Tag Archives: people

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

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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.”

 

More of What People Say

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Here are a few more sayings from my collection of many. It’s interesting how just a few words can make most us sit up and take notice.

Every generation needs regeneration. Charles H. Spurgeon

If it is not right, do not do it; if it is not true, do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

Seek not every quality in one individual. Confucius

Only a fool tests the depth of the water with both feet. African Proverb

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when adults are afraid of the light. Plato

Let us not be known for our knowledge alone but for the love and the caring and kindness we’ve shown. Mary Frances Martin

The tragedy of life is not death, but what we let die inside of us while we live. Norman Cousins

Losing your temper is no way to get rid of it. Our Daily Bread

Those with tunnel vision will eventually see the light. pab

 

 

Reminders

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Seeing this little black capped chickadee being quiet among the blossoms reminds me to also take time out to be still and quiet.

We all need reminders in the ordinariness of life to take time out to reflect on our purpose for being here, our connectedness to each other, our need for compassion and tolerance, and most of all our desire for all things good and our need to combat all things that are not good.

Reminders are important because without them we tend to forget that we are our brothers’ keepers…and our sisters, daughters, sons, parents, grandparents, spouses, neighbors, countrymen and humanity in general.

So, like this little black capped chickadee, let us sit among the blossoms and let it be a reminder to breathe in the scent of life as we would have it be.

Jen O'Donnell's photo.

The Least We Can Do

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We all have our tough times in life, of that there is no doubt, but when something like the following prayer request crosses my life path I have to stop and realize that there really are people worse off than I am. That little phrase was always the answer to my childhood complaints: “There are people worse off than you.”
Please pray for twenty-nine-year-old Andrea, a single mom from Sri Lanka, dying, and leaving her three children aged twelve, eight and six with grandparents in their seventies. Pray for God’s strength, help and comfort for this family in their tragic and difficult situation.
I love being part of our church prayer chain…it not only offers the opportunity to pray for people but it opens my eyes to so much suffering that I would otherwise be unaware of.
Please join me in prayer for these dear people…it is the least we can do.

What is Love?

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Recently a fellow blogger posted a beautiful poem asking the question “What is Love?”.

Today I am attending the wedding of two people who have found love once again in their lives; the bride is eighty years young and the groom ninety-one. In 2014 I wrote this poem, “What is Love?” Happy weekend.

WHAT IS LOVE

What is love

if not the closeness

of every experience

…sharing.

What is love

if not the oneness

of two people

…caring.

What is love

if not the expression

of honest emotion

…feelings.

What is love

if not understanding

the wholeness

…of all of these.

©2014