LIFE STAGES

(A quote from William Shakespeare’s play “As you like it”)

All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Muling and puking in the nurse’s arms,..

Then the whining school-boy, with his satchel,
And shining morning face,
Creeping like a snail
Unwillingly to school.

And then the lover,
Sighing like a furnace, with woeful ballard
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow.

Then a soldier,
Full of strange oaths and bearded like a pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the canon’s mouth.

And then the justice.
In fair round belly, with good capon lin’d,
With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws and modern instance;
And so he plays his part. 

The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slippered pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side;
His youthful hose, well sav’d a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turn again towards childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound.

Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
In second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans.. Everything.

A challenge…. Write a poem/story of your own life journey 😊

 Mine would start like this: “There was a girl named Margaret Ann, but everyone called her Margie. She lived in a small town called Waterfall Boven (meaning town above the waterfall)…. Etc. 

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they gain confidence.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, hey learn to have faith.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.

THE DESPISED

Today we come to you, Lord, we, the despised. We are not a sorry procession, but a repugnant one. We do not even arouse compassion or hatred, tenderness or sympathy. We are simply despised; we disgust people. The leper arouses compassion. The fiercest criminal stirs up hatred or terror. The mentally ill or retarded inspire pity or protectiveness. But there is no place reserved for us in the Catalogue of the works of mercy.

I, Lord, am a drug addict; for all practical purposes, I have resigned from the human race. I have lost all hope of gaining my self-control, of becoming myself again. There are other people who have not drugged, not their bodies, but their consciences and hearts. But nobody despises them. At worst they are feared.

I, Lord, am a homosexual. I don’t like women. Now and then, I go with another man. I commit fewer sins than my brother who certainly does like women and who even takes up with other men’s wives. But no one at home or outside turns their noses up at him; they don’t find him repugnant; on the contrary they even seem to admire him. But everyone, both men and women, shy away from me. And I am acceptable  only to someone, like me, also feels that he is cast out of normal society.

I, Lord, am a drunkard, but a poor one. I’ve been on the bottle for many years. They don’t want me at home because they are ashamed of me, so I am left to stagger around the streets like a sick dog. When people see me coming, they hastily cross to the other side of the street. Even a beggar occasionally has the consolation of having someone approach him and, although hurriedly, put a small coin in his hand, which, as you yourself have told us, is also in your hand. But nobody comes near me; except perhaps a policeman to hustle me off to jail. Yet, Lord, there are others who also get drunk but they do it at exclusive parties in the suburbs and, because they are influential, people only laugh good-naturedly at their drunken antics. They are readily forgiven and, if necessary, excuses are found for them by their hangers-on, who cover up for them. No policeman ever lays a finger o them. I wonder- am I more repugnant when drunk than they are, just because I get loaded on cheap wine, while they do it on expensive whiskey, vodka and gin?

I, Lord, am a prostitute. I can’t claim to be one of the girls, not any more. Because now I’m old and fat and tired. I have no one now to pay the rent of an apartment for me and buy me nice things. I am the one of those who have to be satisfied with what the “customers” feel like giving them. I no longer have a nice apartment to entertain my clients in, and I don’t have money to advertise in the newspaper as a “masseuse”. I have to be satisfied with hanging around cheap bars in the slims or on the street corners in the cold and the rain, hoping that some poor wretch will be willing to pay  me a few coins for the remnants of my favours. People passing in their cars look down their noses at me and quickly turn away so as not to meet my eyes. I am despised even by the high-class girls who, glittering with jewels and wrapped in furs, glide by in cars driven by their so-very-respectable “patrons”.

We and so many others whom society does not even pity; we the despised of the earth, who arouse neither hatred not even pity; we are the despised of the earth, who arouse neither hatred nor pity nor fear, but only disgust, today we come to you, who are sinless, because we believe that, if you exist, you will not despise but will even forgive us.

We aren’t trying to hide or make excuses for the sins that have caused us to be cast off by society. We only hope that perhaps you, who not only forgive but also excuse, will be able to avoid humiliating us further and to tell us, as you once told the man possessed by the devil, that saving us will let others see your glory and mercy in us. Remember, you said you came to  save what was lost. And who is more lost than we who do not even arouse pity? Sometimes a ray of hope lets us dream for a moment that perhaps you may bring yourself to love even us.

“The Fount Book of Prayer” edited by Robert van de Weyer. HarperCollins Publisher.(Harper Collins Religious) Great Britain. 1993 

AT THE START OF EACH DAY

As I wake, I will give thanks for a new day; my yesterdays are gone, and I need to let them go.

I will endeavour this day to live a simple, sincere, and serene life, promptly repelling every negative thought.

 I will ensure that I spend time in quiet contemplation, dealing with the issues on my heart, mind and soul.

I will endeavour to be peaceful, cheerful, loving and understanding to all I meet.

I will care for my body (correct eating, diet, exercise...), my mind (study, reading, writing, podcasts, discussions, lectures, ...), my soul (worship, meditation, prayer…)

I will be mindful of how I use my money; wisdom in saving, expenditure and giving.

I will endeavour to be trustworthy in all I do.

I will be ever mindful of the needs of others, recognizing that we belong to the human race and each person; regardless of colour, creed, status, nationality, is of infinite value.

I will try to be faithful in those habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, eating, and sleep which the Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

And as I cannot in my own strength do this, nor even with a hope of success attempt it, I look to You O Lord God; my Father, Jesus my Saviour and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide me.       

WHEN LOVE COMES LOOKING FOR YOU.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance—it’s about love that pursues, forgives, and restores. Discover a story that reflects the relentless, welcoming love of our Heavenly Father.

What emotions does Valentine’s Day stir within you? Is it a sense of grieving lost relationships, failures in your love life? Perhaps that you have not yet had a close relationship? Or do you feel a sense of security, and, joy in your present relationship?

Whatever your situation, let this day be a reminder that you are deeply known and unconditionally loved by the One who created love itself.

I found this moving story by Max Lucardo very telling, of a mother in Brazil whose tireless search for her daughter mirrors the very heart of God.

Christina an 18-year-old beautiful young lady, who lived in a small village wanted to see the world. She dreamed of a better life in the city. One morning she slipped away, breaking her mother’s heart. Knowing what life on the streets would be like for her young, attractive daughter, Maria hurriedly packed to go find her.

On her way to the bus stop she entered a drugstore to get one last thing. Pictures. She sat in the photograph booth, closed the curtain, and spent all she could on pictures of herself. With her purse full of small black-and-white photos, she boarded the next bus to the city.

Maria began her search in bars, hotels, and nightclubs, any place with a bad reputation. She went to them all. And at each place she left her picture—taped on a bathroom mirror, tacked to a hotel bulletin board, fastened to a corner phone booth. And on the back of each photo she wrote a note.

Both the money and the pictures ran out, and Maria had to go home. It was a few weeks later that young Christina descended the hotel stairs. Her young face was tired. Her brown eyes no longer danced with youth but spoke of pain and fear. Her laughter was broken. Her dream had become a nightmare.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs, her eyes noticed a familiar face. She looked again, and there on the lobby mirror was a small picture of her mother.

Christina’s eyes burned and her throat tightened as she walked across the room and removed the small photo. Written on the back was this compelling invitation.

“WHATEVER YOU HAVE DONE, WHATEVER YOU HAVE BECOME, IT DOESN’T MATTER. PLEASE COME HOME.”

This is our heavenly Father’s love, reaching out to the world, no one excluded.

Let this Valentines Day be a reminder that you are deeply known and unconditionally loved by the One who created love itself.

May I encourage you on this Valentine's Day, to set aside time for a 'date' with God. Have a deep conversation with Him through prayer, meditate on His Word and let His love fill your heart.

TODAYS JOKES

• What did the flame say to his buddies after he fell in love?
  “I found the perfect match!”

• Did you hear about the bedbugs who fell in love?
  They’re getting married in the spring.

• How did the phone propose to his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day?
  He gave her a ring.

• Where do all the hamburgers take their dates on Valentine’s Day?
  To a meatball. 

• What did one plate say to the other on Valentine’s Day?
  “Tonight, dinner’s on me.

• ”Did you hear about the two radios that got married?
  The reception was amazing

• Did you hear about the spider wedding?
  They’re newlywebs.

• What did the bat say to his girlfriend?
  “You’re fun to hang around with.”

• Why did the skeleton break up with his girlfriend before Valentine’s Day?
  Her heart wasn’t in it.

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

1. DEFINITION: Able to recognize, understand, and manage emotions in self and others” (positivepsychology.com)  

2. SELF-AWARENESS: How aware am I of myself; my joys, what I like, what I dislike, my loves, my hates and my fears?  Am I aware of my ‘crumple buttons’, and  what  the reasons are for these sensitivities?

3. How good am I at SELF-REGULATION?  Managing my internal states, impulses, my financial resources, my physical well-being, behaviour patterns?

4. MOTIVATION: What guides my thinking, my hopes, my dreams, my decisions?

5. If I lack motivation, what has caused this in my life?

6. SOCIAL SKILLS: Clear communication, ability to listen empathically, sensitivity to the needs of others, observing etiquette in different situations, and assisting others to feel at ease.

7. TEAM CAPABILITIES: Perceptive of group dynamics, individual needs and struggles, creating group synergy in pursuing collective goals.
   

   What can I do to improve my emotional intelligence?

FORGIVE THEM ANYWAY

• People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred. 
  Forgive them anyway. 

• If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
  Be kind anyway.

• If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
  Succeed anyway.

• If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
  Be honest and sincere anyway.

• What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
  Create anyway.

• If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
  Be happy anyway.

• The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
  Do good anyway.

• Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
  Give your best anyway.

• In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
  It was never between you and them anyway.
  

  This version is credited to Mother Theresa – was found written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta. Based on the “The Paradoxical Commandments” by Dr. Kent M. Keith.

         (Quoted from Karin Stathakis’s booklet “A Labyrinth of Prayers, Poems, Prose and Promise”)

WHY DID JESUS COME TO LIVE AMONG US?

Looking at it from a very human point of view, I think that it was God’s final attempt to show humans how much He loved them…” For God so loved the world that He gave His only son…” ( John 3:16)

Our Heavenly Father knew what the outcome would be…the cross. But He also knew that the life and sacrifice of Jesus would not be in vain. He showed us how much He loves us!

Jesus taught in the Synagogue and on a Sabbath took the reading from the scroll. He read from Isaiah 61:1-2a, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”  

Jesus came to earth to bring healing, wholeness and the awesome message that we are loved by God. “For God so loved the world..” (John 3:16)

However, this message of God’s total sacrificial love is lost on a world that distorts the message of love from God by erroneous teachings that bring fear an apprehension in people’s hearts and lives. We do not KNOW that we are loved, we do not believe that we can be forgiven for all our nasty, selfish, unloving and wicked ways.

What more can God do to show us that we are loved, and that we can get rid of our guilt and shame by sincerely asking for forgiveness and endeavouring to do better?

What more can God, our Heavenly Father, do to help us know that we are loved?

MEMORY LOSS

7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY (Mayo Clinic)

Try these simple ways to improve your memory.

Can't find your car keys? Forget your grocery list? Can't remember the name of the personal trainer you liked at the gym? You're not alone. Everyone forgets things once in a while. Still, memory loss is nothing to take lightly.

Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, some activities might help. Consider seven simple ways to sharpen your memory. And know when to get help for memory loss.

1. Be physically active every day

   Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. This might help keep your memory sharp.

   For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. It's best if this activity is spread throughout the week. If you don't have time for a full workout, try a few 10-minute walks throughout the day.

2. Stay mentally active

   Just as physical activity keeps your body in shape, activities that engage your mind help keep your brain in shape. And those activities might help prevent some memory loss. Do crossword puzzles. Read. Play games. Learn to play a musical instrument. Try a new hobby. Volunteer at a local school or with a community group.

3. Spend time with others

   Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress. Both of those can contribute to memory loss. Look for opportunities to get together with loved ones, friends and other people, especially if you live alone.

4. Stay organized

   You're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered or your notes are in disarray. Keep track of tasks, appointments and other events in a notebook, calendar or electronic planner. You might even repeat each entry out loud as you write it down to help keep it in your memory. Keep to-do lists up to date. Check off items you've finished. Keep your wallet, keys, glasses and other essential items in a set place in your home so they are easy to find.

   Limit distractions. Don't do too many things at once. If you focus on the information that you're trying to remember, you're more likely to recall it later. It also might help to connect what you're trying to remember to a favourite song or a familiar saying or idea.

5. Sleep well

   Not getting enough sleep has been linked to memory loss. So has restless sleep and sleep that gets disturbed often. Make getting enough healthy sleep a priority. Adults should sleep 7 to 9 hours a night on a regular basis. If snoring disrupts sleep, make an appointment to see your health care provider. Snoring could be a sign of a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnoea.

6. Eat a healthy diet

   A healthy diet is good for your brain. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose low-fat protein sources, such as fish, beans and skinless poultry. What you drink also counts. Too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss.

7. Manage chronic health problems

   Follow your health care provider's advice for dealing with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, hearing loss and obesity. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. Regularly review the medicines you take with your health care provider. Some medicines can affect memory.

When to get help for memory loss

If you're worried about memory loss, make an appointment with your health care provider. If memory loss affects your ability to do your daily activities, if you notice your memory getting worse, or if a family member or friend is concerned about your memory loss, it's particularly important to get help.

At your appointment, your provider likely will do a physical exam and check your memory and problem-solving skills. Sometimes other tests may be needed too. Treatment depends on what's causing memory loss. 

THE POWER OF PRAYER

Prayer at the start of a new year is a powerful act of faith. It allows us to set intentions rooted in God’s promises and to seek His wisdom for the journey ahead. The act of praying is not merely a ritual; it is a declaration that we trust in God’s guidance over our plans, decisions, relationships, and endeavours. By committing our year to Him, we embrace the assurance that He will direct our paths, and provide strength in times of challenge. Prayers are a vital source of spiritual nourishment, offering clarity, peace, and renewed focus as we navigate the uncertainties of life.

In addition to guidance, the new year is an ideal moment for spiritual growth and transformation. We are encouraged to let go of past regrets, release burdens, and cultivate a heart that seeks God above all else. This is a time to strengthen our faith, deepen our relationship with Christ, and live with intention and purpose.

Starting the year with prayer also fosters gratitude and humility. Recognizing God’s sovereignty reminds us that our successes and achievements are rooted in His grace. Prayer encourages us to be mindful of His blessings, to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and to embrace His guidance in all circumstances. By dedicating time to prayer, we are cultivating a lifestyle that prioritizes God’s presence, which ultimately leads to peace, joy, and a sense of purpose. Furthermore, prayers for the new year help us to anticipate challenges with faith, approach decisions with wisdom, and respond to trials with patience and perseverance.

Crystal Meyer

A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

O God our loving heavenly Father, thank You for bringing us into a brand-new year. As we stand at the threshold of new beginnings, forgive every hurt we have caused, regret, and failure of the past. Grant us to look back with penitence and gratitude, but also to look forward with hope and determination, and let our past sins teach us how utterly we need You. So entering boldly into the New Year, make us brave, serene and strong, so that even in a world so full of suffering, we may be lights shining in the darkness, helping to light the path which humanity now must tread, knowing that, in You, the best is yet to be, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

TODAYS JOKES

• Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to.

• An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

• My New Years resolution is to try to remember why I've walked into a room.

• A New Year's resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other. It's about having a good year!

• I have only one resolution: To rediscover the difference between wants and needs. May I have all I need and want all I have!

• God, grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked anyway, the good fortune to run into the ones that I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

• New Year Prayer

  Dear God, So far this has been great! I haven't gossiped about my friends. I haven't lost my temper. I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, cruel, or rude. I'm very thankful. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help to get through the New Year.

IF JESUS NEVER CAME

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ — but have we ever paused to ask, what if Jesus never came? Imagine a world without the hope, compassion and light His coming brought. No churches, no Christian hospitals or schools, no carols, no manger scenes, no spirit of generosity that shapes so much of our world today. More deeply, imagine a world still groping in the dark, unsure of who God is, uncertain about forgiveness, and with no hope beyond the grave.

Without Jesus, We Would Know Little About God

Throughout history, God left many signs of Himself — in nature, in the Scriptures, and in Israel’s story. Yet people still longed for certainty. Isaiah foretold a day when God would reveal Himself through a child called Immanuel — “God with us,” the One who would be Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6–7).

Before Christ, humanity had only glimpses of God; like a scrambled picture on a screen. Without Jesus, that picture would remain blurred.

Without Jesus, Our Sins Would Not Be Forgiven

The Old Testament system could cover sin but could not remove it. Many lived carrying heavy guilt, trying to stay busy to hide their burdens. Isaiah promised a Saviour who would come to save and heal — but without Christ’s arrival, we would still be waiting.

Without Jesus, There Would Be No Assurance of Eternal Life

A world without Christ is a world without hope. People would ask, “What is life about?” and find the answer in Ecclesiastes: “Meaningless!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Without the resurrection and the promise of eternity, our labour and our suffering would feel empty.

BUT JESUS HAS COME.

He Revealed God to Us

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son…has made Him known” (John 1:18). Jesus is God with us. As He said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). His birth is God stepping into our world so we may know Him personally.

He Took Away Our Sin

John the Baptist declared, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Through Christ, guilt is removed, burdens are lifted, and forgiveness becomes a sure promise.

He Opened the Door to Eternity

Because Jesus lives, everything we do has eternal worth. “Your labour in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Even the ordinary becomes sacred when done for Him.

A Reason to Celebrate

The world celebrates Christmas in many ways, but Christians celebrate with deeper joy because we know why we celebrate and who the celebration is for. The birth of Jesus is so miraculous, so significant, that thousands of years later the world still pauses to remember.

He has come.

And because He has come, we can know God, receive forgiveness, and live with eternal hope.

A REFLECTION AT CHRISTMASTIME (Copy)

The bible says “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46vs10) and on the 15th December last year, in my pre-dawn meditation, this is what came to me…

My heart was heavy for a number of reasons; I look at the Christmas festivities, TV programmes etc and, sadly, our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, is just about absent in all the media, the TV programmes, and celebrations. “Father Christmas” has become the central figure. Forgive me for saying this, it is like a pagan festival! It is all about spending money and pleasure!

However, I honour all the churches that are a light in an ever-darkening world especially at Christmastime.

But I have this against the churches, with some exceptions, they have lost the true reflection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In spite of the incredible good that has been done, in many aspects it does not reflect the life of our Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate, sent to be the Saviour of the world.

Do the splendour of the priestly robes, the magnificent lavish buildings, the decorations in gold etc. compare with the image of Jesus in His earthly ministry? I am aware that the motive behind the magnificent cathedrals and churches is to honour God, but how does this relate to the example that Jesus gave us?

Jesus was often in conflict with the “religious” institution of His day, and I wonder what He would say to us today?

I do understand that throughout history magnificent churches were built to be a glorious tribute to the greatness of God, however, these elaborate buildings and garb of the clergy, do not reflect the love and compassion of God, especially as they, the cost of them, could have saved many lives of starving and desperately ill people.

Our Saviour Jesus Christ was not an iconic figurehead, but one who ‘saw’ the pain of the people and His whole life was dedicated, not to fame, position and pompous ceremonies, but to walk the dusty roads bringing healing of body, mind and spirit to all He met. We, and I include myself, and all the various denominations, churches, do not reflect the true image of the love of God as Jesus did.

The rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to be saved. Jesus perceived that he was tied to his wealth and told him to sell all he had, give it to the poor, and then to become a follower…the man could not find the strength to do that. But is this not a parable for the churches today? Is it not time to cast off restricting robes and fortified church buildings, to take the shepherd’s staff and truly, personally, engage with a world that is crying out for love and care and through that ministry (not the elaborate church ceremonies) reveal the love of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

I am a nobody, but I have walked this earth for 79 years and as I reflect on all that I have heard, seen and witnessed, my heart aches; I have failed to live fully as my Saviour lived, the churches across the globe have in many ways have ‘missed the mark’, in fact some of the welfare institutions have more fully reflected the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Is it not time for all of us, and our institutions, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus?

LETTING GO..

There are things that are a positive influence or experience in our lives and these are good things to keep and to treasure, and we must ‘celebrate’ them. However, there are other things that are like a dark shadow that haunts us in various degrees, and at various times. For example: grieving a loss, hurt by the words or actions of someone significant, guilt that taunts us, etc.

“That is why it is so important to let certain things go. To release them, complete the circle. Not out of pride, inability or arrogance, but simply because whatever it is, it no longer fits into your life.

Close the door, change the record, clean the house, get rid of the dust, say “no more” to the accuser! (From Paulo Coelho’s book “The Zahir”)

Stop being who you were and become who you are!”

I read this phrase a long time ago “we hurt, we hate, we heal”

No human being can say that they have never been hurt.. and the range is wide; from small issues to life-damaging events. From a singular incident to months/years of torment.

What we must not, cannot, do is allow whatever happened to tarnish the rest of our existence. We may agree with this statement, but immediately the question is “great, but how do we deal with it?”

May I be so bold as to suggest a few steps-

1. Stop denying your pain, perhaps learn from the Psalmist who asked “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” and he continues to say “put your hope in God” (Psalm 42 & 43)

2. Many psychological issues stem from unresolved hurt, grief and emotional pain.

3. Have the courage to name the incidents/relationships/events, etc. that have wounded you. Not in a negative destructive way but to enter a dialogue with it; “What happened? Who did it involve? How old was I? How has it affected me? Who did I tell and what was their response?

4. Don’t feel you have to do this on your own, you can find a trusted person, a counsellor/psychologist etc. to walk this journey with you.

5. Don’t minimize the impact of what happened, acknowledge it but with the purpose of dealing with it so that you can be freed from the effect it has had on your life.

6. The painful things in our life can have positive results if we handle them correctly. Somewhere I read this phrase “we hurt, we hate, we heal” Basically, as I understand it, we need to be realistic about the pain it has caused us- physical, emotional and even spiritual (we can, and probably do, question why God has allowed it to happen to us). However, because our Creator has given us the gift of freedom of choice, and we often suffer from our poor choices or the actions of others. The secret is not to allow the hurt/guilt etc. to lie in our memory, or subconscious, to torment us.

It is a journey of letting go in a positive and healthy way.

PHILLIPS BROOKES

The Pastor who gave the world ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ Phillips Brooks, one of America’s most respected 19th-century pastors, never set out to become a hymn writer. Born in Boston in 1835, he was known first for his towering height, warm personality, and extraordinary gift of preaching. People often described him as gentle yet powerful — a man whose words could move a crowded church to tears, not through theatrics, but through sincerity.

In 1865, shortly after the American Civil War, Brooks found himself exhausted in spirit. His nation was wounded, and so was he. Seeking rest and renewal, he travelled to the Holy Land. On Christmas Eve, he rode on horseback from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. As night fell, the town lay still under a quiet sky. He entered the Church of the Nativity — the traditional site of Jesus’ birth — and was deeply moved by the simple beauty of the candlelit service. There were no grand choirs, no loud celebrations, just the quiet murmur of worshippers remembering the night Christ came.

That moment stayed with him long after he returned to Boston. Three years later, in 1868, he wanted a special piece for his church’s Christmas service and found his mind returning to that peaceful night in Bethlehem. Sitting down to write, he poured the memories of that holy evening into a poem beginning with the words, “O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie.”

He handed the poem to his church’s organist, Lewis Redner, who composed a tune that came to him, fittingly, in the quiet of the night. Neither man imagined it would travel far beyond their congregation.

Yet the hymn captured something timeless — the truth that God often enters our world softly, without noise or fanfare. Through Brooks’ simple reflection, generations have been reminded that holiness is often found in the quiet places, waiting to be noticed.

Here is the Christmas Carol.

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth;
For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.

For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together,
proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
and peace to men on earth!

How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still
The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in;
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!

THE VALUE OF JOURNAL KEEPING

1. EXPLANATION:

• A journal is not a diary of events; it is rather a record of our deeper inward journey by recording “sacred” encounters, revelations, and insights that we have found and experienced. It is a private record of these precious moments.

2. SOME GUIDELINES:

• Choose a book that will last, something worthy of the treasure it will hold

• Be creative, it is your own private book.

3. SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR THINGS TO RECORD:

• The high moments, and the low moments, of your life.

• The events that have been significant e.g. family gatherings

• Record your questions about life, struggles, guidance etc.

• Memories that surface.

• Questions and answers.

• Issues that need attention.

• Feelings that surface, don’t suppress them, let them be a source of joy and a means of healing.

• Add pictures, drawings etc.

• Record “God-incidences” that have been meaningful to you. “Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart” Luke 2:19

• Record answers that have come to you.

• List the people who are significant to you. And give thanks for them.

TODAYS JOKES

Q: Why was the snowman looking through the carrots? A: He was picking his nose!

Q: What happens if you eat too many Christmas decorations? A: You get tinsel-itis.

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire? A: Frost-bite!

Q: What do elves learn in school? A: The elf-abet.

Q: Why didn't the wise men stop to water their camels? A: No well.

A boy opened a Christmas present and found batteries with a note: “Toy not included.”

Two snowmen are standing in a field. One says, “Do you smell carrots?”

IF I KNEW..

If I knew it would be the last time, that I’d see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in more tightly, and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

*******

If I knew it would be the last time, that I see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and kiss, and call you back for one more.

*******

If I knew it would be the last time, I’d hear your voice lifted in praise,

I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

*******

For surely there’s always tomorrow to make up for an oversight,

and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

*******

There will always be another day to say our “I love you,

And certainly there’s another chance to say our “Anything I can do?”

*******

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I’d like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young and old alike,

And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved ones tight.

*******

So if you’re waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you’ll surely regret the day,

That you didn’t take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss

And you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their last wish.

*******

So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear,

That you love them very much and you’ll always hold them dear.

*******

Take time to say, “I’m sorry,” “Please forgive me,” “thank you,” or ‘it’s okay”.

And if tomorrow never comes, you’ll have no regrets about today.

Author unknown

WORKING WELL WITH RELATIONSHIPS

We do not exist in a vacuum; from the day that we are born we are in relationships... our mother, father, siblings, spouses, friends, co-workers etc…  The reality is that our relationships can be a blessing or a challenge, or a bit of both!

If we are realistic, we will realise that we are all human with the flaws that go with that. However, the good news is that we are not helpless pawns in a game but have the freedom of choice.

The first relationship to analyse is the relationship we have with ourselves.

It can be positive or negative or vacillate between the two. The prophet Isaiah wrote this “Woe to me! ..for I am a man of unclean lips….” (Isaiah 6:5). Take some time to consider the  following personal assessment…..

1. What do I feel about myself?   

2. What personality do I have? Introvert/extrovert, intuitive/sensing, thinking/feeling, judging/perceiving?   Have I accepted/embraced my unique personality?

3. Am I struggling with expectations from others?  Whose expectations?

4. Am I struggling with my own expectations? What is driving me?

5. Am I struggling with my perception of what God’s expectation of me is?

6. Do I feel that my life is significant? Apart from the financial necessity, our work gives us a sense of having a meaningful place in this world, however it is not the only place where we find significance…

7. What actually drains the life out of me?

The second is to analyse is our relationships with others.

1. Am I an Introvert? (a shy inwardly thoughtful person) or an Extrovert? (an outgoing or sociable person)

2. Am I struggling with expectations from others? Who? Name them for yourself. Whose voice is dictating in your head?

3. How healthy are my relationships?

4. Am I struggling with what I feel is God’s expectations of me?

   I love the old song… ”getting to know you, getting to like you, hope you like me!”

Know ourselves, like ourselves!

Know others, getting to like others!

Know you are loved by God! “For God so loved the world..” (John 3:16)