This Is Where You Belong

This Is Where You Belong

Many people insecurely grapple with their sense of belonging. They feel isolated, detached, separated, and disconnected from people, communities, their immediate surroundings or humanity as a whole.

There are days we seek ambitiously, with mediocrity, or by a hair’s breadth to connect with our own families, churches, or the workplace. Some of us have little to no relationships that fulfill or bind us to each other, while others seem naturally to have an abundance of friendships.
Even if we feel happy or satisfied with our lives now, there comes a somber time when a crisis hits, a relationship is close to divorce, an illness invades our body, or when a death occurs and you ask, “Is this all there is?”

What in our lives makes life worthwhile, vital, or essential? What relationship is meaningful, worthy, or significant? Who or what makes us feel complete? Where do we fit in? What is it that we see or what may we naively be blind to?

Our observations, discernment and judgment influence and sway our minds that shape our moral fiber. It is from these kinds of vision that we create points of view and opinions that are equal, comparable or diverse to that of others.

Our insight and outlook are capable of destroying productive living, marriages and good judgment. Incredibly enough, the vision through these same pair of eyes are also capable of building dreams, character and alliances.

What we observe, how we perceive, our grasp of love, compassion, understanding, and what we set our eyes on will determine how we live out our destiny.

The mental pictures, foresight, and revelations seen through our eyes are so influential that we must take care to not destroy their original divine purpose.

God gave us sight, intuition and a heart to see the beauty of His work and thus be able to be fully joined emotionally and spiritually to God’s holy temple and each other, gifts that were designed to complete us.

Sadly humanity has since Adam and Eve changed perfection to that of fault finding, negativity, debauchery, and immorality. We can’t go back thousands of years or even a day to change the practicing faith and principles of the world, but we can begin today on a personal rebirthing process that could touch and change this world, one minute, one day and one person at a time, thus affecting the world’s future faith and spiritual evolution.

It is in the depth of our faith and inner spirit that changes our lives. So powerful that our spirit connects us to something that is not physically tangible. Yet, it is real and it touches us as it unites to faith that joins to a relationship with God that is far more supreme than one that can be experienced between two people.

The physical labor and efforts to belong to God’s holy temple is not yours to seek to obtain for you are already spiritually joined in this place.

Absorb yourself into what is already yours. Take comfort in knowing you are among blessed people, who are by birthright, heirs to everything that God has created. Although there are many people in his kingdom, be assured you are never in competition with another for his attention or affection. God is available 24/7 so there is no waiting in line to talk to the Head of Holiness or His Son, for we are members of the household of God. He speaks to all who have ears to hear and eyes to see Him. He offers us gifts of riches, hope, and love if we so accept them.

Develop and mature in your beliefs and trust your eyes to see God’s greatness. The sacred heart that you were born and blessed with will reveal itself and follow through your destiny as a disciple of Christ. Your former blind or old sleeping spirit will delight in joy with its new vision and will be led to a greater spirit-filled life, and to the already seeing a more harmonious and heavenly world awaits you.

Because of Jesus Christ you are part of the most divine kingdom. His coming was for us to imitate and is what connects us to His Father. Not only does Christ’s presence, message and death reign over and influence the human race but it connects us to God’s perfect world making us one.

God rejoices in your new beginning, homecoming or continued residency in his dwelling place, for no matter where you are in your journey, you are one of his beloved people and He will always be with you.

God knows you. You are not a stranger, but rather a part of what makes up His holy kingdom. Without you there is a great void.

Know now your family tree and its great lineage. You are a special part of God’s family and this is where you belong.

Inspired by Ephiesians 2:19-22

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints an also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God.”

Take The Stage

Take the Stage

There is no need to reinvent the wheel of our faith, calling, and conduct. The way life should roll has been the same for over 2000 years. However, we act like high-regarded writers and take liberties to keep re-editing God’s script to suit ourselves depending on the day. Yeah – really – we do!

Okay enough of the bad reviews! We need a pick me up – quick- don’t you think? Here’s an act you can follow.

Today take credit for keeping God’s original screenplay in tact. Speak accurately and portray truthfully His characters so that you and your audience will be able to relate to them.
Understand the language, absorb the terms, and polish the expressions so that they flow freely from your mouth.

Commit to memory His poignant words whether they are heartbreaking, tender, moving, emotional, hard-hitting or touching. Act them out. Try them out on a friend.

If you are unsure of the author’s meanings, places to pause, or the proper moment to cut the scene, re-read the words from the manuscript carefully and they will, on their own, find their way into the center of your being.

The more you study, the more the dialect will be on the tip of your tongue. I know you can be prepared and you will get it right before the final curtain goes down!

The world will fall in love with your smile and the confidence you exude even when you are not in the spotlight. You will be the talk of the town and there will be much applause and opportunities for encores!

The Producer-Director and Main Character has great confidence in you. Be ready to take your humble bow for the Supreme Teacher who will witness the best accomplishments of your life!! He will along the way take care of you and your needs and in the end, He will crown you with a suitable reward!

Inspired by Romans 12:9 Mutual Love

“Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ Rather, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.”

Heaven on Earth!

What is heaven? A place created by God for his children, you and I. A place where everything thing is perfect. No pain, tears, no death, nor mourning.

We had that once. And then, with a bite of an apple, whew ---- gone!

We also know that heaven has no place for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murders, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol-worshipers, and deceivers of every sort (see Revelations 21:8). Do you know what their lot in life is? Ah man, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death – uuggghh that’s way too ugly a death for anyone – especially you!

What’s my point? We have choices. Perhaps we are not living a life that falls under such grave descriptions, however, many of us can perhaps falls under the categories of cowards and unfaithful, idol-worshipers and deceivers. Wooohh, I know the truth hurts doesn’t it.

Hey, but once again there is great news! We can change! HOW?

Love God above all people and material things. For starters, love God more than fame, a celebrity, houses, cars and more than money. Don’t stop there, that’s just scratching the surface. You might sit down one day (uuummmmhhh, how about today?) and make of list of things that you just loooovvveee (idiolize)! Take some time and put your life into perspective, heaven or burning pool of fire. I don’t know, you decide.

If you lost your life tomorrow, today, or in 5 minutes where would you be? Listed by your deeds in the book of life or, well, I think you know.

In Revelation 20:6 it says that in the second resurrection, those who will be raised will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him. Whooaa, hello, that could be you! Why?

You are a priest for God. How? When Jesus gave his life for us, he freed us from our sins by his blood. Therefore, making us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father (Revelation 1:6). Did you know that we are also called ambassadors for Christ!

So now that you know who you are, how are you upholding that title? Will you live the rest of your life imitating Jesus Christ and securing your place in heaven or are you comfy with the thought of living with the dude with the horns and being tormented day and night forever and ever?

Yes, I hear you, Heaven!!!! Heaven is the ultimate! Where shall we start? How about on this earth in which we live? How can we make this the heaven it was designed to be? Well, we all know we can’t change the world, but we can change ourselves.

Do some soul searching, makes some changes, be a model for others to imitate. Change happens one person at a time.

Huh, I am ambassador for Christ! I am special! Yes you are!

Inspired by Luke 13:18-21
He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches”. And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”

Tomorrow Is Not Promised

Tomorrow Is Not Promised

“Do it now Katrina. Don’t wait until it’s too late.” Lilly extended a caring hand to her daughter’s cheek and went to gently kiss her. Katrina pulled back in protest. She hated when her mother did that. Although she wanted to fight her authority, something in her 21 year old conscience got the better of her and she went in with dissent doused all over her.

“Too late,” Katrina huffed. “To late for what,” she said mumbling to herself hastily. “It’ll be too late to make it to the movies, too late to catch a ride with Monica, too late to call Jeff to see if he’s going, and too late to do my hair.”

At first, Katrina went in angrily to see her Grandpa. Her heart was set on being with her girl friends right now and nothing seemed more important than that.

As heated fury still wrenched her heart and her wrinkled forehead and piercing eyes still bore the marks of anger, her eyes caught sight of her ailing aging grandpa and her fired up heart dropped to the pit of her stomach which quickly filled with guilt.

Katrina’s grandfather was very ill. Today more than ever, it was frightfully evident that his health was failing him quickly. Looking at his frail state, she knew she was not prepared for her grandfather’s inevitable death one day. It didn’t matter whether one’s death was unexpected or not, either way, there were no doubts, it would come, many would grieve, and -- no one- - would be prepared.

Her grandfather spoke of death frequently and he would painstakingly point out that one day soon he would be with his wife. It has been 20 years that her grandfather has been grieving. Katrina knew he was ready. He had been waiting for so long.

In the midst of thinking of his loss and long time mourning her thoughts involuntarily retreated back to her mother. One dreadful day, she realized, her grandfather would pass and she would have a devastated and grieving mother.

She didn’t know when or why it happened, but Katrina, uncharacteristically, put up an invisible barrier between she and her mother. Although she knew their relationship with strained, this was the first time Katrina spent any meaningful time analyzing it.

Though some answers to her many questions remained an obscurity, what seemed to reveal itself at that moment is that her mother was the same caring person she has always been, even when Katrina rejected her.

Now feeling unexpectedly sensitive and surprisingly perceptive, Katrina began to recall the kind, generous and thoughtful things her mother did daily without complaint for her father, younger brother and sisters. Up until this instant Katrina had not genuinely paid attention to the unselfish love and devotion her mother gave to her own dying father. Finally, she thought about herself.

Feeling sick to her stomach Katrina swallowed hard. It took a few minutes for the queasiness to pass. Just when the brutal effects of her self-reproach began to mildly settle in her gut, her grandfather woke from a deep sleep. Today he looked especially pale and weak, and yet he greeted her with a warm adoring earnest smile and she was able to quickly, without resentment that possessed her heart just minutes earlier, reciprocate with irrefutable love.

She always enjoyed the talks she had with her grandfather. Although he shared some of the same stories again and again, Katrina was always enchanted by his tales. He dotingly asked her about her days and never failed to counsel her and offer insightful lessons of life. He’d say “Spend quality time with loved ones and friends,” or, “Tell them how much you care about them while you can.” And something else he often affectionately added, “If there is something you can do to help someone out, do it from the heart.” He had a million of them.

Today when he shared his stories about her grandmother, Katrina felt something profoundly touch her. Although Katrina did not remember her grandmother she felt like she knew her. Her grandfather’s stories as well as those told by her mother made her grandmother’s legacy breath with life. It was the way, she thought, his eyes lit up when he spoke of his wife that moved Katrina at this instant. She realized that she had never loved anyone with such a passion or as deeply as he loved her grandmother.

Her grandfather fell off to sleep in the midst of a story and Katrina with renewed sensitivity ran her caring fingers over his thinning hair and then kissed him. His eyes had been closed for a while, yet Katrina sat there in the silence still wanting to be near him.
It came from out of nowhere, a revelation that validated her feelings toward him. She realized that her love for her grandfather was multifaceted, bottomless and immeasurable. A single tear absconded from one of her eyes and her throat distended with emotion. “I love you grandpa,” Katrina whispered through her constricted throat, “one day I will miss you terribly.”
After a time her Grandpa stirred and for a moment he fixed his feeble eyes on hers with pure unadulterated paternal loving pride that spoke volumes to Katrina.

Caught up in the moment that was now imprinted on her heart, she was taken by surprise by the power of his voice that spoke with vigor and strength, “You should go now and be with your friends.” He patted her hand and squeezed it and then added, “kiss your mother,” he paused . . . for me.” He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

A shock of electricity shot through her as her guilt led the searing current. She was stunned not by what he said but at where he paused that caused the meaning to hit Katrina in the gut like a freight train.

She may never know what he really meant by it, but it didn’t matter now, Katrina’s guilty conscience took over any truth and all reasoning. Without warning tears ran vehemently down her face. In an effort to spare the delicate state of her grandfather’s waning spirit, she quickly stifled the sobs that could have violently followed.

She was ashamed to the core of her being. It was clear that her behavior toward her mother was obvious, unacceptable and appalling. Even from a foggy sleep and from a room where he convalesced and stayed most of the time, Katrina reasoned, her grandfather made the unpleasant truth quite clear.

Not knowing why or where it came from, the profound words that were often uttered from her grandfather’s lips floating about her head like a magnetic halo, “live each day as if your last for tomorrow is not promised”.

It was no wonder, Katrina finally thought, that those words came to her. He would scrupulously remind her almost daily. When he used those words she knew in her heart that he was referring to her grandmother who had died some 20 years ago, when Katrina was only 1 year old. The deep love he possessed for his wife was still so alive in his eyes. Every time he uttered those words, she took them lightly and never did suitably place any value to them. Today, on its own, that phrase of an expression of deep cherished love came to mightily rescue her. His wise eloquent voice effectively penetrated her flinty mindset and his profound wisdom massaged her once calloused heart. Now, thinking of her mother’s unwavering love and how it had survived Katrina’s inferno of self-seeking emotions, she cried when not a word was spoken.
Feeling disconcerted over her reprehensible behavior, Katrina turned instantaneously and intensely to prayer.

Prayer after prayer, confession and after confession, she was deplorably asking God for forgiveness. Her dash of despair was astoundingly turning to optimism and sanguinity.
As the voracious clouds lifted that had darkened her life were removed from her impeded sight, she realized that her grandfather passed down to her a most valuable inheritance. His timely gifts of love and hope of the past, present, and the future were hers to hold. She knew these things were the legacy he was meant to leave behind.

Katrina’s mind hurriedly worked overtime. What if something happened to my own mother today? I would live to regret the way that I treated her. All Katrina could think about was the cruel way she responded to her mother’s love and affection just a short time ago.
A mother’s role was to teach, nurture and love her child unconditionally. My mother has given me many things, she thought, all the while she was without her own mother. Where did she get her strength? Then God answered her question.

Katrina, finally able to lift her head up said gently to her grandfather, “I will grandpa. I will kiss my mother . . . for you . . . and for me.”
A gentle hand touched Katrina’s shoulder and a softened side of Katrina revealed itself. She immediately placed her hand on top of her mother’s and sat comforted by the two people who raised her and who have touched her most.

When Katrina could finally feel her legs again, she rose and without hesitation acknowledged, accepted, and believed that now, in the present, at this moment, in the center of her mother’s cradle she would find insurmountable love and refuge beyond description. And this she knew was from the grace of God.

“Tomorrow is not promised,” Katrina whispered. “Your right honey, it’s not,” responded Lilly tenderly. “Today, and each day, let’s live as if were our last.”

Inspired by Luke 12:39-44, 48B

Jesus said,” But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Peter said, “Lord, you are telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to given them their allowance of food at the proper time. Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.” “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”

Things That Make You Go Hhhhmmm!

Things that make you go hhhhmmm! - Positive Quotes

“Fear not that your life will come to an end; fear rather that it will never come to a beginning.”
Cardinal Newman



"Strive to live content in the midst of those things that cause your discontent. Free your mind from all that troubles you, God will take care of things. You will be unable to make haste in this [choice] without, so to speak, grieving the heart of God, because he sees that you do not honor him sufficiently with holy trust. Trust in him, I beg you, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires"
(St. Vincent de Paul, Letters). Patron Saint of: Charities



Extend mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping. For what hope is there for us if God should withdraw His mercy from us?”
St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul | Saint of the Day | AmericanCatholic.org

St. Vincent de Paul | Saint of the Day | AmericanCatholic.org

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A Glimmer of Light

A Glimmer Of Light

Because we are human we can sometimes have a desire to want to be noticed, to be held in high esteem, or feel superior to others. We feel we can compete and excel with our position, power, money, status, and gauge our worth by bank accounts or by the magnitude of the material goods that we own.

If we happen to lack tangible influential things, then we can recoil and reach deeper, or lower our principles if you will, by connecting with and grasping at whatever we can from our distorted bag of tricks, the error of our ways, to mock, criticize, and demean others in order to lift ourselves up. We can with deliberate evil intentions or with blameless innocence charge others with the lack of authenticity, integrity, and truthfulness, and credit them with false malicious acts and thoughts against others, all the while knowing, or not, be convincing actors that are able to persuade most audiences that give time to vain gossip.

What we greatly lack as individuals, groups, nations, and a world is knowledge and implementation of the way of teaching of Jesus. We have somehow over generations past, missed or skirted around the truths and principles of the proper way, God’s way that our ancestors once knew well and lived for a time.

We have as a matter of convenience and in the name of self-righteousness bent the rules, tweaked the laws, twisted the policies, flipped the system to a point that we are now so far removed from what is truly moral, good, upright and decent. We’ve gone so far as to blatantly ignore and suppress the tidbits of conscience we had left and think we have traded up for the better as we grow closer to false self-competence rather than closer in our walk with God.
We think we are completely and self-sufficiently in charge of the outcome of our lives; when in fact, it is God who has His grace filled hands on everything for us. He sets us up, time after time, with opportunities for prosperous living, and we repeatedly turn to old ways to try to manage life ourselves, turning to Him mostly in times of desperation.

However, these types of appraisals of our lives and quantifying reasons that we use to excuse our behavior have become so much the norm that we mistakenly believe them to be our bona fide reality and the way. Nothing has ever been further from God’s truth. His intended paradise on earth complete with fruitful means beyond our comprehension has manifested itself into an exhibition of corrupted competitive clashing egos.

Today our conduct, customs, behavior and traditions are not in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. We have forgotten, or perhaps have never been properly schooled or disciplined in such divine truths.

Jesus lived here on this earth. He came to show us that to serve others should be one’s ultimate purpose, ambition and aspiration. That in order to be recognized, to be deemed great, and held in high esteem by God, and not by each other, we must be slave to all by service. A definition of slavery is “somebody who is forced to work for somebody else for no payment and is regarded as the property of that person.”

Rather than focusing on the terms “property of that person” we should be receiving a greater message of a kind of love sacrifice. Be “willing” to give of yourself freely and “happily” help for no personal gain because of love for another human being.

When we work with each other side by side in harmony for the same good purpose and share in similar positive intentions, then we could by the most minute of descriptions be called pleasing disciples of Christ. We may not always find another who complies with our good ideas and works, however, their rejection should not stop us from continuing on our personal mission. It doesn’t matter that our contribution or offering of our help, time, and money for the sake of others is large or small, it is for God’s children and therefore it is great in His eyes.

Although we will never come close to perfection shown to us through God’s Son Jesus Christ, He offers us hope nonetheless. He knows who we are. He knows what we think. He knows where we will fall short. God loves us beyond understanding anyway and He will never abandon us.
Make today the beginning of a new agreement with God. If you have already established an elevated relationship with Him, then take this opportunity to strive for a deeper and more rewarding bond. God never stops for us, therefore, we should never cease cultivating a deeper faith, learning from mistakes, expanding in spiritual maturity, and growing in our ascension to a higher commitment to living a life in line with Jesus Christ.

The disciples documented their experiences with Jesus and that legacy has been left to all generations since. We possess an inheritance and have at our fingertips an overflowing reserve of grace-filled answers to human questions and devout parables that demonstrate the pious life Jesus lived, so that we too may share in the glory and reap the benefits of the heaven that awaits us which Jesus has already received.

Of course, we have our ultimate model Jesus Christ who showed us the way. However, God has also granted us graces through the power of prayer and petitions and through the experiences and lives of others, including saints, through which He gives us the opportunity to take advantage, share knowledge and valuable experiences with each other that offer insight, security, comfort and love.

We are called to spend time in an effort to mentor our families, friends and strangers, for we all could use a genuine warm caring heart, a forgiving friend, a helpful hand, and a comforting motivating spiritual guide and companion through our short journey here.
Be an outstanding example, a great teacher, a powerful prayer, and an unending unyielding faith-filled lover of God.

You might have someone near you whom you admire for their pious, devout and divine attitude and whom you’d wish to imitate. We may do so because we are inspired and motivated by the tangible. Continuously move forward in personal growth but proceed with caution when emulating another. Always fall back on your oldest friend, Jesus. Walk in His shadow. Become familiar with His eminent route etched in history. Ask Him through prayer what would He do when in your special set of circumstances. The answer may not always be comfortable. God’s sent His Son to connect with us and His way is glorious and faultless yet often challenging and painful, while our ways are broken and temporary band-aids in a flawed world in need of work and healing.

When the day’s end has come and we lye down to rest and we can say that we have lived this day following as best we can in the footsteps of Jesus, then we know we are on the right path to our privileged conversion and supreme salvation.

In all that we do, we must keep the light for Christ shining bright within us. Whenever darkness attempts to take over, we will have the strength to immediately turn things around through the powerful and forceful light that glows steady within us. Therefore, the pessimism of others, negativity of situations, and the gloom and disparagement of murky circumstances shall have no dominion over us.

We have all the ammunition necessary to fight all that comes against us, even if the battle is with ourselves. More than any words that could be poetically or masterfully composed by a human mind and tongue, we have God’s holy words of life that proclaim and hold a never dimming radiant light that will eternally sustain anyone who chases, follows and pursues it.

A glimmer of light is living within you, breathing, waiting for you to ignite it!



Inspired by:

Peter 1:3-9
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed for the last time. In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith-being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Although you have not seen him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

WhO lOvEs YoU bAbY!

WhO lOvEs YoU bAbY!

Oh yeah, aaaahhh, hhhhaaaa, somebody loves you! That’s it! You can never say it isn’t so. You, my friend, are nee-vvveeeerr forgotten. You are spe-eee-eee-ci-alllll! God loves you, the bible tells you so!

Have you ever had one of those days when you feel – forgotten about. Don’t know what happened to me kind of days? I feel insecure, out of sorts. I feel like I was kicked under the bus%#@&^! Nothing is going right kind of time? My opinion doesn’t count. What’s my purpose? Do I real-leee matter? Nobody luh-uh-uh-ves me!!! Oh, poor ---------. NOT!
What? Haven’t you heard? In God’s eyes you are eXtRa-OrDiNaRy! He loves every little detail the makes you “YoU”. Duh – he was your creator! How could he not love you? (How could you not know this? Oh, well, you know it nOw!)

People those trying, dArK, pUzZliNg, PeRpLeXing, bAffLing, MyStiFying, bAmBooZling days are gone forever!

Who needs a census report to say that you exist? Not I, says the child of God. Who needs another person to validate your life, purpose or emotions? Not I, says the child of God. Who needs a perfect day to feel worthy? Not I, says the child of God. Who loves you just the way you are. “God” say his special child (that’s yOOOuuu!).

AgHHhhHh. God is the only one who loves you completely, unconditionally, and is ever forgiving! He is the only one who wants to bless you a hundred fold many times over and over and every day – yiP-pEeEE!!! God does not want you to suffer, to do bad, to feel lost, or feel abandoned. He wants you to know you are loved. Can you feel the LoVe!!

He doesn’t care about what you do for a living or what you look like when you roll out of bed. He doesn’t judge you when you’ve made a mistake, and he forgives you and allows you to move on without guilt. Oh yeah, somebody lOvEs YoU alright!

Oh yeah – ain’t no stopping you now! There is a song in your heart now and I can hear it from here! Ummmhhh, ummmhhhh, SiNg On. Let them hear you all the way up to HeaVen!
Every day is a day for a celebration of your life and of God’s love. Wow, I’ve never seen this side of you (and you sing too – WhO kNeW?)! You are AmaZ-ing! Show the world your true HaPpY colors! You are now on a NeW pAth, the HiGh RoAd, and a very SpEciAl JoUrNey. Being aware of God’s love will make you hApPy, HaPpY, HApPy even when the world seems to be falling apart around you! Don’t fret the enormous or minuscule manias of life, with God on your side you are f-r-e-e from cOnCeRnS and AnXiEtiEs.

WhO lOvEs YoU bAbY? That’s it! You’ve know it NoW! GOD!



Inspired by: Luke 12:6-7

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Can We Talk?

Can we talk?

“R-i-i-i-n-g.” The bell rang and the last of the children scurried in from recess to find their seats. “Okay class, time to focus. Just a little longer, it’s almost time for lunch,” said Ms. Claibourne standing before the class with her hands clasped together. “Let us continue with religion now. Today we will be discussing and experimenting with communication skills– that is, talking and listening to God. Also, we will explore significant differences and trivial common threads between the Spirit of God and a cell phone.”

There were giggles among the classmates. Loud screams and high pitched voices bounced off the walls and then, a thump from a book being dropped to the floor reached a crescendo. “Okay class, settle down. Let’s get some ideas going.”

Ms. Claibourne looked around the room to see who would be the first to bring out a cell phone. One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand . . . There it was. “Heee, heee, hee,” laughed Junior showing off his phone to who ever was looking his way. “Junior, why don’t you come up here with that.” Junior looked up with a face that quickly went from a fire flushed red tone to a pale white tinge and he dropped the phone again. “Ms. Claibourne I was just . . .” Ms. Claibourne extended her hand out toward him with her palm faced up. Junior certainly knew the school rules and what that simple hand gesture meant. He picked up his plaything and walked obediently to the front of the class with his blue taped up cell phone in hand. Ms. Claibourne hid a smile as she imagined the thick warn tape was from countless efforts to repair the phone from the many wounds it had received. Junior gave it to his teacher and silently stood before her. Then Ms. Claibourne said in a low voice, “Junior, you know that I should take this to the office where they’ll keep it until your parents pick it up. One more time and you won’t be able to bring it to school for a whole month.” “Yes Ms. Claibourne,” he said sounding and looking defeated. “I’ll just keep this for now and you may ask me for it before the dismissal bell at the end of the day. You may return to your seat Junior.”

Ms. Claibourne looked around the room and decided to start with someone who rarely raised their hand. “Desiree, what can you do with God that you can also do with this cell phone,” Ms. Claibourne asked holding up the badly bandaged instrument. “Talk to Him anytime you want to,” Desiree responded quickly and seemed surprised over her rapid confident comeback. “Very good Desiree.” Then Ronny asked softly and innocently, “What do you do when your minutes run out?” “You pay for more dummy,” retorted Nattie. “Okay Nattie that was a creative response, but we could do without the smart comments, okay?” Ms. Claibourne looked at Nattie for a long moment, and then she finally responded, “I’m sorry Ronny.” “Thank you Nattie,” Ms. Claibourne said sighing lightly. It was rare to have a brother and sister in the class, but at times entertaining to say the least.

“Class, Ronny brings up a very good point. You can run out of minutes with a cell phone but can you run out of time with God?” Several hands went up, “ooooh, ooooh, oooh,” voices came from different sides of the classroom. “Okay, Vangie,” Ms. Claibourne continued pointing to her, “Can you run out of time with God?” “No,” she replied shortly. “Why not?” “Because God is there whenever you want to talk to Him.” “Excellent Vangie.” “See I told ya Marie,” Vangie said pulling on her classmate’s long dark pony tail. “Stop,” Marie cried out.

“Okay John, in what ways are a cell phone and God alike?” “They both have light.” Very good John.” “Angel when would the light go out on the cell phone?” Angel countered with a question, “When the battery goes dead?” “Or when you turn it off. Duh, no electricity,” shouted Albert from the back of the room. Laughter ensued at his comment and his imitation of electricity. Angel turned to Albert and shot him a shoddy stare. Seeing the competition that was building up in Angel’s eyes Ms. Claibourne added, “You are both right.”

“I don’t get it,” asked Kristy. “A cell phone has light but how does God have light.” Ms. Claibourne replied, “Good question, Kristy. Can anyone answer that? Go ahead John you have your hand up.” “God gave us Jesus so we would have light. If we believe in Jesus then we believe in the one who sent Him.”

“Wow John, I’m impressed, who taught you that,” Ms. Claibourne asked. “My grandma told me that I was named John, like John the Baptist. And that he baptized and prepared people for the coming of Jesus, who is the light of the world,” he said with finality. “Yes.” Then Ms. Claibourne, added, “Jesus came to give the world hope of eternity, that’s heaven; and he showed us that by baptism we would have the light, the Holy Spirit of God, within us.”

“Sylvia, does God’s light ever go out?” Sylvia pondered the question for a somber moment and finally replied solemnly, “Yes.” “Why would you think that,” Ms. Claibourne asked puzzled by her response. “Because . . . my Dad said God wasn’t there when my Nana died.” Ms. Claibourne bit her lip and her stomach did a quick flip flop as she watched Sylvia slowly lower her head to hide her emotions. Ms. Claibourne walked over to Sylvia and stood behind her and affectionately and gently placed her hands on her shoulders. “It’s okay honey, let’s talk about it.” The noise in the classroom trickled to a hushed silence as tears fell down Sylvia’s cheeks. This was difficult, Ms. Claibourne thought, but she quickly turned to her faith and sought God immediately for help to find the right words. “Sometimes class, when someone dies or something happens in our lives and we don’t understand it we might feel, for a little while, that God has left us. It might seem like the light of God has turned off inside us. However, when you have great faith and you keep God first in your life, your doubts become less and less in times of despair.” Then a small voice counseled. “My Mom says that God only leaves because we close our eyes to Him,” responded Jerry wisely. “What about when you go to sleep? You close your eyes then,” Kristy bravely took another turn. “Then you dream about Him,” Michael joined in with a response that sounded a matter of fact. “Yes,” Ms. Claibourne beamed inside and out with exhilaration at how much they understood and the many areas they were covering today, “you’ve all made excellent points. God is always there even in your sleep. What’s really important to remember is that He doesn’t ever leave you. But sometimes, not on purpose, we do turn away from Him.”

“Next question. What do you do when your cell phone stops working completely?” Josh shot up from his seat, waived his hands as if preaching to the class and blurted out especially loud, “You pay the bill!” Others laughed at his usual clown like antics. Phyllis then rose from her seat standing erect and sounding very astute added, “You go to the phone company for an upgrade.” Ms. Claibourne smiled at their exposure and comprehension of what should be adult business matters.

“What about God’s light? Is it always on? “Yes,” replied the class in what seemed like unison. “Wonderful,” Ms. Claibourne said feeling accomplished. “Now that you know God’s light is always on, what should you do when it seems that God had stopped working in you?” “Talk to Him again,” answered Mary. “Pray,” added Marco. “Write Him a letter,” Cynthia contributed. “That’s dumb,” Larry uttered. Okay Larry, that’s not nice. Ms. Claibourne paused and her silence prompted Larry’s apology, “I’m sorry Cynthia.” “Thank you Larry.” “Yes, you could write Him a letter. However, many people enjoy writing in a journal, which is what we will be doing.”

Ray raised his hand. “Go ahead Ray,” Ms. Claibourne said recognizing he had a question. “What is a journal?” “Okay, who can tell us what a journal is,” Ms. Claibourne inquired looking around the room for a volunteer and called on her most shy student. “Missy, what is a journal?” “A book of your thoughts,” she said meekly. “Like a diary,” Brenda added. “A little bit,” Ms. Claibourne corroborated lightly. “A journal with God would be like little written conversations with Him and/or thoughts to Him.” “How many times a day can we write in it,” Gina asked. “You may write to Him as many times as you’d like to.” “What if we want to say something to God and we don’t have our journal with us,” inquired Mark. “Then just talk to Him.” “How can I talk to God? I don’t remember ever talking to Him. I’ve never seen Him before,” stated Raquel. “When you talk to God there is something inside you that comes alive and you just know that He’s there. You’ll recognize his presence. Again, you might call that the Holy Spirit. But remember you also need to practice listening to Him too,” Ms. Claibourne added assuredly. “How do we do any of that,” Sarah asked sounding bewildered yet looking quite interested.
“Okay, let’s try something here. I want the first and second rows to stand up and march in place. Great, now the third and fourth rows put your hands on your head and you’ll move them up and down like you are pushing on a hat. Good, now the fifth row, I’d like you to sit in your seats backwards and play patty-cakes with the person you are now facing. Now everyone else put your hands over your eyes and sing row row your boat, except for the last row. I want the last row to come up here to the front. Take a piece of chalk and start writing your name on the board, and say your name over and over. I want everyone to start talking, singing, writing or marching and when I turn off the lights, we will pause for long moment and from that spot where you are at that time I want you to listen to or have a little conversation with God. Then I’ll say go and you’ll talk, write and sing again. Then we’ll do it again and again. Are you ready? Okay. Go!”

Okay. Hector, let’s start with you. A week has passed now, what have you learned since you’ve been listening and talking to God regularly through a journal and meditating in silence? “That you can sit, stand or kneel when talking to God.” “Wonderful. Emmitt?” “That talking is kind of like praying too.” “Dave, what did you realize about your conversation with God?” “That it doesn’t matter where I am or what I’m doing I can talk to Him anywhere.” “Jacqueline, your turn.” “That just because I was busy didn’t mean that He left me, it’s just that I stopped thinking about Him for a little while.” “Tyeas.” “I realized that I could bring Him back anytime I wanted to.” Jasmend, “It was weird because I was talking or praying to God in the car or when I was with my friends, and not kneeling by my bed where I used to only pray.”

Ms. Claibourne noticed that Karen looked a little confused and inquired of her newest student, “Karen what did you think?” “I don’t know. I mean it’s hard to put into words. I just feel . . . good all the time. It’s like He’s there even when I’m not talking to Him.” Frankie volunteered, “I wasn’t as mean to my little sister. I showed her how to talk to God.” “Allison, what about you? What did you experience?” “It wasn’t just one thing. But when my Grandma got sick last week and everyone was crying, I told them to hold hands and I prayed out loud for her and I think it made everyone feel better.” “Do you think God heard,” asked Ms. Claibourne. “Yes, because my Grandma came home from the hospital yesterday.” Wow, Ms. Claibourne thought, this was so much more than I prayed for. “Lord you out did yourself again.”

“R-i-i-i-n-g.” The bell rang and Ms. Claibourne dismissed the class for lunch. She immediately sat down behind her teacher’s desk and faced the empty chairs and began to write:

BEGIN JOURNAL - DEAR GOD: I am always amazed at these young people. Their family experiences, many good yet some emotional and trying circumstances, do have a different effect on everyone. These children are listening and learning even when we think they’re not. I wish their parents could hear them now.

I know that this was a deep subject matter to be understood, however, I know we were blessed by your grace today. This important message seemed to be comprehended by the majority of the class. Today was the perfect example of Your work within us, young and old. That is why Jesus so loved the children, isn’t it? They speak from the heart about love and truth and their uncomplicated and simplistic views on life help adults to see things we’ve closed our eyes to. The work that I do here is worth it, even if it touches just one person. Thank you dear Lord for another fruitful day. END JOURNAL

Ms. Claibourne was now standing in the quiet calm that filled the room and she herself felt His presence at that moment. Surprised by the movement in the far end of the classroom, Ms. Claibourne caught sight of one of her students still sitting quietly. “Candace? Why aren’t you out at lunch with the others? Are you okay,” asked the teacher affectionately. “I’m fine Ms. Claibourne, I was just talking to God about you.” “Oh, okay,” Ms. Claibourne simply smiled not wanting to pry for anymore information. But Candace volunteered, “I told him that I wanted to be just like you when I grow up.” “You did? Well, I’m sure He has His own plan just for you.” “I know He does,” said Candace confidently. “He told me to watch you carefully, because you are part of my plan.”

“Thank you dear God for allowing me to witness your work,” Ms. Claibourne praised Him once again. “You have touched another so young with wisdom through your powerful hands of mercy and grace.”

Inspired by:

Romans 8:26-27

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs to deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

A Look From the Inside Out.

A look from the Inside Out.

Have you ever had someone stay with you unexpectedly and they go into your junk drawer or open up a closet that’s well - - a mess. You make excuses, as we all have from time to time, about not being the most organized person. It actually can feel kind of intimidating to know that they may stumble across something else that’s not quite -- perfect.

It’s funny how we can go to mucho trouble to wash the car on the outside but skip the inside; or vacuum the house but not move the furniture. How do your clothes lay in your chest of drawers, neatly folded or shoved in nice and tight? Would it bother you if someone were to see the house you kept on a regular basis? Do you wear designer stuff or do you own a real good imitation? (Ouch!! Time out. Let me take my shoes off. My Goochi stilettos are hurting my toes and ruining French mani– what Goochi is spelled Gucci? – and toes are called pedi? Hhhmmm, whatever!! Some people think they know everything! Where was I?)

Getting past the visual, physical and material things in our homes and lives in general, what kinds of behaviors, attitudes and beliefs do we lack knowingly and unknowingly and sometimes expertly or amateurly camouflage within ourselves? Do we speak with a prejudiced tongue when we say we are not? Do we promote gossip in others when we claim to not gossip ourselves? Do we argue that we are busy and keep a messy looking desk to hide our lack of knowledge and organization? Do we claim to be poorer than poor just so that someone else might pick up lunch again while you squander your little pesos on cigarettes, alcohol, clothes, lotto tickets or tuck it away for a rainy day?

When someone points out a weakness or an obvious flaw or perhaps has the opportunity to look beneath the outer surface or see a side of you that you’ve managed to hide until now, it can cause a rather uneasy feeling and may even bring on a bit of insecurity, anxiety or distress to you personally or even add an uncomfortable element to your relationship.

When the picture we have taken years to paint and protect is distorted in a matter of seconds, how deep into the well will we go to calm the stirred up waters or maybe even change our course. Or in the alternative, how often will we blatantly turn our cheek and ignore the obvious ugly truth. (To change is work, and who wants to do that, right?) At what point does a person stop to think “I need to grow,” “I want to change,” “I don’t like this about me,” “I’m okay,” or “wow, I just didn’t realize I’m a mess.”

Okay maybe some of us haven’t consciously tried to create a certain impression or image for the sake of others. However, no one is perfect. (Yeah, well your bubble just went pop! Now what? We still love you man!!). However, some still might argue and say, “I am who I am and I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me.” “Who do I need to impress anyway?”

For starters, we should not be out to impress each other. However because we are human all evidence points to the contrary (I know you are out to pleasure yourself. Riiiiggght!). The point here is that we are working on HOPE and openness for personal improvement – stay with me --keep your options open People we’re not done yet!). Wheew, now that I’ve got you back, let’s take it up a holy notch.

We can’t fool our creator, cuz He sees e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! When you get down to it, when we do things for the right reasons (God’s way) all deeds are for the good of others. It may not always run smoothly (what would be the fun in that?). Be cautious not to feel shamed just because others will not agree with you when you are doing the right thing. Working for the Lord can make you a bit unpopular. However, there is nothing to feel shameful about even if a little dirt is turned over and a few people chit chat a bit about you (don’t let them hurt your little feelings you’ve got a bigger friend on your side!).

You’re living the good life now. Our former “selfish” motives are now softened to “self-less” alms (charitable donations) and the feeling it produces is positive and heavenly even in the midst of life’s hiccups.

The truth of the matter is that we can’t fool God, our creator (and that my friends, is where it all begins and ends). Genuine efforts, true values, and good morals are par for the course. Being true to God gives you peace inside. It’s the only way to live.

Read, study, and share to improve your values and morals with positive people (gaining a little confidence helps with any new venture). Then take it to the streets. Know where you are going before you put your best foot forward. Practice makes almost perfect and God r-e-a-l-l-y appreciates someone who is working at being better.

The ultimate goal is to be an imitator of Christ. Wow, incredible shoes to walk in and an amazing journey to say the least. Your creator will reward your genuine efforts even when your weaknesses and flaws are exposed.

Have a blast with your new stride, the new soft path you carve out will become a popular wider and more permanent foundation as you bring others along for the ride. (Yeah, your cup is half full and change is “FUN”.)

You’ve got a fresh perspective and new look from the inside out. From where I’m sitting the world is looking like a better place because you are in it! Have a great walk!


Inspired by:
Luke 11:37-41

While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you."

"Knock, knock." "Whose there?"

Knock, knock. Who’s there?

“Knock, knock. Ho-ho-ho, anybody there?” Samantha stood expectantly waiting at the front door of her sister’s apartment, her arms filled with beautifully wrapped gifts. Immediately upon hearing her sister’s voice, Becki stopped dead in her tracks and flung her arm across the hallway making a sudden barricade blocking the way for her husband.

Samantha tried the cheery decorated red door again. She rearranged the gifts and goodies in her arms and slipped her right hand out from beneath the packages. Reaching through the middle of the full fragrant fresh pine wreath that hung on the door she wrapped her fingers around the gold door knocker and tried again.

“Knock, knock.” She waited and again no response. This time Samantha peeked through the door’s side beveled window trimmed with little white twinkling lights. Becki caught a moment’s glimpse of her sister’s familiar made up eyes, her jolly Santa’s hat, and the shiny ribbons on the elegantly wrapped packages.

Throwing her body back in an effort to hide herself, Becki bumped her head against the picture frame hanging on the wall. She rashly pushed up her long sleeves on her reindeer fleece pajamas to reveal her hands and turned to straighten out the picture. She felt herself automatically rolling her own eyeballs at meeting her 5 year old sister’s eyes in the old photograph of herself, her sister and their mother. “She was everywhere,” Becki grumbled internally.

“Ho, ho, ho! Santa knows you must be there,” Samantha called sweetly, “I heard the creaking upstairs and I see the light on,” she called lightly through the door.

“Don’t answer it,” Becki whispered, now face to face with her husband, holding him back by the collar of his new dark chocolate plush velour robe. “Becki, this is ridiculous,” John whispered sternly, flicking back the reindeer ears that had now fallen forward on his head. Just inches from his wife, he looked intently right into her urgent round brown eyes with lids that were smeared with painted eyelashes of a make do Rudolph. “That’s your sister out there,” John said pointing toward the front door and then feeling the weight of her stronghold, he placed his hands on hers and one by one peeled her cuffed fingers from his billowy soft collar.

“B-e-c-k-i, Merry Christmas honey” the sweet voice sang out, “Its S-a-m-a-n-t-h-a, your s-i-s. Open up, I’ve got gifts for you and Nattie and I baked John’s favorite pumpkin bread.”

“I don’t understand why you won’t just open the door,” John shot back pressing his toes into the carpet. “Because . . .,” Becki’s voice trailed off sounding as always unsure and unable to conjure up a valid reason for her behavior. “Because . . . she might ask you to spend a little time with her . . . Because she might want to share a cup of coffee with you . . .,” John barely tried after a deep breath. “Because she’ll want to chit chat over a cup of coffee, borrow my angora sweater when she’s got her own clothes, buy me a purse when I’ve got enough, or want to go shopping! It’s always something,” Becki exclaimed like a little spoiled child knowing full well how extremely selfish she sounded. There she was again fighting this powerfully odd overwhelming anger because she was feeling forced to try to explain herself and furious that she had to feel that, t-h-a-t way again.

“Your sister Samantha is a load of laughs. I don’t know why you don’t enjoy her company. And she’s always returned anything that she’s borrowed, you said so yourself. You’ve even gone so far as to give her your least favorite sweater and then take it back because it looked better on her. She even bought you a new white sweater when she stained that one you said you were going to give to the goodwill. Why would that upset you, she’s a sweetheart,” John exclaimed a little louder. Becki put her hands to his mouth to quiet him. “J-o-h-n, not so loud, she might hear you!”

“Geez, why do I have to whisper, this is my house,” John exclaimed throwing his hands up in the air. Sounding defensive now, Becki blew back like a muffled trumpet speaking between her gritted teeth, “I k-n-o-w t-h-a-t John, you don’t have to point that out to me.”

John looked at her with disbelief. “This is really not the way I want to spend Christmas morning or any other day of my life. Look at me. I’m trapped in my hallway, being hushed by my wife who looks like a reindeer. I’m wearing these huge crazy antlers with matching shorts and robe, and we are here dodging your only sister, who loves you by the way, while she stands out in the hallway with Christmas gifts and my favorite pumpkin bread while you try to figure out some sort of far fetched reason to reject her today.”

Becki nervously bit her lower lip as she watched her husband take a deep breath and close his eyes for a moment to regain his composure. She hated when he did that, but what she despised now even more, was the sudden realization that only she did that to him. John, Becki thought scornfully, was fine with everyone else.

“Explain it to me Becki. What is it between you two? We’ve been married for seven years and I’ve watched you day after day doing everything you can to keep from being nice to that woman! You think you hide it well, but believe me it shows!”

“She’s just like my mother,” Becki shouted out loud which she had not anticipated. Her hands flew up to muffle her voice that had spoken illegally about what seemed like some ill truth. She had never said or thought about such a thing before. She realized just then that Samantha reminded her so much of her mother. Even more, she wildly questioned herself, why am I so angry? Had she, she now wondered, not forgiven her mother for dying?

Becki felt sudden waves of abandonment flood her enraged heart; feelings that have been stored up for the past 10 years were now unlocked and moving undisciplined throughout her being. She turned impassioned to look at the picture hanging on the wall behind her, and affectionately ran her fingers across her mother’s face and then her sister’s and saw it, for the first time, the great resemblance her mother and sister shared. Could her sister’s looks, facial expressions, and the way she carried herself be so much like her mother, she pondered, that she subconsciously rejected her? Was there really anything wrong with their relationship, or was there something specific about Samantha herself, Becki thought, that made her feel so annoyed all the time. Could it really be me, she wondered.

She was suddenly fighting new tender compassionate feelings and Becki’s heart and eyes welled up with emotions and tears foreign to her while the anger that had become her new normal bounced around her body unsure of where to land.

“You just don’t understand John,” infuriation winning out, “you didn’t have to grow up with her.” Growing up together, Becki quickly surmised, was beautiful with her sister. “And now,” Becki continued, as if speaking through the voice of an alien or a vaguely and yet familiar stranger, “I can’t believe she’s living in the downstairs apartment. I just can’t get away from her,” she said in desperation hearing the ludicrous comments come out of her mouth.

“Frankly Becki, I’m tired of tip toeing around every time the door bell rings. You always give in anyway. I don’t know why you are prolonging the matter.” “I can’t believe you are taking her side John.” “There are no sides Becki!”

John breathed deep again, and slumped down slightly to meet the height of her eyes. “Do you know what I think?” “I don’t know if I want to know what you think,” Becki said with her arms crossed and her red nose turned up now like a spoiled child. “Well you are going to have to face the ugly truth Becki.” “And what’s that John,” she now spoke with a quivering voice. “That it’s not your sister who is the problem, it’s you!” “What!” Becki was livid and oddly relieved. First her own heart was toying with her and now her husband was the bearer of yet more insightful surprising painstaking news and shocking yet enlightening gifts of words of wisdom that she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear.

“Yeah, that’s right. You’re holding something over her head and you don’t even know what it is.” John continued, “All that woman has ever done is love you. You know I’ve watched you two together, and I know you really love her, you r-e-a-l-l-y do, but you’ve got this competitive thing going on with her. I just don’t get it Becki. Why would you deliberately reject someone who is just trying to love you!” “You’re crazy, John Palmer, I can’t believe you are saying these things to me. You’re my husband, whose side are you on anyway!” “There you go again Becki. She’s your family, your blood! This is not a competition. Now if you hate her that much, then why don’t you just tell her to get out of your life and stop with all this nonsense!”

Samantha stood there with her mouth wide open and her eyes as big and round as chestnuts. He was right, if she hated her that much why hadn’t she ever told her that before. Again, a preposterous thought and an absurd statement came from a foreign place inside. Becki had never hated anybody in her life and she could certainly not feel that way toward her only sister. How long have I been doing this to her? What must it have been making her feel like to be repeatedly snubbed, ignored, rejected, and turned down time after time Becki wondered hastily. And to think that she had been doing that to her sister all these years, while Samantha mourned her mother too.

This last realization caused a sudden pitiful contraction in her heart. Her stomach was in instant agony, her body had grown cold and clammy, her throat closed and went dry and her conscience suffered a disgraceful trauma.

Little Carolina appeared in the hallway, like an angel, looking whimsically sleepy, with fly away wispy golden curls that merrily danced around her small head. Wiping the sleep from her four year old eyes she asked curiously, “Mommy, isn’t that auntie Samantha at the door? Why don’t you let her in,” finished the innocent cherub’s voice. Carolina looked up at her mommy and daddy who were now embracing and without instruction or hesitation headed straight for the front door.

Becki automatically took a breath and intended to call out to Carolina to stop her, but John gently put his hands over Becki’s mouth and pressed lightly on her lips. “Let her in, honey. Let your sister into your heart”.

Carolina reached up and turned the door knob that was snuggled by the musical snowman doorhanger, and the holiday tune from Becki’s childhood commenced and her heart began to melt at a feverish pace as the melody sent itself through the sugar cookie filled air that still hovered from the eve before.

At the sound of the first bars of music, flashes of quick memories of her mother clouded and distracted Becki’s emotional state and abruptly aroused and bewildered her aching heart. Then the lyrics of this tender memory filled song and her mother’s delightful voice floated through Becki’s psyche, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light . . . from now on our troubles will be out of sight . . . have yourself a merry little Christmas, make the yule- tide gay . . . from now on your troubles will be miles away . . .

Streams of water drops fell down Becki’s cheeks and her eyes were glossed heavily with bitter-sweet tears that imparted the years she could never recapture.
“Merry Christmas Nattie,” Samantha cooed sweetly to her niece breaking the trance that Becki was in. “These are for you.”

Becki used her sleeve to clear her clouded eyes wanting to see her sister through an ogle that connected to a heart in need of healing. She emotionally gravitated toward that voice that was her mother’s and yet uniquely Samantha’s; drawn toward that special person that had all these years loved her unconditionally.

As John gently nudged his wife out of the hallway he offered tenderly, “She’s waiting for you to love her Becki.” Then he kissed her on top of her faded painted red nose.

Not knowing where it came from inside, Becki darted in her sister’s direction hurdling over Nattie narrowly missing the crown of her head. Nattie now sat near the decorated tree oblivious to the miracles and joys of Christmas and played excitedly and comfortably on her new poinsettia fleece blanket that lay on the hardwood floor in the midst of her bundle of gifts.
Becki hugged her sister tight, and buried her adolescent head and swollen eyes beneath her big sister’s strong chin and solid shoulder. Her body trembled with an urgent love to connect to her lineage. “It’s okay Becki, I know,” Samantha said gently, stroking her back. “We both loved her.”

. . . through the years we all will be together, if the fates allow . . . hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.”

Inspired by:

Luke 11:5-10

And Jesus said to them, “suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is a friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and given him whatever he needs. So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

The Good Life

Many interpret the “good life” as meaning a life full of material goods, money, leisure time, and not having to work. How many people live this way? And if they do, are they really happy? The average white or blue collared worker may be jealous of rich pampered people sitting pretty with what seems like all the luxuries of life. What is luxury and leisure? Who deserves the good life? How can we, the everyday Joes, obtain it, live it, and keep it?

Let’s start with Merriam-Webster’s definition of “luxury” = a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort; sumptuous environment; something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary, an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction or ease.

We just might unknowingly interpret luxury as expensive and something we have to pay a high price for. Luxury comes in many simple forms. Let’s look at the place we call home and the life we call ours and see if we can’t find some luxurious qualities within our own walls and selves.

Whether we rent, pay a mortgage, or own the property out right, our home should be our sanctuary and a place where we feel safe to lay our head at night. Beyond the normal comforts of home, what about those things that make us feel extraordinarily good!

A simple uncluttered house may seem luxurious or pleasurable to one while a home filled with mementos, photos and nick nacks fulfill the same emotion. A cup of hot coffee or cocoa in a favorite cup on a cold night may be the ultimate pleasure for one while another seeks pleasure tinkering in the garage making crafts or creating wood work or cabinetry. Someone may find their complete peace and say that luxury exists when the television remote is in hand, with a bowl of popcorn, blanket and pillow nearby while another would be more than satisfied with the stillness in the house in the early morning, their bible and a cup of hot green tea calling it their heaven. Find your simple pleasures and become conscious of making your life extra-ordinary with things you have rather than with things that are out of reach or unnecessary.

The saying “the good life” could be over rated and we may well have removed ourselves from being eligible recipients of it. We must believe we could live this way and are entitled to nice things, even fancy and expensive ones. Just because we don’t have millions in our bank account doesn’t mean we can’t own fine articles of clothing, jewelry, or an upscale piece of property (we can, that is, if we can afford it!). Remember you have to be able to have the extra cash to indulge in the expensive good life stuff. But what about the simply affordable “good life stuff”. What is that?

The good life is leisure and includes lack of worry. Go ahead take the good life you are entitled to. Don’t worry about money and certainly don’t carry the burden of other people’s problems on your shoulders. You can raise a family, be involved in charitable work and be employed and still reap the benefits of the good life.

We overload our schedules with too much to do and work during all our otherwise leisure time. It is in times like these we rob ourselves of opportunities to enjoy relationships and our belongings. Our time is important and we should place a high value on it. You have control of your time. Rework your schedule so you can have “the good life” too.

If we didn’t have to work chances are after a time we’d get bored (Okay it could be a real long time. That is besides the point!). The thought of doing absolutely nothing seems appealing however it’s an opportunity for a brain to get lazy and turn to mush; not to mention, developing an attitude of pompousness, pettiness, callousness and selfishness. We all need to do something worthwhile! Making it a mission to find that certain something that makes us feel validated and empowered is key. If we’ve got to work to dig ourselves out of this hole we’ve dug, let’s make it something we enjoy while we scratch our way back to the surface! By the way, one does not have to earn top dollar either to be profitable. Yes, most would agree it would be nice to ear gobs of money (hello – old you remember?). Aggh, working should pay for our basic means, and a reasonable amount of extra-ordinary luxuries (hmmm, living like the rich without the frills – sounds like an idea for a story). We should not work to try to catch up to the debt we’ve put ourselves in. Living beyond our means is equal to making the minimum payment on a charge card, it will never get paid off, and you will never receive the payoff – financial freedom. So trim the fat off your spending! Too boot, our attitudes are tweaked when we live in arrears and that ugly stuck feeling is with you for what seems like eternity.

Speaking of attitude, it stinks. Yeah, most of us have a horrible attitude over life in general. We complain about our boss, co-worker, brother, sister, spouse and children. We yak about the insurance agent who gave the outrageous quote, the terrible teacher who loses you in class, the so-called friends that are there when you have money, and who disappear when you are broke. We complain about everything, even ourselves.

Complaining is a waste of time. If you are going to complain, do something about the unfair situation or about you! Many times our complaints are not about unfairness, but rather we are sometimes reaching for something beyond our means or beyond our narrow-minded one-sided way of thinking. There are two, three and sometimes more sides or perspectives to all situations. It all depends on our mindset. Let it go, go with the flow (if its good) and give the situation to God. He takes care of it anyway. Why hold on to something that makes you feel miserable if you don’t have to. Yes, it really is that easy!

Money, money, money, the ultimate dream! Yes money can buy any material thing. The value we place on material things, and the quality thereof determines the price some are willing to pay. Some things in life have been priced right out of our pocketbook! Really, you don’t have to have it. Take a look at the things you have now and find a new appreciation for them. Recall how that old car you still drive got you to and from all those auditions, school meetings and dates before you married. And appreciate how now it still gets you to and from work and handles the visits with friends and family. Hey in all likelihood you don’t have a car payment and the insurance is affordable. The next time you buy clothes, shoes or some other accessory, make sure you love it! That way it will not hang with the tags in your closest or be stored under the bed in a dusty box until that one day when its time to clean out and give to the local Goodwill. You don’t NEED a new movie for your collection, YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH FOR A VIDEO STORE!

Pamper, spoil, and treat yourself to things within your grasp. This does not mean to give up dreams or reach for something beyond your means. You can do those things when you’ve mastered being happy with you and where you are at.

Go ahead and make a fuss over yourself. Enjoy the beauty of the world God provided. Live the good life you deserve it!

Have a blessed day!


Inspired by Isaiah 66:10-13a

Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her-that you may drink deeply with delight from her glorious bosom. For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.