Readings – #2

Here’s my second pick for the week.  See them all in Faith.

1 Corinthians 14:1-4
This is where Paul tells us that we should strive to communicate love—not through material things, but through spirtual gifts, especially the gift of speaking God’s message. No one understands someone who doesn’t speak God’s message. They make strange sounds in the name of God and help only themselves. But those that speak God’s message bring help, encouragement and comfort to the whole church.

What does this say to me today?
If you concentrate on material things, you will be left alone with your stuff. Love is not about how many toys you have. Love is about spreading the message that we are loving and lovable. Use your God-given talents to spread a message of love and you, and those around you, will be richer.

Boy, I needed that today!
 


Readings

Today in church we were invited to open the bible each day for a week, point to a verse and keep a journal of what we found as well as the message that broke through for us.

Here’s my first pick. See them all in Faith.
(I’m using Today’s English Version of the New Testament that I received on my first communion in 1976.)

Acts 4:13-26
This is when the members of the council told Peter and John that they had better not speak or teach of the miracles that were performed by Jesus. Peter and John boldly said they would not be able to stop. They were warned even more sternly but let go because the elders could find no reason to keep them. The proof, the man Jesus healed, was with them. So they returned to their group and prayed and continued their work.

So what does this say to me?
Our faith may not be popular, nor may it make us rich or well educated, but believing in the miracle of God’s love will fill you with a rich and articulate peace that cannot be obtained through any other means. We will constantly be challenged throughout our lives by people who decide their authority is stronger than our beliefs and our witness. Be bold and find strength with those that share your faith. 

That was fun!


 


Dinner’s Ready

Every once in a while
a feeling draws you in.
The past is on your doorstep
and good memories start to win.

But then the old and tired
start floating in the air
and you know life’s best to come
is waiting patiently out there.

So I say goodbye to tears
and frustration of the past
I sail forward in the sun
with joy and hope my mast.


Tell me why you cry

Tonight I did something I haven’t done since I was twelve and something I haven’t ever done. I saw April Wine in concert at the Marquee Club in Halifax.

First, let me say it was the middle of a blinding snow storm with a $35 cover. The Marquee was comfortably packed, which means you could get to the bathroom without a lineup and without spilling your beer. There were also no lineups at the bar, and everyone was friendly, which made my experience of the Marquee a good one.

April Wine was as I remember them (minus Gary Moffatt). My autographs and memories of innocent kisses are circa 1978. From the sound check to the encore kindred spirits reflected a similar response to nearly 4 decades worth of measures and metre. I realize I’m dating myself here, but that’s ok, I like my own company.

I’m mindful of the impact music has on our lives. I wonder how many people lost their virginity to “tonight is a wonderful time” and how many broke up over “you won’t dance with me”.  This realization helps me appreciate the artist’s ego. Musicians create memories that transend our experiences.  While we are busy creating our present reality, lyrics and music snap us back to a place and time where our current reality had no breath. Music links the past to the present and we can measure how much we’ve grown by our response.

If what made you sob in your pillow at 15, brings a smile to your face now, then you’ve shifted. The same tears that hardened you then, soften you now.

I enjoyed every second of the show and although the band looked refreshingly different, they sounded the same, especially Gerry Mercer’s drum solo! I was impressed and rocked out. Still great stuff…thank you April Wine.

One funny thing…the camera phone seems to have replaced the lighter.

And, just for Heathertoo…Matt Mays was in the house.

Related links:
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation


Turn away

It’s puzzling to others how excited I get over the smallest things. A new toothbrush makes me giggle with delight. A new spiral-bound journal sparks an adventure. A new book brushes up against me like a warm cat, nudging me to curl up. A new school yard story brings excitement and the promise of memories. See the joy in life…it does reflect back. Don’t turn away.


Without

As we develop a sense of who we are, we attract people who want to know us, the real us. Hopefully these are the same people we want to know. I’m not afraid to stand my ground, to set my boundaries and draw the line. I know the universe is waiting for instruction from me. My intention is clear. This or something better is my request. I am without fear and without expectation. I am without, therefore everything is possible.


That’s it!

Before I met my husband I knew my “perfect” mate would bring me sunshine with an overcast day once and a while. When we met, there was a comfort that kept us close. We didn’t feel the rain. Or, maybe we did and that’s why we bought ourselves a house right away. Safe within our shelter, we settled in.

My agenda was clear and he bought in. Two years later we married, one year later we got pregnant with our first son, two years later we had our second son. Three years later, we separated. The rain stopped. We still experience the occassional shower but we are now able to bring some sunshine to each other. Our children are adjusting well. They like the sunshine.

There are challenges. We hear the words, it’s easy to walk away and harder to stay together. I don’t agree. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, much harder than feining affection in the rain.  So much self doubt and uneasiness and jealousy and frustration and fear. My faith is strong so I carry on without regret.


Not myself

Something doesn’t feel quite right. I think I’ve ate too many cookies. My mood is a little down. I just sat for 20 minutes on hold waiting for an operator and was then cut-off after the phone began to ring. Now I’m sitting on hold a second time. I’m hopeful an operator will be with me shortly.


Sorry

I had to sit a while
and listen to a friend
she told a lovely story
I didn’t want to end.

I was brightened by her voice
and the way she lit my vision
her words brought love and hope
and I made a big decision.

I called another friend
and listened to her story
I shared my time and love
and told her I was sorry.


Creepy to Comfortable

Just noticed the sponsored ad links on Gmail are related to the content in your message. For example, an email from my friend included news about her guitar skills and yoga practice. The sponsored links included ads for guitars and yoga retreats. I felt a little violated by this discovery. It’s brilliant, of course. Relevancy wins on the web.

Actually, Google explains this nicely. They use the same technology as their AdSense Program to deliver relevant links based on content. All is good…I’m comfortable.