the details, but the story that is important. Jesus was born in an occupied country. His parents, struggling to obey the laws, made a long journey. They didn’t have enough money to bribe their way into the overcrowded inn. On the night of his birth, Jesus and his parents were homeless, relegated to the place where the animals slept.
Yet, even in this place, and under these stressful conditions, God acted. Jesus was born. To the celebration, God invited shepherds, at the time the lowest members of Jewish society, and Kings, their fine clothing and rich gifts out of place in that stable, or cave.
When we focus on the details that come from our culture, we miss the message. The ancient story tells us that God in Jesus was born into the world as we all are. People of every race and economic position are invited to celebrate Jesus and hear his message.
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7)
Getting Ready
When our life-long friends were coming from Montreal to visit, Tom and I rushed around doing a last minute pick-up and cleaning of the house. On the night table in our guest room, I placed a book of short devotional readings, a box of Kleenex and a chocolate bar, because these friends love sweets. Last minute preparation for company is a tradition with me. When my children were young, they would help. Each of us had our own special job in the process. One time in particular, everything done, we had all flopped down to rest in the living room. My son, Brad, then about ten years old, said, “It’s a good thing we have company, Mom. Otherwise, the house would never get cleaned.”
Every year, many of us spend the Christmas season rushing around getting ready for the visits of family and friends. We buy or make gifts for our loved ones. We clean and decorate our homes, often placing the tiny figures of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, kings and baby Jesus on the mantel or a table. Even if we don’t call ourselves religious, we go to church at least on Christmas Eve.
Although we complain about all this extra effort, an amazing thing happens. At least for the Christmas season, many of us become infected with God’s Spirit of love. We smile more. We care more. Our hearts open up to the goodness in this world. I imagine God, standing with us in our preparations, and saying, “It’s a good thing you celebrate my birth among you every year. Otherwise, some of you might never let go of all your busyness and concerns to open your heart, even a crack, to welcome me.”
The Bible tells us, “Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him.” (Matthew 3: 3)
Every year, many of us spend the Christmas season rushing around getting ready for the visits of family and friends. We buy or make gifts for our loved ones. We clean and decorate our homes, often placing the tiny figures of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, kings and baby Jesus on the mantel or a table. Even if we don’t call ourselves religious, we go to church at least on Christmas Eve.
Although we complain about all this extra effort, an amazing thing happens. At least for the Christmas season, many of us become infected with God’s Spirit of love. We smile more. We care more. Our hearts open up to the goodness in this world. I imagine God, standing with us in our preparations, and saying, “It’s a good thing you celebrate my birth among you every year. Otherwise, some of you might never let go of all your busyness and concerns to open your heart, even a crack, to welcome me.”
The Bible tells us, “Prepare the way for the Lord. Make straight paths for him.” (Matthew 3: 3)
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