WHEN GOD CLOSES A DOOR, HE OPENS A WINDOW-HOPE!

When God closes a door, he opens a window. We all experience difficult times. Losses. Changes. People move away. People die. Job losses. Accidents. Thefts. Life can bring many different difficulties on our journey of life. Stupid comments can come our way. "It could have been worse." "That's nothing, you should hear what happened to me!" Then there are the kind people that just are there and don't need to say anything. But faith and believing in another day, hoping things will get better keep us going. Lamenting on why does bring some solutions to the problems faced. Learning strategies for coping and grieving the losses in our lives. Making plans so it might not happen again.  Accepting the changes, not necessarily liking them. The window opened gives a chance for air to flow and to feel its gentle breeze. Can you feel it? Can you find peace in feeling hopeful? Having faith in God that there is a way and a path to new life gives inspiration! Yes hoping for a better day!
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THERE FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I

There for the grace of God go I! What a thought provoking statement? Do you ever really think about this one? Today while watching the news and the story of two young people in Nova Scotia convicted of killing a homeless man was one story featured. This statement came to mind. The poor man was just a lost soul not needing to be murdered. Could many of us be a potential homeless person in our lifetime? We picked different roads and have not ended there. But mental illness can be a reason to end on the streets. Failure and hopelessness! What about critical illness? Most people do not really chose to be so ill. Dying young! For someone my age, not even an option now. Do we really thank God or life that we have the life we have now? If your life is a good one, do you ever say thank you? Or are you someone that felt you were entitled to all that you have? Did you ever consider your life could have gone differently? So there for the grace of God go I can be such a reflective thought!

AN INTERFAITH SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

I always liked ecumenical services. As a child, Good Friday was shared by the different church groups in Thornhill and I attended many.  When my children were in Brownies and Guides, there was a service on Thinking Day in February each year with all the faith groups in Thornhill participating. So watching the service on TV in Newtown Connecticut, Sunday December 16, 2012, it was fitting that all faiths in the community came together to honour and mourn the losses. In times of great tragedy the love of a greater being- God does bring comfort. The politicians take the same seat as the community. Together was the message. When we reach out together, we can get through many things. Families together, community together supporting each other. As we continue to enjoy the Christmas season, let us come together and be there for each other- especially our children!

THERE FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I !

When discussing a case with a nurse from another country, he was concerned about the unfortunate details. He expressed how can people live like that? I stated, in English we have this saying- there for the Grace of God do I! It is 1 saying that says so much. Did God give us the right parents at the right time? Perhaps, but even children from very dysfunctional families have made their way and have positive adult experiences. Did God give us the intelligence and the discipline to study and work on a good education? Perhaps! Did he just direct us in the right direction- to make choices and not use any circumstance we have lived as an excuse to waste our life? If we reflect on situations in our lives and the choices made- no to drugs, social drinking and not problem drinking, exercise, patience, learning positive ways to deal with conflict, healthy eating, and the list could go on! Were all the choices ours? Or was there some little inner voice that guided us? I question why some people that used fraud, stole money from others, and still have very dishonest business practices end up with the bigger houses, more expensive cars, travel and a life style that the average person will never have! Not all good things come to good people! History tells us the story over and over! Do we make honest choices that lead us to a good life but not necessarily a monetary successful life? Perhaps! Then the whole concept of success would be fodder for another post! Did God bless me with a life worth living? You bet!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN LOVE EASTER AND PASSOVER

Both religious holidays fall at the same time this year. Children can learn about the wisdom of the lessons we celebrate. For Christians, the story of Jesus and his love for us. For Jews, the wisdom of God through Moses and the celebrations at the Seder dinners. It is a time to teach our children, regardless of the strength of our faith and conviction the positive aspects of the stories celebrated. There are Easter books for young children. Reading from the Bible or the Torah directly are good activities too. May the blessings of the season find you! For those from other faiths come and learn and share your wisdom!

HAVING FAITH IN THE PROCESS

Love, hope and faith but the greatest of these is love! So we are told. Faith takes courage. It takes believing in the process. Believing in something outside ourselves. Faith to take the steps needed to move forward. Faith that there will be a better day after the dark days. Faith in each other- how a relationship works. Faith in God. Faith in your friends. But most of all faith in yourself. If you believe in yourself, then others can believe in you too. Not over the top extraordinary, just ordinary. Faith to get through each day with the courage to do the best you can. Some days it will be minimal effort while others will give you the strength of an army. Faith can be your ally in troubled times. Do you have faith? If you are dealing with a troubled time, will it help you get through to the next step? Do you have any stories about a time faith pulled you through?

A PRAYER TO THOSE I LOVE

Deal with the concerns of today. Look to the strength of family. Ask for comfort from God to help you have patience with the situation. Let your tears fall as they cleanse your soul!  Accept hugs from others as he did say where two or more gather in my name, I will be there. Hugs keep us going! Love prevails! Amen!

FAITH KEEPS US GOING

Do you have faith? In God? In Life? In loved ones? Is it in us? Around us? Do others have faith in us? Like the church steeple that can be seen from a distance, it is always there for us to embrace. Faith means believing in something unseen and untangible. Yet it feels so real!

INSPIRATION

Is a wonderful word that conjuresup different meanings for different people. A stimulation for creative activity says the dictionary. We can be inspired by God, a teacher, a parent, a friend, an idea. Our own actions can inspire another to do a task, complete a dream. We all have been both in our lives- getting inspiration from someone or something or inspiring others to tackle their aspirations. Look beyond the mountain to the other side- it is waiting for you. Have you been inspired lately? Are you following a dream? Tell me your story!

NANA SAYS A BABY'S BAPTISM IS A GIFT FROM GOD

Our little grandson was baptized yesterday in the United Church of Canada. A joyous family day and a commitment to continue our faith. Regardless of what religion you practice, believing and trying to live a good life is truly a thank you to God. Children learn from a young age to view the world with care and compassion. Then there is the power of prayer. Do you have a story of how your faith helped you? Do you believe in prayer?