Women of Faith:
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.(8a and 9a) Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
In true fashion Kristy and Tyler walked down the aisle to those words. And the vows:
“I, Tyler, take you Kristy to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. I promise to be true to you in good times and bad, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, till death do us part.”
took on more meaning than is intended on a wedding day. (For those of you who were unable to join us, Tyler had the flu on Friday, Kristy on their wedding day.) In sickness and health….
Behind the scenes we saw: Kristy and Tyler pray together in private as they began their day together. After protecting her dress from the ill affects of the flu, we saw her bridesmaids gather around her as she prayed for each of them and for the strength to get them all thru the ceremony. After the ceremony we saw Kristy tell Tyler to go with the wedding party for a celebration cruise around town and Tyler make the choice to stay with his new bride as she slept for an hour. We saw Tyler and Kristy pray the dinner prayer as one, newly joined in Christ. And we saw both of them continue to smile through the reception and dance even though the day had not been their ideal.
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will; in sickness and in health.
As Paul affirmed the villages he preached in, they affirmed each other. And they were, and have been, affirmed by their bridal party, friends and family who have shared and given them so much.
They also have learned from the very beginning: not everything will be perfect, not every dream will come true, but that God has given them to each other, to support each other, SELFLESSLY. All they have to do is continue to ask for His support.
And He has put them in our lives to give us a shining example of “I come to do Your will.”
Tyler and Kristy Staker—We are so proud of you! Know that by your example you have shown us that God puts us here not to always have everything go our way but to do His will by serving each other, and by doing everything in prayer with God as our leader. And if we do, we will be carried through the good times and bad, in sickness and health, till death do us part.
Blessings on your marriage! And may each of us use their example of selflessness to remember our own vows and to live our own marriages and lives in prayer.
Thank you to each of you who have played a part in their lives and ours.
Charlotte & Stan
Monday, January 17, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Life is One BIG Prayer!
Women of Faith:
Where is God in this moment? Is God in your relationship, no matter who or where you are?
“Where two or more are gathered in my name…. I am there.” Are we praying together (with our spouse, or our faith family) to ask God’s guidance and help to make our relationships more meaningful?
As a child—our parents meet our basic needs and they are to be the “first teachers. Is God in this relationship helping the parents to teach the child how important God should and will be as they grow?
As a young adult—we are given the freedom to explore and make choices, tough choices. God will always be our conscience to remind us of right and wrong—if we let Him.
As we begin new careers—We put ourselves in places where we can touch others with our faith and are often reminded that everything in life won’t go OUR way. But, there is a better way: God’s way. Each time we make a new relationship, we are also making new decisions (career, personal and spiritual) Do we let God guide us, both to choose our friends and make our decisions?.
Newly married—placing God firmly in the center of a new relationship from the very beginning. The “honeymoon time” serving as an example of peace and harmony and true love to always return us to the sacramental relationship, and the covenant we make as two with God.
As young parents—we become isolated in the noise, sleep deprived in our needs. Prayer is what will get us through the day, if we find time, even a second to give our burdens to God. Our young children will feel His presence if we feel His presence. But we must remember to look for it. Special dates with our spouse brings us back together as a couple so that we are always remined that He is at the center of our family. The husband and wife relationship is designed by God to be the journey to closeness with God. It is where God’s love culminates as we begin each new life.
Parents caught in the middle—Too busy to slow down, with tough reminders, decisions and sufferings as we watch teenagers grow. We have to make time for each other, take time to pray, to worship and to look for God in every moment. If we are without prayer, we are without God and we will lose focus, we will lose our way. Is God with you? Are you praying enough? Are you giving Him control so that the stresses become less of a burden?
Middle age and empty nested—A time that can be just as isolated, unless God is in the middle, or at the center of our relationships. All those previous reminders to pray are building blocks, each one becoming stronger. They are reminders that we are not here for ourselves, but to serve each other as family members, especially husband and wife, but also serving our neighbors together. We will feel both sadness and joy as our children make their own choices. Are we asking God not only to be part of our lives, but to help guide those we love?
Grandparents—We get wrapped around a little person again. And yet our control has been taken away, because they live too far away, even if they are in the house next door. Love, trust, pray, and give God control. AGAIN in the center of all of our relationships!
Growing old, maybe without our best friend—Ah, sadness, but if life has become one big prayer, we will be asked by God to return to Him, through nature, and also through the natural return of service by others giving back to us. We will finally have time to truly look at His beauty in nature. This is the final surrender of our sufferings and control. Our hearts will be full if we have let God be our prayer!
Dear God, Praise be Your place in my life. Thank you that no matter where I am, You are with me. Help me to always return to you. Help me to let you control each moment of each day. In each stage of life when I feel isolation, please be with me. Help me to allow Your Word to guide me and your arms to carry me. May my heart always be open to your grace and love. Thank you for shouldering the burdens of my sufferings and my aloneness. Help me to feel your love, accept your comfort and find peace in the journey through faith, hope and love. Amen.
Where is God in your life today? Give Him control so that you will have the grace of love and peace today. Life is a Prayer.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Where is God in this moment? Is God in your relationship, no matter who or where you are?
“Where two or more are gathered in my name…. I am there.” Are we praying together (with our spouse, or our faith family) to ask God’s guidance and help to make our relationships more meaningful?
As a child—our parents meet our basic needs and they are to be the “first teachers. Is God in this relationship helping the parents to teach the child how important God should and will be as they grow?
As a young adult—we are given the freedom to explore and make choices, tough choices. God will always be our conscience to remind us of right and wrong—if we let Him.
As we begin new careers—We put ourselves in places where we can touch others with our faith and are often reminded that everything in life won’t go OUR way. But, there is a better way: God’s way. Each time we make a new relationship, we are also making new decisions (career, personal and spiritual) Do we let God guide us, both to choose our friends and make our decisions?.
Newly married—placing God firmly in the center of a new relationship from the very beginning. The “honeymoon time” serving as an example of peace and harmony and true love to always return us to the sacramental relationship, and the covenant we make as two with God.
As young parents—we become isolated in the noise, sleep deprived in our needs. Prayer is what will get us through the day, if we find time, even a second to give our burdens to God. Our young children will feel His presence if we feel His presence. But we must remember to look for it. Special dates with our spouse brings us back together as a couple so that we are always remined that He is at the center of our family. The husband and wife relationship is designed by God to be the journey to closeness with God. It is where God’s love culminates as we begin each new life.
Parents caught in the middle—Too busy to slow down, with tough reminders, decisions and sufferings as we watch teenagers grow. We have to make time for each other, take time to pray, to worship and to look for God in every moment. If we are without prayer, we are without God and we will lose focus, we will lose our way. Is God with you? Are you praying enough? Are you giving Him control so that the stresses become less of a burden?
Middle age and empty nested—A time that can be just as isolated, unless God is in the middle, or at the center of our relationships. All those previous reminders to pray are building blocks, each one becoming stronger. They are reminders that we are not here for ourselves, but to serve each other as family members, especially husband and wife, but also serving our neighbors together. We will feel both sadness and joy as our children make their own choices. Are we asking God not only to be part of our lives, but to help guide those we love?
Grandparents—We get wrapped around a little person again. And yet our control has been taken away, because they live too far away, even if they are in the house next door. Love, trust, pray, and give God control. AGAIN in the center of all of our relationships!
Growing old, maybe without our best friend—Ah, sadness, but if life has become one big prayer, we will be asked by God to return to Him, through nature, and also through the natural return of service by others giving back to us. We will finally have time to truly look at His beauty in nature. This is the final surrender of our sufferings and control. Our hearts will be full if we have let God be our prayer!
Dear God, Praise be Your place in my life. Thank you that no matter where I am, You are with me. Help me to always return to you. Help me to let you control each moment of each day. In each stage of life when I feel isolation, please be with me. Help me to allow Your Word to guide me and your arms to carry me. May my heart always be open to your grace and love. Thank you for shouldering the burdens of my sufferings and my aloneness. Help me to feel your love, accept your comfort and find peace in the journey through faith, hope and love. Amen.
Where is God in your life today? Give Him control so that you will have the grace of love and peace today. Life is a Prayer.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, January 3, 2011
The Kings Attitude, Look Up!
Women of Faith:
Happy New Year! This is a great time to resolve an "Attitude of the Kings.”
An attitude that looks up, not down; the attitude that we are not alone, that God is around us in the people around us.
An attitude that looks for the positives during negative times (the light in the darkness); the same wisdom that guided the Three Kings to follow the star to seek the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.
And an attitude of thankfulness allowing us to look at our blessings, so that we can share them with others (and God, when loved ones leave us) just as the three Kings gave their gifts to Jesus; an attitude of gratitude.
The three wise men followed a star (God’s light) to find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. They would have missed the star if they had not “looked up.” What difference would a positive attitude make in our life when things don’t go our way?
When the Kings looked up they saw a star put there to guide them on their journey. Who is being placed in our life here on earth to help guide us on our journey towards heaven? What sufferings are we being asked to bear so that our attitude towards life will change? A darkness so dark, that we will seek the brightest of lights, God’s light, instead of crying, whining or complaining?
God is the only one big enough, bright enough, comforting enough, to guide us out of the messes, struggles, or sorrows that have been placed in our life. Giving Him control and letting Him change us while we are suffering is to follow the light out of darkness.
The Kings were the leaders because they had the Wisdom to look up and seek God. Are we looking up for our wisdom? Or are we looking at what the world would say is right?
And the Kings presented gifts, given with gratitude, for they knew that they had reached their destination in Jesus. They gave back to Jesus. Do we “look out” for God’s other children? Or are we storing our blessings by using them to entertain ourselves and fulfill our own desires? Do we look up, give thanks and give back to God what He has given us; sharing our time, talent, or treasures with those who need lifted up in some way?
If we look up we will find God waiting to take control of our lives. If we look up we will see God ready to guide us on our journey. If we look up we will see that God has placed someone in our life to help make the journey easier. If we look up we will see that there is someone around us who needs our time and treasures more than we do.
Christmas is not over, Christmas has just begun.
The lights may have been taken off of our trees, but there is a much bigger light in our lives. The light of scripture is our guiding star and the light of the new born Christ and his church has been passed on to us through the generations to guide us on our life’s journey.
The gifts we received have been unwrapped and tucked away in closets. But we all have received gifts that need to continue to be given; gifts of our time and talents, gifts not material. Blessings given to us by God, are we wise enough to share them?
Dear God: Praise be the newborn son you “gifted” for me. Thank you for the Kings who you sent as a reminder that You are the One leading me on my own journey. Help me to keep a positive attitude even when things don’t seem to go my way. Keep reminding me that the only way I need to go is towards you, the worlds gifts don’t really matter. When I trip and stumble because I look down in sin or discouragement, help me to look up and accept your hand to get back up. Thank You for the blessings You have given me. Help me to have the wisdom of the Kings to give back all that I have been given in gratitude. Amen.
Look Up! And may the Christmas Spirit continue to lift you,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Happy New Year! This is a great time to resolve an "Attitude of the Kings.”
An attitude that looks up, not down; the attitude that we are not alone, that God is around us in the people around us.
An attitude that looks for the positives during negative times (the light in the darkness); the same wisdom that guided the Three Kings to follow the star to seek the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem.
And an attitude of thankfulness allowing us to look at our blessings, so that we can share them with others (and God, when loved ones leave us) just as the three Kings gave their gifts to Jesus; an attitude of gratitude.
The three wise men followed a star (God’s light) to find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes. They would have missed the star if they had not “looked up.” What difference would a positive attitude make in our life when things don’t go our way?
When the Kings looked up they saw a star put there to guide them on their journey. Who is being placed in our life here on earth to help guide us on our journey towards heaven? What sufferings are we being asked to bear so that our attitude towards life will change? A darkness so dark, that we will seek the brightest of lights, God’s light, instead of crying, whining or complaining?
God is the only one big enough, bright enough, comforting enough, to guide us out of the messes, struggles, or sorrows that have been placed in our life. Giving Him control and letting Him change us while we are suffering is to follow the light out of darkness.
The Kings were the leaders because they had the Wisdom to look up and seek God. Are we looking up for our wisdom? Or are we looking at what the world would say is right?
And the Kings presented gifts, given with gratitude, for they knew that they had reached their destination in Jesus. They gave back to Jesus. Do we “look out” for God’s other children? Or are we storing our blessings by using them to entertain ourselves and fulfill our own desires? Do we look up, give thanks and give back to God what He has given us; sharing our time, talent, or treasures with those who need lifted up in some way?
If we look up we will find God waiting to take control of our lives. If we look up we will see God ready to guide us on our journey. If we look up we will see that God has placed someone in our life to help make the journey easier. If we look up we will see that there is someone around us who needs our time and treasures more than we do.
Christmas is not over, Christmas has just begun.
The lights may have been taken off of our trees, but there is a much bigger light in our lives. The light of scripture is our guiding star and the light of the new born Christ and his church has been passed on to us through the generations to guide us on our life’s journey.
The gifts we received have been unwrapped and tucked away in closets. But we all have received gifts that need to continue to be given; gifts of our time and talents, gifts not material. Blessings given to us by God, are we wise enough to share them?
Dear God: Praise be the newborn son you “gifted” for me. Thank you for the Kings who you sent as a reminder that You are the One leading me on my own journey. Help me to keep a positive attitude even when things don’t seem to go my way. Keep reminding me that the only way I need to go is towards you, the worlds gifts don’t really matter. When I trip and stumble because I look down in sin or discouragement, help me to look up and accept your hand to get back up. Thank You for the blessings You have given me. Help me to have the wisdom of the Kings to give back all that I have been given in gratitude. Amen.
Look Up! And may the Christmas Spirit continue to lift you,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 27, 2010
Family Blueprint
Women of Faith:
The celebration of Christmas was followed yesterday by The Feast of the Holy Family. What an appropriate beginning to a New Year for our readings to give us instructions as to who, what, and how to treat and live with those we love and cherish the most, our family; and at a time when our activities are revolving around exactly that, spending time with family.
Our families may be big or small. We have our immediate family: our spouse, joined with children, siblings or parents (for those who are married) or for those who are not married, religious and single life, the church. We have our extended families, our aunts, uncles, and grandparents. And then we have our families at work and the family we sit beside each week at church. They in turn extend out to the family that we role model to when we leave the doors of the church each week.
It brought to mind the basic character instructions we were taught and that we try to teach our children from the earliest stages of our life: “Say Thank You,” “Listen to your Dad,” “Do what Your Mom said,” and “Tell your sister/brother you’re sorry.”
I don’t think we realized it then, and we might not even have realized it when we were teaching it, but we were actually teaching God’s blueprint for living a family life: Thanksgiving, Forgiveness and Honor of God’s family hierarchy.
“God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard.
‘Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.” Sir 3:2-6,
12-14
“Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.
“And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
“Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.” Col 3:12-21
God says it all: Husbands, Wives; Fathers, Mothers; Parents, Children; Sisters and Brothers—Respect, Love, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience, Forgiveness and Thankfulness; listen to each other and obey in God’s order—spouses to each other, children to their parents-- each of us taking care of the others with love. The same “order” of character skills we were taught at the very beginnings of our lives. The same “order” that God designed for our entire world to achieve peace, love and harmony for all.
It is so easy to read these readings and see where we need to improve; to see our sins and our failures, but more importantly also to know that God’s design is perfect and that if we strive to do it in His order we will achieve that peace and harmony in love which He has given us and that we all seek in our hearts, to find what many just call happiness.
Dear God, I sing your praise. Let Your word live richly in me and may Your wisdom guide me as we continue to celebrate Your birth in our families and throughout the New Year. Help me and all wives to listen to our husbands (and our children their fathers) to whom you have given authority in our houses. Bless them with your graces so that all fathers may love their families unselfishly as You have instructed. Give us as women, wives and daughters, the graces to live with gratitude, kindness, and compassion and always be ready to forgive those who have hurt our tender hearts. Help us each to forgive the other, AS we forgive them. Thank you for all of the blessings you have given us as families, and for the time this Christmas season to spend enjoying their presence in our lives. Amen.
Continue to enjoy your family this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
Wishing you Peace and Love, given in gratitude and forgiveness,
Blessings,
Charlotte
The celebration of Christmas was followed yesterday by The Feast of the Holy Family. What an appropriate beginning to a New Year for our readings to give us instructions as to who, what, and how to treat and live with those we love and cherish the most, our family; and at a time when our activities are revolving around exactly that, spending time with family.
Our families may be big or small. We have our immediate family: our spouse, joined with children, siblings or parents (for those who are married) or for those who are not married, religious and single life, the church. We have our extended families, our aunts, uncles, and grandparents. And then we have our families at work and the family we sit beside each week at church. They in turn extend out to the family that we role model to when we leave the doors of the church each week.
It brought to mind the basic character instructions we were taught and that we try to teach our children from the earliest stages of our life: “Say Thank You,” “Listen to your Dad,” “Do what Your Mom said,” and “Tell your sister/brother you’re sorry.”
I don’t think we realized it then, and we might not even have realized it when we were teaching it, but we were actually teaching God’s blueprint for living a family life: Thanksgiving, Forgiveness and Honor of God’s family hierarchy.
“God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. Whoever honors his father atones for sins, and preserves himself from them. When he prays, he is heard; he stores up riches who reveres his mother. Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children, and, when he prays, is heard.
‘Whoever reveres his father will live a long life; he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother. My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins —a house raised in justice to you.” Sir 3:2-6,
12-14
“Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body.
“And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
“Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.” Col 3:12-21
God says it all: Husbands, Wives; Fathers, Mothers; Parents, Children; Sisters and Brothers—Respect, Love, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience, Forgiveness and Thankfulness; listen to each other and obey in God’s order—spouses to each other, children to their parents-- each of us taking care of the others with love. The same “order” of character skills we were taught at the very beginnings of our lives. The same “order” that God designed for our entire world to achieve peace, love and harmony for all.
It is so easy to read these readings and see where we need to improve; to see our sins and our failures, but more importantly also to know that God’s design is perfect and that if we strive to do it in His order we will achieve that peace and harmony in love which He has given us and that we all seek in our hearts, to find what many just call happiness.
Dear God, I sing your praise. Let Your word live richly in me and may Your wisdom guide me as we continue to celebrate Your birth in our families and throughout the New Year. Help me and all wives to listen to our husbands (and our children their fathers) to whom you have given authority in our houses. Bless them with your graces so that all fathers may love their families unselfishly as You have instructed. Give us as women, wives and daughters, the graces to live with gratitude, kindness, and compassion and always be ready to forgive those who have hurt our tender hearts. Help us each to forgive the other, AS we forgive them. Thank you for all of the blessings you have given us as families, and for the time this Christmas season to spend enjoying their presence in our lives. Amen.
Continue to enjoy your family this Christmas season and throughout the New Year.
Wishing you Peace and Love, given in gratitude and forgiveness,
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 20, 2010
Peace on Earth
Women of Faith:
“Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men” & “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”
In these last few days of Advent, in the preparations before Christmas, I continue to pray that I will remember these two verses.
First, that Jesus is the Reason: I hear it, I see it, but will my head let my heart rest long enough to believe it and live it; to remember that Christmas is about only ONE gift—a little baby, who wanted nothing more from us than for us to follow Him, and to be like Him. And who continues to want this from us: silence, peace, humility, and charity.
And the second: that “Peace on Earth”, comes from “Goodwill toward Men.” I liked Father’s comparison yesterday: we do not find Christ at a “fancy” hotel—we find Him with the animals in the stable at the inn.
We find Him with the “lowly” and the downtrodden taking care of people, giving to people, and serving people. We do not find Him at glitzy holiday parties where every decoration, every food, every person is “perfect.” These “perfect” things are man made, not God made; they draw are attention away from Jesus, the reason for the season; and ultimately, at the end, we are called to be “perfect” by God, not by man.
There is nothing coincidental about who has become Saints, why Mary is called Blessed and which people God will select to be with Him in heaven. These are the people who answered His call, who died as martyrs and who lived a life of service for Him. They should be our role models.
In our roles in marriage (Ephesians 5: 21-33), wives are called to honor Jesus by honoring and serving their husbands. And our husbands are called to live a life of service to Jesus by being our protectors and providers, by being willing to die for their wives, as Christ died for us on the cross. In affect then, we are ALL called to give up our own needs, and to serve each other with love and to respect ALL life.
God has given us a “perfect” example of how we are to live by the life Jesus led on earth. That is why He is the Reason, why His life was written down for us to follow in the Bible, why His life was completely self giving as He died on the cross, not to save Himself, but to save US!
Jesus served God, not with glitz and presents, but with the gift of Himself. He is our example of love and respect, the same love and respect we are called to give our spouses, our extended families and our world.
Ultimately this is where PEACE will come from. Peace needs to start with changing our own life by taking a quiet moment to listen to God in the silence of our hearts, and by becoming as humble as the adoring animals who followed their shepherd to find Jesus the Shepherd at the stable.
Peace is not about shopping, cookies and candies, gifts under the tree or who can out do their neighbors with lights. Peace is found in a little baby, in the smallest of rooms, and in the light of a star that guided us to the baby Jesus. That is why HE is the Reason for the Season.
Dear God, Praise be the Reason for the Season, Your Son, Our Shepherd, Jesus. Thank you for His Gift of Love and Service. Help me to live my life more like He lived His. And guide me to find Peace on Earth by spreading goodwill to all, but especially to Stan, my family, and to those who read this prayer, my friends. Amen.
May you have Peace this Christmas!
Blessings,
Charlotte
“Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men” & “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.”
In these last few days of Advent, in the preparations before Christmas, I continue to pray that I will remember these two verses.
First, that Jesus is the Reason: I hear it, I see it, but will my head let my heart rest long enough to believe it and live it; to remember that Christmas is about only ONE gift—a little baby, who wanted nothing more from us than for us to follow Him, and to be like Him. And who continues to want this from us: silence, peace, humility, and charity.
And the second: that “Peace on Earth”, comes from “Goodwill toward Men.” I liked Father’s comparison yesterday: we do not find Christ at a “fancy” hotel—we find Him with the animals in the stable at the inn.
We find Him with the “lowly” and the downtrodden taking care of people, giving to people, and serving people. We do not find Him at glitzy holiday parties where every decoration, every food, every person is “perfect.” These “perfect” things are man made, not God made; they draw are attention away from Jesus, the reason for the season; and ultimately, at the end, we are called to be “perfect” by God, not by man.
There is nothing coincidental about who has become Saints, why Mary is called Blessed and which people God will select to be with Him in heaven. These are the people who answered His call, who died as martyrs and who lived a life of service for Him. They should be our role models.
In our roles in marriage (Ephesians 5: 21-33), wives are called to honor Jesus by honoring and serving their husbands. And our husbands are called to live a life of service to Jesus by being our protectors and providers, by being willing to die for their wives, as Christ died for us on the cross. In affect then, we are ALL called to give up our own needs, and to serve each other with love and to respect ALL life.
God has given us a “perfect” example of how we are to live by the life Jesus led on earth. That is why He is the Reason, why His life was written down for us to follow in the Bible, why His life was completely self giving as He died on the cross, not to save Himself, but to save US!
Jesus served God, not with glitz and presents, but with the gift of Himself. He is our example of love and respect, the same love and respect we are called to give our spouses, our extended families and our world.
Ultimately this is where PEACE will come from. Peace needs to start with changing our own life by taking a quiet moment to listen to God in the silence of our hearts, and by becoming as humble as the adoring animals who followed their shepherd to find Jesus the Shepherd at the stable.
Peace is not about shopping, cookies and candies, gifts under the tree or who can out do their neighbors with lights. Peace is found in a little baby, in the smallest of rooms, and in the light of a star that guided us to the baby Jesus. That is why HE is the Reason for the Season.
Dear God, Praise be the Reason for the Season, Your Son, Our Shepherd, Jesus. Thank you for His Gift of Love and Service. Help me to live my life more like He lived His. And guide me to find Peace on Earth by spreading goodwill to all, but especially to Stan, my family, and to those who read this prayer, my friends. Amen.
May you have Peace this Christmas!
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 13, 2010
Light in the Darkness
Women of Faith:
The first thing I do when I wake up is search for the light; the light outside that means It’s time to get up, and light inside so that I can find my glasses, clothes, and my way out of the bedroom.
Occasionally I get up in the darkness of night without turning on the light and I usually pay the price of a bump, bruise or stubbed toe.
The first thing God created in Genesis was light, to contrast with the darkness. Light so that we could see the rest of creation, light so that He could guide us, and light which we could reflect to help others also find the way. Likewise our choice to see Him and follow His light or to walk around in darkness, searching for some path to follow.
Think about a candle. It is a very small light. But in a very dark room it guides our path. It allows us to walk around without bumping into the walls or whatever other obstacles. And it allows us to see the door so that we can enter a new place with a much brighter light.
That’s the way my life is with Jesus too. I can either make the choice to search for His light, follow His light and reflect His light, or I can reject His light in my life. Just like my choice is to turn on the light when I wake up in the morning, so is it my choice to seek God in my life, to look for His guidance in whatever I am doing and hopefully to reflect His presence in my life by the actions I take.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing. As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6.
Dear God: Praise be the light You have given us in Your son, Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to see Your light. Forgive me for the times when I reject the light and instead turn to the darkness of sin. Wake me up with Your light so that I am guided to reflect Your Spirit and can find the peace that You offer forever in Heaven. Amen.
Don’t leave the light off so that you don’t wake up the rest of the house, turn it on! Wake up the house. Be guided by His light and reflect His light to the world.
Blessings,
Charlotte
The first thing I do when I wake up is search for the light; the light outside that means It’s time to get up, and light inside so that I can find my glasses, clothes, and my way out of the bedroom.
Occasionally I get up in the darkness of night without turning on the light and I usually pay the price of a bump, bruise or stubbed toe.
The first thing God created in Genesis was light, to contrast with the darkness. Light so that we could see the rest of creation, light so that He could guide us, and light which we could reflect to help others also find the way. Likewise our choice to see Him and follow His light or to walk around in darkness, searching for some path to follow.
Think about a candle. It is a very small light. But in a very dark room it guides our path. It allows us to walk around without bumping into the walls or whatever other obstacles. And it allows us to see the door so that we can enter a new place with a much brighter light.
That’s the way my life is with Jesus too. I can either make the choice to search for His light, follow His light and reflect His light, or I can reject His light in my life. Just like my choice is to turn on the light when I wake up in the morning, so is it my choice to seek God in my life, to look for His guidance in whatever I am doing and hopefully to reflect His presence in my life by the actions I take.
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing. As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful. Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6.
Dear God: Praise be the light You have given us in Your son, Jesus. Thank you for allowing me to see Your light. Forgive me for the times when I reject the light and instead turn to the darkness of sin. Wake me up with Your light so that I am guided to reflect Your Spirit and can find the peace that You offer forever in Heaven. Amen.
Don’t leave the light off so that you don’t wake up the rest of the house, turn it on! Wake up the house. Be guided by His light and reflect His light to the world.
Blessings,
Charlotte
Monday, December 6, 2010
From A Child, A Season of Hope
Women of Faith:
I need Hope. I need the childlike hope found thru Jesus. Hope that my relationship with Him will be inspired and strengthened everyday; hope that a simpler life exists; hope that everyone that I love will come to follow Jesus as best they are able, with each of them becoming their best versions; and hope that the wars that are being waged against peace, love, and life in our families, society and the world, will be extinguished by prayer, fasting and forgiveness as God intended when He designed each one of us in His image.
In these short, dark, days of winter, when life is speeding by, and stress seems to be swallowing the true spirit of Advent and Christmas, HOPE is what keeps me moving forward; HOPE is what keeps me in tune with “Jesus is the Reason.”
As is often the case the children are often the ones to really “see” what is important and of true value, so this song speaks loudly to where I want to be standing—in a line for Jesus—in Hope of Jesus guiding my every move: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pPViKJRHyZo&vq=medium (f the link doesn’t work go to www.wheresthelinetoseejesus.com ). Please share and pass this message and beautiful song on. If we could get everyone to be more interested in the “Line to See Jesus” instead of “keeping up with the person next door” oh, what a “Wonderful Life” we might HOPE to see.
Dear God, “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song…They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Is 35:1-10 Please forgive me when I get discouraged. Humble me to ask forgiveness for my sins, for it is never too late to repent. Thank you for answering my prayers and for giving me signs to help guide my way through the maze of earthen treasures (and pleasures). Help me to remember that when times get tough my sufferings aren’t nearly as painful as what you gave up for me by dying on the cross. Guide me to the Line for Jesus. My hope lies in You. Amen.
Blessings of Childlike Hope and Love,
Charlotte
I need Hope. I need the childlike hope found thru Jesus. Hope that my relationship with Him will be inspired and strengthened everyday; hope that a simpler life exists; hope that everyone that I love will come to follow Jesus as best they are able, with each of them becoming their best versions; and hope that the wars that are being waged against peace, love, and life in our families, society and the world, will be extinguished by prayer, fasting and forgiveness as God intended when He designed each one of us in His image.
In these short, dark, days of winter, when life is speeding by, and stress seems to be swallowing the true spirit of Advent and Christmas, HOPE is what keeps me moving forward; HOPE is what keeps me in tune with “Jesus is the Reason.”
As is often the case the children are often the ones to really “see” what is important and of true value, so this song speaks loudly to where I want to be standing—in a line for Jesus—in Hope of Jesus guiding my every move: http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=pPViKJRHyZo&vq=medium (f the link doesn’t work go to www.wheresthelinetoseejesus.com ). Please share and pass this message and beautiful song on. If we could get everyone to be more interested in the “Line to See Jesus” instead of “keeping up with the person next door” oh, what a “Wonderful Life” we might HOPE to see.
Dear God, “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song…They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Is 35:1-10 Please forgive me when I get discouraged. Humble me to ask forgiveness for my sins, for it is never too late to repent. Thank you for answering my prayers and for giving me signs to help guide my way through the maze of earthen treasures (and pleasures). Help me to remember that when times get tough my sufferings aren’t nearly as painful as what you gave up for me by dying on the cross. Guide me to the Line for Jesus. My hope lies in You. Amen.
Blessings of Childlike Hope and Love,
Charlotte
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