A brick is but a paper weight;
Alone it has no greater fate.
But with its kin in ordered state
Can build a wall that’s true and straight.
** By Guest Blogger – Fred Allen **
I Found a Treasure
I found a treasure shining bright
Among the rocks and weeds
Not of gold and jewels rare
But something born of seeds
In lowly places there it grew
It lifted its face to warmth of sun
And there upon the peaks and trails
I saw it beckon and began to run
Darkness did not overcome that glow
It shone anew as shining star
Through tossing waves and sliding sand
In sheltered valley or mountain far
A new day risen to setting sun and upon
Nights cool twinkle …I lifted my eyes
There now cradled in God’s great hand
Planted by One both pure and wise
I found a treasure shining bright
Discovered the gift of His great LOVE
* In loving memory of Ron Jeffries
Requirements!
Papers please… Don’t forget to renew by… You must have… Payment due… Reports needed!
Life seems to be a never-ending cycle of requirements just to keep the daily gears turning! How do I keep up? Sometimes things come all at once. I get flooded with extra work to do, insurance payments, certification and dues renewal, vehicle registration and inspection, extra commitments, and more.
Honestly, sometimes I wish that I could just sit back and let go of some of my responsibilities. Don’t we all feel overwhelmed sometimes? Whether from a paid job or volunteer positions, there are always associated requirements.
Yet in the midst of all of that, I am ever aware of the richness of life and I am thankful. A job and income provide basic necessities. I have a car to drive, which enables me to drive so that I can work. I have a home to live in and family around me. There are friends to share with. Church, music, dance, and writing have special places. My life is full.
As I think about that, I am reminded of what Micah, a prophet living in Judah in the early 700s BC, said. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” * In that is the true stuff of life, isn’t it?!
Even when I tire of the many requirements, they are a part of all we do and are not always a negative thing. They provide direction, maintain what is needed, and allow us to follow our call. What does the Lord require of us? To give our all, to extend His love to others, to walk humbly… with Him! Despite all the craziness or stress, the pain and grief we may encounter, and the loss of loved ones… in those words there is fulfillment and contentment.
*Micah 6:8
Reflections on Slippers
• Each day needs slipper moments
• Rise to a new day with anticipation of good
• A warm smile and kind touch bring comfort
• Soft words encourage healing and rest
• Protecting others is a most noble call and occupation
• Reach out to others like a warm home on a cold day
• Slip on true friendship and slide off falsehood
• Put on that which will enrich life
• Embrace laughter and silly slippers for a joyful heart
• A peaceful evening of rest is a great blessing
• Knowing we are useful brings contentment
• The Comforter is always with us
Birthday Party
I know it’s around here somewhere
Where could it be
Please read the note again for us
So we can check it out
We received the welcome message
Bright and clear for us to see
Made the preparations
And packed our many bags
The trip was long but we’ve arrived
Gifts ready and in hand
Where is that birthday party
The mother and the child
Oh look oh look do you see it now
The star that marks the spot
We brought these birthday presents
Chosen for a royal life
Giving of our best to you
New Prince of peace and King of kings
Winter’s Chill
Crunch of snow beneath our shoes
Cold wind nipping at my nose
Winter’s chill hurries steps
Foggy breath declares the news
Harvesttime past
Summer long gone
As crisp air beckons
Some venture forth
I blink at bright sunlight
Dream of lazy warm days
And retreat like woodland creatures
To my sheltered den
Celebrate
That’s wonderful! Yay! Great! Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! You did it!
We enjoy celebrating those noteworthy moments in life. Whether it be the result of long hard work, another year of life, a special anniversary, or a new life born… times of celebration express joy and excitement.
I remember the celebration of my mother’s 80th birthday. Friends and family worked to make this a special surprise. The church secretary asked my mom to stop by to pick up something and the plot was sprung! What joy shone on my mother’s face as gathered family and friends all wished her a happy birthday and expressed our love for her, to one who was so giving and compassionate. I treasure that memory.
I celebrate too, the quiet satisfaction of accomplishment… perhaps a completed task for work, a finished piece of writing, simple tasks around the house, or doing something for family or friends. These daily celebrations are as important as the larger occasions and are a source of contentment and affirmation of life.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the quiet of the night was awakened to joy-filled words of celebration! “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” the host of angels proclaimed, “and on earth peace…” When the shepherds found this newborn Son of God, they celebrated by spreading the news to all who would hear. * Can you imagine the amazement and excitement in the little town that night?
There were other celebrations in the coming days as well, the praise of Simeon when he recognized Christ and the thanks of Anna who shared the news of his birth to all of those who had been waiting for that day. *
When the wise men arrived at the home of the child Jesus, they celebrated through worship and through the giving of gifts. They too had been searching for the child who had been born to the world. *
Something which is especially meaningful to me is Mary’s quiet and strong celebration, simply stated in Luke 2:19. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Her thoughts must have gone back to the earlier encounter with her cousin Elizabeth as they celebrated together. * After months of carrying this child, now came further affirmation. Imagine her awe and joy, and perhaps also the fear or questions about what this motherhood would bring in days and years to come. All the pain, discomfort, whispers, and exhaustion must have faded as she looked upon her son and saw the face of God.
As we travel through life, may we treasure those moments of celebrations. May we ponder deeply and long the greatest gift of all, Emmanuel, God with us!
* Luke 2:13-30 (Shepherd and Angels); Luke 2:25-28 (Simeon); Luke 2:36-38 (Anna);
Matthew 2:10-11 (Wise Men); Luke 1:39-56 (Elizabeth and Mary)
