Blessing or Curse?


Jesus Christ!

To those of us who know about him, or better still, know him, just seeing these two words is a blessing. They fill us with hope, faith, peace, happiness, awe, expectation…

But to others, these two words are used as a curse. Why? Because they don’t know any better. They don’t realize that he was an actual man who walked the face of this earth over two thousand years ago; who was a born leader, a teacher, a philosopher, a son, a brother, a friend, miracle worker…

I prefer to believe this rather than think that people know of him and still use his name as a curse. That would not only be disrespectful, cruel, cutting, but blasphemous.

So why not use anyone’s name as a curse? There are plenty of historical names that could be used, names of people who were known as destroyers of humanity by their evil deeds. Or why not just any ordinary person’s name. Why not yours or mine?

The fact is Jesus Christ did once inhabit a place on this planet as do we today. The fact is that he does not deserve to have his name “dragged through the mud”.  The fact is that he obviously has a place in our consciousness or we would not be using his name in any way.

Whether or not we believe that this man was also the Son of God, it is incumbent upon us to rethink how we utter his name.

Jesus Christ!

Blessing or curse?

Now that you know…choose…

 

 

 

 

 

A Happy Heart


I am definitely going to the house of the Lord with a happy heart today…not only a happy heart but a thankful heart; thankful for all my many blessings and especially for the eighty-one years (yesterday) God has given me to be thankful for. If today is your birthday, enjoy! Happy Sunday.

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Multicolored Weekend


Are you fortunate enough to have a happy happening in your life this weekend? For me it is going to be a multicolored weekend of fun and family,  feasting and celebrations. When I saw the picture of this tree it made me think of how blessed I am to have such a colorful life. Happy Saturday!

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Thanksgiving Monday


As we celebrate our Canadian Thanksgiving Day let’s continue to give thanks for all our blessings, for family and friends, for love and laughter, safe travel, for life itself, with all its uncertainties. Happy Thanksgiving.

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Thanksgiving Saturday


It’s Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. Today I give thanks for each and every member of my family and pray that as their weekend unfolds they, too, will give thanks. I also give thanks for all who will enjoy this day wherever they may be. Happy Saturday.

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Oh That You Would Bless Me Indeed!


These words are from the book, “The Prayer of Jabez” by Bruce Wilkinson, taken from 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV).

“Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.

Let me tell you what happened to me within a nine year period of repeating that prayer:

Two grandsons were added to my twelve grandchildren, seven girls and five boys, evening up the genders. Five of these granddaughters blessed me with nine great-grandchildren with a tenth due in November.

I became an Elder in my church and have fifteen families in my territory, and am available for prayer, information, or help in some way. As a member of our Pastoral Care team there are many opportunities to be of service to those who experience some of life’s difficulties as shut-ins, hospital patients and long-term care residents.

In between times I survived lung cancer, a heart attack, and the death of a spouse. Several other health issues have assailed me over the years and I’m still here.

As you can see, my territory has been enlarged, His hand has been with me, and I have been blessed indeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday Blessings


One year ago today, God sent another little person into my life. Her name is Ellie, and she is my eighth great-grandchild. Although miles have kept us apart, I know this child deep in my heart. I know that from the tips of her tiny toes to the fine hairs on her pretty head that she is a little miracle. I know that she is a part of God’s plan in this world.

All life is a miracle. When God first said, “Let there be…” the universe in all its splendor was created…and the rest is history.

“For I know the plans I have for you…” (Jeremiah 29:11) We are all a part of that plan whether we are one year old or eighty.

And so today, I thank God for Ellie and wish her a birthday full of blessings and a life full of love.