Merry Makingthebestofitmas:

A lesson of joy through reflection

During that time between Thanksgiving and Christmas (more commonly known as Advent, in the liturgical church), many of us grow hypersensitive to the general atmosphere of the sudden onslaught of overstimulation in the world around us. 

 

Houses bedecked in bright, twinkling lights; lawns with inflatable holiday characters strewn about; holiday music that has been playing on some radio stations since November 1st; and let's not forget the daily bombardment of email, junk mail, and television commercials encouraging you to buy, buy, buy that "perfect" gift for your loved ones.

As this time of year, sometimes called "The dark of the year" due to fewer hours of daylight, approaches, there is a natural tendency to reflect on times past or difficult situations we may be encountering in our present lives. We reminisce about loved ones who are no longer with us, and we grieve their absence.

We perseverate on circumstances beyond our own control-- a recent job lay-off, being all alone on Christmas, being apart hundreds to thousands of miles away from loved ones, a recent death, a terminal diagnosis, bodily aches and colds and flu symptoms, financial woes, etc.

For some, this becomes a period of deep depression versus Christmas joy. But what, exactly, is Christmas joy? Stop and pause for a moment, and really consider this question.

What IS Christmas joy?

Let's take death and loss for starters. The loss of a close loved one remains with us forever, no matter how recent or how many years have passed. This loss leaves us yearning for times when they were still with us, and we wonder how different the here and now would be if they were still here.

If they were still here, would they want us to be miserable and depressed during this time of year; (Or any time for that matter,) knowing that they are the root cause of those feelings?

Would YOU want someone feeling this way about you? I don't believe so.

There is great joy in the many wonderful memories we have of these beloved people. So we can look back and still celebrate their memory rather than wallow in misery. The same holds true for loved ones that are far away. As for other difficult issues that tend to be more predominant this time of year, we need to remind ourselves that nothing is permanent. 

We have all gotten through difficult times in our lives and still survived, and so far, our rate of getting through the hard times is 100%, and that's pretty darned good!

We don't need expensive gifts, twinkling lights, or shiny paper to make the best of the Christmas season. What we need is each other and to seek and reflect on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place.

Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in the lowliest of settings --in a barn, surrounded by farm animals and the excrement that those animals produce. His parents were poor, with little to nothing in the way of material things.

Except for a bright star, there were no electric twinkling lights and no billboards advertising the latest "Must have," gift.

Still, there was great joy and rejoicing that this lowliest of children, this infant boy, had been born.  Yes, born to save a nation and a world in torment; Born to show the world God's grace and love and mercy through the human form; Born to teach us that when we come to Father through Jesus, all of our needs (Not wants--needs--there is a huge difference,) will be taken care of.

He was born to save us all.

So, it doesn't matter how much you have financially. It doesn't matter, the shiny bows and paper, twinkling lights, or getting that "perfect gift."  For we have already received that perfect gift. He is with us always, and loves us far more than we could ever imagine. THIS is the joy and wonder of Christmas.

In the words of Dr. Seuss:
"He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!"

And in the words of Charles Schultz, taken from the Gospel of  Luke 2:8-14:
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  





Therefore, we can find joy in this most wondrous of seasons, if we really stop and pause to remember the true reason for the celebration.
 

Difficult times are inevitable. We all must suffer to come unto Him. It not only strengthens us, but more importantly, it humbles us as human beings. Suffering is a part of life, but misery is optional.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

God Bless

 

Nursing is more than medications and bandages

 

Today, while waiting in a facility lobby for a meeting, I had the honor of sitting next to a soft-spoken elder gentleman, who, like many coping with the cognitive deficits of dementia, was unable to relate any current events.

However he was so excited in telling me about his career as a dairy farmer and how he valued "good, hard, honest, work," (a very great value, indeed).

With each detailed explanation of his routine work day, the delight in his eyes rose. He interjected various stories of his family life, some funny and some a bit more solemn.

I could have listened to him go on all day, but the work day and the meeting were still at hand.

Thank you, Mr. H. for making my day. I know I may have given you a little reprieve from the sense of loneliness you felt sitting by yourself in the lobby, but in return, you gave me a wonderful reminder of why I love being a nurse.

Nursing is not just medications, bandages, and pencil-pushing (well, now we have computers), it is the art and science of caring for individual human beings.

Yes, we care for people with varied histories, ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds--all with their own stories, and all in need of just a moment of time.

Time to talk, to have a hand held, to see a smiling face, to hear a gentle voice, to cry, to laugh, to pray, to know that someone truly cares, and to heal, not just physically but soulfully as well.

 

Pity Party

 

 

 

It's easy to fall into that trap of self pity, and we've all been there.

 

 

"Why me?", "Why not me?"  "Nobody loves me. Everybody hates me. I'm invisible and don't exist."  

 

Understand that this is the devil toying with your thoughts and twisting your emotions to steer you towards him and overtake you.

 

When these feelings arise, we need to step back, calm down, and get back to reality. Jesus loves us, all of us. God obviously wants us, for He created us.

 

As for the issues of winning accolades: employee of the month, best Dad ever, greatest community leader, etc.

 

Most people will never be any of those things, though they may work just as hard, if not harder than the person that received it.

 

Deal with it. God doesn't care about who is the best, the brightest, the prettiest, and He certainly doesn't care about popularity contests. So long as you love Him, He will always be loving and accepting of you.

 

So, yes, stop blaming others, admit your own faults and short-comings, and move along with God, so that you may love and be loved.

 

 

 

This House Is Not For Sale By Laurie Moulton

How many times have we, instead of placing our issues in God's hands and trusting that no matter what, He will always be there for us, have chosen, instead to make deals with and try to manipulate Him for our immediate gratification?

Oh Lord, if you'd do this for me just once, I promise to-- never do it again, be a better Christian, a better parent, a better person, etc., etc.

God comes through, but we don't keep up our end of the bargain, and we go right back to our old ways. How do you feel when false promises, bribes, and methods of manipulation are used on you?

God is not human. He is our divine father, and all He asks is your loyalty, trust, love, and faith in Him. That's it. He's got your back. He is always there to catch you when you fall, and when He lifts you up, He sets you down on higher ground.

In our humanness, we often react first and then digest the situation later. We get caught up in the moment or situation, and completely forget that although we are in a set back or negative situation, it is only temporary.

Name one bad situation or rough patch in your life that has lasted you forever.

Hard times-- loss, tragedy, sorrow, grief, and pain, are reminders that we must suffer to come to Him.

God tested Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Job, and many, many others, including His own son, Jesus Christ.

Why is this? God wants to know where your faith lies. Where is your heart? In whom do you trust?

God is our almighty Father. How would any good, human, earthly father react if their child mistrusted, had no faith in, or took him for granted?

As God is always there for us, and always, readily providing for us, we, in turn, must demonstrate, that we are always there for Him, abiding and trusting in His great plan for each of us.

No one can win God over by using human tactics. For God is not to be "won over" at all.

The house of the Lord is not for sale--not to be entered into with bribes, false promises, and manipulation. The gateway to the kingdom of our Father, is easily opened with faith, trust, love, and abiding in His word and work.

There is a disturbing little story tucked into the depths of the Old Testament.  It’s about a man named Jephthah who made a deal with God: a military victory in return for a burnt offering made out of the first living thing that came to greet him when he got home.

A very unfortunate move on his part, for instead of just submitting to God’s will, he tried to bribe Him into delivering a certain outcome. God held up His end, and when the victorious warrior arrived home, ready to serve up some four legged beast, he was greeted instead by his daughter. We’re told she was a young virgin and his only child who was obviously very dear to him.

Whoops. Suddenly Jephthah found himself in a very nasty position. Clearly, he was planning to get what he wanted on the cheap, but God suddenly upped the price on him. The victory had been very important to Jephthah, and now God was demanding something priceless in return. Of course none of this would have happened if Jephthah had been content to let God do His thing.

But since he resorted to trying to manipulate God as he would a fellow man, God decided that a disciplinary lesson was in order.  Back in that day, a vow was supposed to be unbreakable.

Living in a culture which throws wedding vows, promises and guarantees out the window at the first sign of trouble, it’s hard for us to imagine doing what Jephthah did: He wept bitterly, let his daughter have two months to say goodbye to her friends, and then he followed through with his end of the deal.

His daughter’s reaction was incredibly mature: she was all for her father keeping his promise to God.

It’s really very foolish to try and bargain with God. But if we insist on playing this game, then we have no excuse for backing out after He holds up His end. God was testing Jephthah in this story by purposely arranging things so that his daughter would outrun the livestock and pets on that particular day.

Instead of being horrified at the human sacrifice, we should be more horrified at the thought of running our mouths and then expecting God to just eat it when we shirk on our end of the deal.

Whenever we run into accounts like this in the Bible, the humans are the ones we try to defend. “Poor Jephthah, he was set up.”

Yes, and he had only himself to thank.

This story serves as a solemn warning not to think that we can play human games with the Sovereign King of kings.

We simply can’t progress with God as long as we keep trying to control Him. Bribes, bargains, and conditional promises are all about trying to boss God around and manipulate Him into doing what we want.

Far too often we think we can get away with pretending we never promised anything after we get the blessing we were after.

Who are we trying to kid?

If Jephthah had refused to kill his daughter, God could have easily taken her life. We’ll never succeed at trumping God in any game we invent.

If we are wise, we will learn from Jephthah’s foolishness and think carefully before we pray.

 

Peace Be With You

Day in and day out, we are bombarded. Bombarded by the ever-increasing tragic events of our nation and the world.

Bombarded by society pressing us to wear this, buy that, eat this, drive that, keep up with the Jones, have washboard abs, and be a size 2 or you won't fit in.

Bombarded by work stressors--deadlines, time frames, productivity, do more with less, get it done and done right, get it done now.

Bombarded with governmental laws, restrictions, taxes, taxes, taxes, political mud slinging and finger pointing.

Bombarded by a world where hatred and "isms" are abounding.

Bombarded by illness and diseases and pain, how much more pain, physical and emotional can be endured ?

Bombarded with family issues, who will take care of mom and dad, who's picking on who, who "lost" their homework, how are we going to meet the bills this month, who did what, who said what, who's in trouble with the law, who's asking to borrow money now, and who's not speaking to who?

In the midst of all this chaotic bombardment, where do we find peace? How do we find peace when things seem hopeless? When life is spinning out of control at warp speed?

Mark 4:35-41 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”

Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.  There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Peace! Be still!”

Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Peace, be still. That is where it begins.

Why are you afraid? Why do you allow things to spiral out of control--fear that you will fall into failure? Do you still have no faith? Do you STILL have no faith?

Here is a testimony to faith:
Most of us reach low points in our lives. To us, those low points, depending on circumstances, can seem very dark and lonely and hopeless.

I have journeyed to a world that was consumed by work and family demands. I lost sight of myself as a person and lost sight of my faith. I allowed myself to be completely consumed by it all and wallowed in that darkness until I physically and mentally could not bear it any longer.

Sometimes that it is what it takes--being driven to a breaking point in order to stop and start seeking a resolution. It is in the stillness of this moment, that we begin to just breathe and allow the first glimpses of light to enter into the darkness. Peace be still.

When we believe and start to cling to our faith, and focus our sight back where it belongs, in the eyes and heart of our Lord, those small glimpses of light burst forth into a blinding abyss of hope and peace, and his voice sings in our ears and hearts. "I am here. I will always be here. You are my child, and on me, you can depend, and through me, all things are possible."

Do you still have no faith? Do you STILL have no faith? Low points are temporary and mainly of our own causing. So long as we refuse to let the darkness take hold, our faith will continue to be tested.

We must accept that challenge and pass the test. It is in this faith in God that we see our own faith in ourselves and our unique abilities and talents that He has blessed us with. It is in this faith that we find peace.

In my own journey out the darkness into the light, I found a renewed strength and hope. I followed faithfully, driving alone 3,000 miles away from all that I knew, into an unknown culture and territory.

I can only imagine that this is what the disciples must have felt like as they journeyed forth into different countries spreading the word of Christ. Yet, I was not afraid. At no time on that voyage was I ever afraid.

I knew He was with me and He had promised through His word that He would provide. And provide He certainly has! Provided with a very good job that I truly love, provided with a decent roof over my head, provided not one but two amazing church families who fulfill me in their unique ways, provided with a new family of very close friends who love me for who I am and as a member of their own family, and most importantly, provided me with the opportunity to walk and journey deeper towards Him.

I hunger, thirst, and yearn for that oneness with God. The lingering, fragrant essence of His presence and love. Outside of my children, grandchildren, and siblings, love was but a distant memory. Now, I am awash in it, and I will gladly drown in it. So there is the testimony.

Be still. Have faith.

There is a tradition in some churches where, during the service, there is the "Passing of the Peace", where people turn and face each other and say, "The Lord's peace be with you."

We are passing that peace of the Holy Spirit that exists within us, to each other. Wouldn't it be great if the whole world had one moment every week, where every person in the world turned to the other and said, "Peace be with you "? Imagine the impact....

During this passing of peace, some people shake hands and others hug. I never used to be much of a hugger as that wasn't common practice in my family or in the Northeast in general. So at first, the whole hugging thing was a bit awkward.

In California, it seems to be a common practice. My first day of work, hugs from total strangers. My first day in any new facility, hugs from total strangers.

My first day in church, again, more hugs. These hugs and greetings during the passing of the peace sometimes extend the service out, and we all need to be reigned back in.

I have now grown not only to be a receiver but a giver of hugs as well. For, it is in the moment of holding another person, that two things happen.

First, the "feel good " hormones oxytocin and serotonin are released.

Secondly, it is in that very intimate moment, that a truly, very deep peace in the spirit is felt. I could hug and be hugged for hours just basking in that glorious peace.

Once we learn to be still and have faith, a whole new world opens up and we are able to find peace no matter the circumstances. The world and our country are in turmoil. I see the shining sun, the green grass, the majestic mountains, the serenity of the lakes and streams, the flitting of a hummingbird, the graceful loping of a deer. I feel a gentle breeze brush my face in the heat of the day. There is peace.

May the peace of the Lord be always with you. Amen.

 

Seeing the Light

Seeking the Light....

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard My people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin,
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear My light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am Lord, It is I, Lord,
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

 

FUNERAL FOR AMERICA

 FUNERAL FOR AMERICA by  Laurie Moulton

News flash! Another victim, another riot, another act of  terrorism…. film at 11
Watts, Killeen, San Ysidro, Austin, Oklahoma City, Fort Hood, Binghamton, Columbine, Sandy Hook, Virginia Tech, Washington D.C., Boston, Charleston,San Bernadino, New York City, Orlando, Falcon Heights, Dallas - -

Motionless bodies.  Cities and towns drowning in seas of blood and destruction.

Flags wave at half-mast, dancing death shrouds in the wind-- as the cars speed nonchalantly by.

What has become of our once great nation?

When will they ever learn?

Who turns a blind eye or a deaf ear, giving thanks it didn’t happen to them?

Go on with your clouded everyday lives while your country dies.

Too soft are the cries for justice. - - Too few are the pleas for peace.

God shunned from public places like an unwelcome stranger.

Have mercy upon us Lord, for we have greatly sinned against you by destroying what you have so graciously given us.

Have mercy upon this land and all its peoples.

Grant us peace.

Amen

AMAZING GRACE

 

AMAZING GRACE

 

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."

There have been times in many of our lives when we have felt unworthy to be in the presence of God or deny and doubt His plan for our lives because we have been faced with tragedy, disaster, grief, sin, the overwhelming chaos of personal life and work, life crisis-crossing boundaries, addictions, injustices, and other negative influences.

 

The words to the hymn, "Amazing Grace", were penned by English poet and clergyman, John Newton, in 1779.  While working for England in the Atlantic slave trade in 1778, a violent storm tossed and battered his ship about, off the coast of County Donegal, Ireland. The storm was so severe, that he feared for his life and cried out to God for mercy. This was the moment that armed his spiritual conversion, and he became saved unto and through Jesus Christ. Shortly after this, he went on to study Christian theology, and was later ordained into the church.

 

The first line of this hymn resonates with me every so often, in many different circumstances:

In times of great joy and bountiful blessings, Lord, we thank you and praise you for the abundance that you have provided us, and rejoice that you have found us worthy of your gifts.

In times of contemplation and indecision, Lord, you have breathed your Holy Spirit into our minds and spirits, and made our path clear.

In times of distress, grief, conflict, and tribulation, Lord, you shelter, comfort, and lay your peace upon our hearts and souls--ever present, ever by our side, a beacon in the storm. You take us by the hand and lead us out of the darkness into your glorious light.

In times of sin -- in thought, word, or deed -- Lord, we seek your forgiveness, and you rain down the blood of your only begotten child, your Son, to wash it all away with your tender mercy.

 

By the grace of God, we awake each day to a new beginning. A new dawn to begin a new chapter - - every day.

By the grace of God, we are given peace and comfort in trying times.

By the grace of God, we are shown His plan for us.

By the grace of God, we fall to our knees in sorrow and desperation, and cry out His name, and He lowers to listen to us.

By the grace of God, we have been made His children, and He has given us life and the ability to breath in and partake of all the glory, magnificence, beauty, and majesty of His creation.

By the grace of God, in every moment of every earthly day, He has saved a wretch like me.

Heavenly Father,

I thank you,

I praise you,

I worship you,

I adore you

To you, all honor, glory, and power are yours. I lay myself at the foot of the cross of Jesus, and you sweep me up into the palm of your hand and whisper your precious grace into my soul. 

Amazing grace.........................how sweet the sound. 

Amen

Out for a Drive

 

As a kid, one of my favorite things to do was go for a drive with my grandparents down a stretch of road known as 10-mile Drive in Newport, RI, that basically winds along the ocean side. As a teenager, I couldn't wait to drive, and had a little, brown '68 Dodge Dart.

 

Occasionally, on the weekends I didn't work, I'd go cruising with my friends down Rocky Point and Oakland Beach. When I was dating, we'd go for long drives out in the country.

 

As a single mother for many years, I'd often just pack the kids in the car and go for a drive. Now, even though I drive each day, a bit of a distance back and forth to work every day, I still enjoy a good, long drive--whether I am the driver or the passenger. It evokes many great memories and provides for solace in times of stress.

 

Do you remember going for drives with your family, your friends, your sweetheart, your own kids? In the wake of many hard and trying situations over these past few weeks both at work, at home, in our nation, and throughout the world, I challenge you to let it all go for just a few hours, get in the car, and just drive. Roll down the window, and let the wind race through your hair. Hold hands with your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, or, if you're like me, just go alone and take it all in.

 

Let those wonderful memories of yesteryear flood back into your heart and for a little while, leave all the other worries behind. Have a great weekend everyone.