One World, One Creation
The anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child must have been exciting as well as more than a little stressful. A couple of years ago in church we focused on trying to determine what God wanted us to “see” through the season of Advent. I thought a lot about maybe God really wanted us to be intentional and not just go through the motions–praying with intention, loving with intention, studying with intention, greeting one another with intention, serving with intention and rejoicing with intention. In being intentional about preparing for the arrival of Christ, I thought of Mary and Joseph and how they were intentional to continue their long journey and to find a warm, safe place for the manger–in a stall. The Wise Men were intentional about following that star having selected the gifts they brought to honor the birth of our Messiah. So, I’m being intentional in sharing my thoughts with you, as we all seek the true hope and peace in our God’s gifts of love, compassion, healing, guidance, and most important of His preparing a place for each of us in His glorious Eternal Kingdom. The year 2020 has been such a different time around our entire world. Perhaps, many of us have had a fresh reminder that we are One World, One Creation–so much brokenness, despair, loss, and, yes, hate. We must remember there is healing Light that each of us can shine as we intentionally work to reflect the gifts of our Creator. I wish for you the Joy and Peace that this season brings, and may it remain in our hearts always. Let us share it with intention to all in the hope of creating a more peaceful world we share. ...
Read MoreOne Month to Live
The last few days have been stressful, disheartening and we Americans are divided and many of us don’t want to be. We don’t agree about the state of our union, we want it to be better for all. There was some glimmer of hope yesterday. Let’s all really try hard. In 2010, 5 Emergency Room personnel rapidly applying leads on my chest, neck, abdomen and then pushed the button for the EKG. The paper printed out and they were all high-fiving and I was lying there happy because they were all smiling. I thought, “Can’t be too bad with that celebrating.” Oh, Ms. Stewart, we’re just happy because by the time people get to us its usually over and we’re just happy we got it on the EKG! IT??? Well, I had an SVT, supra ventricular tachycardia. SVTs, I learned, can take you away. Heart beating so fast I couldn’t feel a pulse because there was no space between the beats, hence I got myself to the ER fast. I mean, I knew I was alive but no pulse anywhere, so I threw a few things in my bag like all my meds, PJs, tooth brush and a book I was reading. Out the door I went! Yes, I drove myself to the hospital. No, I will not do that again. I was in the 4th week of wearing a cardiac monitor, so as I was driving, and the device rang like a phone. Hmmm…”uh, hello?” “Ms. Stewart, this is so & so at Life… are you having symptoms?” “Oh, yes, I am. Can you see what’s going on? I’m on the way to the hospital now.” “Oh, good, you called 911.” “Um…no.” “Oh, so you had someone with you.” “Um…no. I’m driving myself.” S-i-l-e-n-c-e !!!! You know, that deafening silence! Then, she spoke and was calm and professional. She stayed with me until I got to the hospital. She called ahead and told them I was coming so everyone including the guard was waiting & boy did things move fast!! She told me to just hand the nurse the device and they would see everything. So after the celebratory EKG, the doc came in and gave me a choice of taking the meds that would stop my heart blah-blah-blah…” “Wait!! Wait a minute? Stop my heart? No, I don’t want that.” “Well, Ms. Stewart, the medicine will make you feel worse than you have ever felt…but just for 3 seconds and then your heart will be in rhythm and it will just go away.” (Everybody circling the bed just looking at me.) “Um…isn’t there something else you can do!?” “Yes, I could shock you.” “Oh, so like when I’m not expecting it, you would scream at me?” “No, see those paddles over there? I would shock you with them.” “Oh, heavens!! Give me the medicine!!” So in 3 seconds I went from feeling like I was dying to having my perfect heart beat back to normal and then they brought me snacks!! I had to stay in observation for a few hours, so I sipped on my ginger ale and read my book. A nurse came in and stopped at the door, with hand on hip said “ you should NOT be reading a book like that at a time like this!!!” She was not happy with me reading my book “One Month to Live” by Kerry & Chris Shook. I said, “Oh, no, it’s all good.” Right then another short little nurse came in and asked the other nurse what she was so upset about. Again, that nurse...
Read MoreThe Power of HOPE
The Power of HOPE!! I have always known the value of good friends and family because I was blessed with being raised in a loving, supportive family where kindness and mutual respect were daily expressions. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 50s and endured, surgeries, a re-opening mastectomy incision and harsh chemotherapy while living alone, I became keenly aware of the POWER of the love of friends & family…or anyone, really who came offering HOPE. I also learned that there were people who were going along the very same journey who had none of what I did. So I prayed God would help me be aware of them to reach out to them and help however I might. And God did just that. When we reach out to someone in need or hurting there is a powerful energy from us to them and back in return. We may not know the real impact of our kindnesses but I believe those acts of kindness, expressions of love & encouragement work to give a very powerful HOPE to others who are desperate for it. I see us as earthen vessels crafted by our Holy Creator. I realize the times when my vessel is full to overflowing with love and goodness and also I know when I’m in need of a refill. I do believe God uses us to minister to others. Ever wonder why you sometimes find yourself in the presence of someone having a really hard time? You may think there’s nothing you can do to help, but a word of kindness or sometimes even just a smile can make a big deposit in the vessel of an aching, grieving heart or a struggle to continue life. These deposits become HOPE and hope is a lifeline to a struggling soul. In the last weeks, we have watched a miraculous rescue of 12 little boys and their coach stranded in a flooded Thai cave for over two weeks. Prayers were offered up from all around our world, highly skilled SEALS, divers & rescue personnel from Thailand and many other countries worked diligently to free the boys and coach safely. Doctors went into the cave to examine, comfort & treat the boys and coach. Around our world people of different cultures & faiths prayed for all to be rescued safely. Sometimes we felt helpless. The boys were a soccer team and there is a science to teamwork…you treat team mates with respect and encourage them. Help them feel better when things don’t go your way. Their coach was young and had previously been a monk and while they were in that cave on such a small ledge that was dry, he taught the boys how to meditate. What a leader he obviously was and comforting and encouraging. Think of all those dark, damp nights before they ever knew someone had found them. Meditation is a wonderful tool we can use to calm ourselves, become centered and, for me, I begin with “Be still and know I am God.” The coach taught the boys about finding hope. Hope is such a powerful gift. When we have it, life is good. When we are without hope, sometimes the life can drain right out of us. Those 13 earthen vessels probably found themselves pretty empty over those 17 days & nights but over & over they each received deposits from one another, their coach, all of the world’s prayers, from the divers that found them, the letters from parents that were delivered by the rescue teams, over and over. They were little...
Read MoreAn Extraordinary Destiny
When we think about our destiny, I imagine we most often think that our destiny is set for us. But, I believe that we do find that our perspective on life itself … our life journey, truly can impact our destiny. C.S. Lewis offers clarity on this I think, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny…” Do you know people like that? In the midst of hardships in our lives we might not think then that suffering through that existence is going to result in a really good thing, but it surely can. David knew he had sinned against God and wrote a prayer of penitence in Psalm 32. For me, I find solace and security in this scripture in Psalm 32:7… “You are my hiding place, you will preserve me from trouble, you will surround me with songs of deliverance.” I know that there will be troubles along my journey, but I also blieve God’s promises that He walks right there with me and I do hear those songs of deliverance. What a gift it is from our Heavenly Father that He wants to be our hiding place and the scriptures draw us into His divine and steadfast presence, His love and forgiveness and His great...
Read MoreI Will Rise Up
As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day in America, we gather with loved ones with whom we share the recognition of the many blessings in our lives. We express our gratitude. For many, this is one day in the year that we set aside our challenges and burdens to enjoy a special meal often including our best family recipes and remembering those who shared them and prepared them for us. Lots of hugs and even some heartfelt tears of remembrance of those we miss. Around the world, in poor neighborhoods in our own towns, even in our own homes, it is a very difficult time for families estranged, experiencing financial crises, serious illness, broken hearts and those who feel very alone. While the majority of our nation & our world have been rocked by the barbaric senseless killings expanding around the world by Issis and other terrorist groups, many of us feel even more committed to maintaining our hope, denying these evil-doers their hope to destroy our SPIRIT! As Christians, we have serious work to do in reaching out to those who suffer and sharing the love and promises of Christ the King. Whatever your faith is, we, as humankind have the opportunity to be both to our suffering…human and kind. ❤️ I dedicate this post to all in our world that suffer today, feeling hopeless and I challenge those of us strong and capable to take the joy and hope in this celebration of Thanksgiving Day to stand, raise your hand and commit to others who suffer that they are not alone and we all can “Rise Up” as Andra Day sings so beautifully sharing our...
Read MoreForgiveness…The Gift
Whenever you feel that you just can’t possibly get over & recover from what someone has done to you, perhaps a broken trust, damaging words, or, perhaps, what someone took from you…how can you possibly go on , move forward? You might be thinking of revenge, but then you would have to deal with the guilt. So you mark that off your list. Perhaps, you think “I’ll just stuff it down way deep inside and maybe it will just disappear.” Then, you think of the pain that all the other things you’ve stuffed down that still make your heart ache and your gut hurt and the river of tears that even today still flow. Then, you realize that’s not really an option. What can you do???? NOTHING is too big, too bad, too painful, to unspeakable for God to help you with. Nothing! Even if you have never turned to Him before, He’s there, waiting and He wants your biggest and smallest hurts. His Holy Spirit is our Holy Comforter and His desire is to dwell within you, always. So, what do you do? Think of yourself as an earthen vessel. Then ask for His help… Spirit of the Living God, Fall afresh on me. Break me, melt me. Mold me, fill me. He will do this as you trust Him. He will take your brokenness and fill you with His healing Spirit. He will have instilled in you the Gift of Forgiveness. Are you thinking, “I can’t forgive him/her for devastating me!!” When we realize that we CAN forgive that someone who has caused us such pain, we will realize that the GIFT is really one that we give to ourselves. Living our life journeys with a forgiving heart, nurtured by our Living God, is a blessing received from the Most High. Accept it and heal. Thanks be to...
Read MoreWhy Did 2000 Ducks Cross the Road???
Answer: because there was a rice field on the other side! Simple views of nature astound us from time to time. I can only imagine what I would have thought had I been walking or driving down this road and saw this. Too funny!!http://www.youtu.be/gE2OjvyJmjE
Read MoreWorld Peace????
As the 2012 Olympics are underway and billions of people around the globe are watching the many Olympians competing, I think about ahow our focus is on similar goals. All the athletes are there to WIN giving it their absolute best, pushing their talent, strength and spirit hopeful for the Gold Medal. We billions are observing and cheering, feeling the sting of defeat and the excitement of winning. So many countries have their young most skilled there…we have in common the appreciation of talent, the respect of “fairness” and the love of the games. Feels like we aren’t so different after all…and THAT realization transports me to thoughts about the war in Afghanastan, the other mid-east crises, the suffering in Ethiopia & Haiti, the killing waste of life in Aurora, CO…lives just as important as the lives of all the Olympians. World peace? Why not? Why not NOW? Why does the spirit of the games have to end? A favorite poem/prayer from Lao Tsu follows. Contemplate the road to world peace… If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors. If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart. —– Got it? ...
Read MoreBeyond Sight
So often, we find ourselves in circumstances where all we really want to do is “Get Out!” Retreating, giving up, withdrawing are ways of coping and we all, most likely, have taken those paths at sometime or another. Of course, there are times that those options just might be the best thing for us to do. But, more often, I think, when we face harsh and devastating circumstances, we might WANT to retreat but what will actually get us out is standing firm, waiting and trusting that God will lead us out of our wilderness. It’s extremely difficult and challenging, but remaining faithful and working towards God’s will and timing allows us to remain positive and receive His blessing. Just in the last few months, some of my family and friends have found themselves in unbearable circumstances…situations in which they did nothing to cause. Many of us have wondered, “How do they do this? How in this world are they holding themselves up? What’s going to happen?” The truth is that they have help staying “up.” They all have faith in God as our Creator, our Savior and the Lover of our Souls. They trust that God will see them through their walk in the wilderness and lead them to solutions. They also know that their community of believers are lifting them up in prayers from which they gain strength and courage. Many times, our wilderness walks are long…way too long, we think. These wanderings in the wilderness are often filled with obstacles, winding paths, pitfalls and forks in the road where we have choices to make. Questions present themseves: “How did I get here?” “Where do I go from here?” “Will this ever be over or am I going to be in this wilderness forever?” For my friends and family, I have seen them wrestle with these questions, while at the same time, remain faithful and trust in God’s wisdom. Imagine yourself wandering in a wilderness that is completely foreign to you. Is there ANYONE you would rather have at your side, taking those steps right with you, leading you to your choices than God our Creator? Many times we find that just staying the course and pushing through is the best choice we can make. And, even in the worst of circumstances as we wander, we realize that along with those bumps in the road and the horrific pitfalls, we receive blessings and lessons that enrich our lives forever…ones we would not have experienced had we not been in that wilderness trying like crazy to get out. Looking past our circumstances…beyond what we know, see & feel, there is always something lurking just around the corner and it just might be an opening out of the wilderness into the most beautiful light imagineable…crafted by our Great Creator & Tour Guide. Praise God from Whom ALL blessings...
Read MoreSnake in the Grass???
As a child, I grew up hearing reference to someone who was being sly & sneaky as a “snake-in-the-grass.” Well, earlier this week I had taken a walk and was interested in a natural area along a preserve that backed up to our apartment complex. Standing on the sidewalk I saw a sign on the fence gate, “Handicapped Accessible.” I thought, well OK, I’ll give it a try. Beautiful surrounding, melodious birds, lovely sub-tropical trees and flora and I was watching carefully for snakes. Nice walk with no encounter of of snakes but I did encounter a large turtle/terrapin. We both froze in place upon seeing one another. I’m thinking, “Even with my knees that seem older than I am, I think I could out-run him.” So, very slowly and carefully I passed within 2 feet of him and went on my way. Then, yeterday, my 5-yr old granddaughter Emma and I were at the pool enjoying a nice swim in the Florida humidity. She’s such a little fish, swimming under water, above, on her back, her tummy and loving to float on her back like Grandma. She had seen a piece of a palm frond in the pool, so she dove down and retrieved it and got my praise. About 10 minutes later, we moved back to that end of the pool and she spied a black stick she said she would retrieve. I walked closer to it to see and lo and behold it was a 4 ft. SNAKE!!!!!! Now, I was prepared for a possible snake in the GRASS, but NOT in the pool!! I quickly picked her up and threw her toward the steps and yelled, “Get out of the pool NOW!!” I think it scared her but not as much as that SNAKE-IN-THE-POOL scared me. Turned out to be just a black racer, but to me…a snake is a snake!!! and when my grands and I are in the pool, it’s OUR...
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National Audubon Society
Help support the efforts of our National Audubon Society in conservation of natural bird habitats. Visit: www.birds.audubon.org