Tag Archives: people

Dying With Dignity

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Sadly, another one of our church members has died after a very long illness.

It never ceases to amaze me how these dear people deal with end of life issues when they get their prognosis.

Diana told me, “I am supposed to be dying but I don’t know what dying feels like.”

Recently Sue told one of our Pastors that she realized that she had to wait in line in order to “go home!”

These ladies have been an inspiration to many, many people as they courageously met life’s final task of dying.

We will miss their courage and inspiring ways along with their presence in our midst over years gone by and in years to come.

It will always stay with me how, after living full, rich lives, the way that both of these ladies accepted their end days and their final accomplishment was dying with dignity.

A Garden Not Forgotten

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It’s time to put a poem on the page. This was written for a gentleman in long term care in 2005. His name was Mr. Flowers and learning that I wrote poetry, he asked if I would write a poem for him. Hence A Garden Not Forgotten. This was first posted in 2014. Happy Saturday.

A garden full of flowers

tended in the mind with care

or tended not at all

if wildflower seed is planted there

will reap its keeper plenitude

in fragrant showy splendor

and bring the memory of spring

come blustery December.

Blooms spring forth upon the mind,

deep wine rose and purple phlox,

daffodils of yellow,

multicolored hollyhocks

replace the snow and blizzards

in the darkened winter hours

and keep alive in mind’s great eye

that garden full of flowers.

Mind’s garden keeps on growing;

wild winds and winter snow

won’t whip the fragrant flowers

that mind has come to grow.

The seeds are firmly planted

in the fertile soil of thought

where that garden full of flowers

also blooms forget-me-nots.

2005

A Hymn for Health and Peace of Mind

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All over the world people are coping one way or another with Covid-19. Some people have managed to escape it, some have a mild case and others have succumbed to it. The media is top heavy with this news, making life quite uncomfortable in many respects.  Today’s hymn is meant to bring some peace of mind. I pray it works for you. Happy Sunday.

A Time for Tears and Prayers

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While the whole world watches Australia burn, we are moved to tears and prayers. Tears for the devastation of land and life; prayers for the preservation and safety of the firefighters and inhabitants; time to ponder what it is like to live through what must feel like hell on earth. Yes, it is a time for tears and prayers, and a time to give thanks that the tears will be dried and the prayers will be answered. And may the rains be on their way.

Australia Fires

A Prayer for Pain

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So many people I know are suffering from severe physical pain which is depriving them of the quality of life they are meant to have.

Will you please join me in a prayer for pain for all people who are afflicted.

Our Father in Heaven, we pray for your healing love to touch all who are suffering debilitating pain in different parts of their bodies. We thank you that as you hear our prayers, you will touch each one with your healing power and set them free from back pain, neck pain, knee pain…any pain that is limiting your people in their daily activities. We thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you to all who will participate in this prayer for pain.

Fear No Evil

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There was a recent incident in my life which could have caused me fear and the need for protection. I felt neither. Instead, I made a conscious decision to support the person involved and later prayed for confirmation that the right decision had been made. Within minutes a flock of five blue jays appeared in my yard. That seemed strange because I rarely see a blue jay. I googled that bird and read:

This bird may symbolize protection and fearlessness. If blue jays appear in your life you will feel safe and protected.

Confirmation received with thanks. Happy Sunday.

Image result for flock of blue jays pictures

 

Do Not Be Afraid

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I know of a few people who have been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, including Alex Trebek, well known host of the TV game show, Jeopardy. This is a very frightening diagnosis and these people need our prayers. An extremely appropriate scripture appeared to me in my quiet time yesterday and I thought of all of these people. As much as it is possible for some, and to all others, happy Sunday.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

A Glimpse of Heaven

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I have come to the conclusion that we need not have a near death experience to get a glimpse of heaven. We get many glimpses of heaven right here on earth. Take for example:

Seeing newborn baby

The look of love in the eye of the beholder

People walking hand in hand (especially the very old and very young)

Devoted pets

Observing the universe; sun, moon, stars, galaxies,

The methodical movement of waves on a beach,

The sparkle of sunlight on rippling waters

The first words of an Autistic child who has been speechless for years

An occasional embrace from said child

The feeling of wellness after an illness

The healing of a strained relationship

The calm after the storm

Crocuses breaking through snow covered soil

Walking where Jesus walked

Answered prayers

Heavenly hugs

As you take time to catch a glimpse of your own heaven on earth, cherish the experience, and know that the best is yet to come.

 

 

 

Saint So and So

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Last Sunday’s sermon, “The Feast of Saint Jim”, was very inspiring. We learned that as believers, we are all “saints”.

I don’t know about you but I sure don’t feel very saintly; however I do know people who truly deserve that title.

These are people who give of themselves, their time, resources, energy, and never seem to tire of being saintly, although I’m positive that they don’t see themselves as saints.

It was an excellent sermon, “The Feast of Saint Jim”, and offered much food for thought.

If you are wondering who Saint Jim is, just substitute your own name or the names of people you know who not only believe but act on their beliefs. Go ahead…name a few saints you are acquainted with and the next time you are in their company be sure to say, “Hello, Saint So and So.”