Image Source: clipart-library.com Found on Pineterest
There are several slightly different accounts of the nativity story in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Jesus’ birth is not included in the Gospels of Mark and John. Each of those books begins with Jesus as an adult.
The Miracle of the Angel
In Matthew, the first Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
The angel Gabriel visits Mary first to announce her favor and pregnancy in Luke. Then, this same Angel appears to Joseph in a dream.
When Jesus was born, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field nearby.
At first, they were startled by the bright light.
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
An Angel
The Angel delivered the message of Jesus’s birth.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the Angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The Angel announced Jesus’ birth.
The birth of Christ the King!
Today, let’s celebrate the Miracle of Christ on Christmas!
Wishing you all awe and wonder of the holiday season!
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Take a break.Step away and find a quiet place.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Sit for a while. Ask for God’s presence.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Be still. Close your eyes. Breathe. Relax.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? In the depths of your soul, reach as far down as you can.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Sit for a while. Be open to God’s presence.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Ask God to sit next to you and join you in your thoughts.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? Shh. Quiet. Hear God speak.
God says, Hello, precious child. “I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:9) I am so happy to see you. I’ve been waiting for you to ask me to sit with you. Go ahead and tell me what is on your mind.
It’s okay. Speak your mind. Stay awhile in this sacred place.
Comfort and joy, Where can I find this comfort and joy? In this sacred space, may you find comfort and joy.
Whatever your religious beliefs are or are not, may this season of holidays, encourage you and bring you tidings of comfort and joy.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
*****
Inspired by the Christmas Song, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen… “Fear not,” then said the Angel, “let nothing you affright, This day is born a Saviour, Of pure Virgin bright, To free all those who trust in Him, From Satan’s power and might.” O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
#Comfort #Joy #Christmas #SacredSpace
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Achieving a Thanksgiving mindset requires gratitude, introspection, and transformation. We must also learn to intentionally pause so we can recharge and refocus. Once we do that, we can reflect and reset.
“It’s never too late to press the reset button on your life.”
Unknown
Recharge
Recharging involves replenishing our inner resources. It encompasses activities that rejuvenate our spirits—whether it’s through solitary introspection, pursuing hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or immersing ourselves in nature’s tranquility. This process isn’t merely about resting; it’s about actively seeking what revitalizes us, ensuring we’re emotionally, mentally, and spiritually equipped for what lies ahead.
Refocus
Refocusing invites us to reassess our goals, recalibrate our energies, and realign our intentions. It’s about acknowledging the distractions that pull us away from our desired path and consciously steering ourselves back on track. Amidst the chaos of daily life, these moments of realignment act as compass points guiding us toward growth and development.
Our lives are so busy that we must consciously take a break from our busyness. Take a deep breath. Let’s think about where we have been and where we are going
Reflection
Reflection serves as the cornerstone of personal growth. It’s the conscious act of looking back at our experiences, discerning the lessons they offer, and applying these insights to propel us forward. By reflecting on life’s twists and turns, we pave the way for continuous improvement. Identifying our personal blessings and the profound impact our interactions may have on others can serve as a catapult to more empathy, understanding, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of our lives.
Reset
Artist Credit: Clymenza Hawkins
Thanksgiving can serve as a reset button. It’s about shaking off the old, shedding what no longer fits, and embracing the chance for a fresh start. Picture it as a makeover for your mindset—an opportunity to grow into a newer, better version of yourself.
A reset is that pivotal moment where we let go of what’s holding us back. It’s about taking a hard look at what’s not working and daring to reimagine what could be. It’s that push to let go of old habits, beliefs, or fears that no longer serve us.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to refocus, recharge, reflect, and reset. As we express gratitude for what we have, we also open ourselves up to the idea of change. It’s like saying thanks for what’s been and getting excited about what’s to come—a chance to start afresh.
Two ships passing through the night, The crew on deck wave across the sea.
The crew on the other ship wave in response, Destinations unknown to either one.
Back at sea, the ships sail on, Days and nights, too many to count.
A season passes, the waters grow colder, Two ships pass through the night.
One ship in danger with an SOS, The other one stops and tends its wounds.
The crew assists with engineers, The ship’s boiler has exploded.
The captain whistles, and out of nowhere a fleet appears.
All hands on deck is the command, To right the ship to journey on.
Not one, not two, but six in total, To lend a hand and expertise.
Photo Credit: Cnn.com/travel
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Princess Diana was warm-hearted, zesty, and full of spunk. She had the gift of knowing what to say and when. She didn’t overstep her bounds, yet she was able to get her point across through action and facial gestures. Diana knew that her every move was being microscopically scrutinized. And she learned how to use this to her advantage. Her early childhood dance lessons taught her to focus on movement with grace. And that she did throughout her life.
Even during the dark days of her marriage, she could hold her head up high and get through the day. Yes, she experienced the trauma of an adulterer. Which led to various ways of healthy and unhealthy coping. Yet, she pulled through and continued to push herself to greatness.
The greatness of humanitarian work.
The greatness of being a good mother.
The greatness of advocating for good mental health care.
“I want to do, not just to be.” – Diana, Princess of Wales.
Princess Diana warmed the heart of nations. She left an indelible mark on society, and that mark was to SIEZE THE DAY!
Do what you love.
Tell people you love them.
Hug them.
ACT.
Reflecting on my mothering skills, I showed my children zest for life. By loving them. Hugging them. Supporting them. Encouraging them.
To try.
To do their best.
To pursue their passions.
My kids were cub scouts and played t-ball, baseball, soccer, tennis, football, and lacrosse. They learned to swim and pursued the discipline of tai kwon do. They sang in the children’s choir for years and went to Sunday school. They were tutored and were tutors. They played keyboard, trombone, clarinet, and saxophone. They spoke French and Spanish. They were golf caddies. They graduated from respectable universities.
And they were two sons with divorced parents – unlike me.
Like Diana, my marriage failed miserably, and my zest was zapped. It led me on a dark path. Yet, after I spent time wallowing in my sorrow, I picked myself up. Thanks to God who whooped me in the pants to stop feeling sorry for myself.
I felt transformed. Full of zest. Full of life. And love to give. And receive. Freely. It was and still is a wonderful feeling.
Carpe Diem!
It isn’t easy the seize the day, every day. There are hindrances, like migraines or feeling tired. Or plain ole–old age. Yet, I have a bubble inside of me waiting to burst. To love and to be loved. When I love, I love hard.
What is the key to life? For me, it is creating a more peaceful and compassionate world. One where we seek to understand and respect our differences.
To live humbly.
To live with a purpose.
To inspire others.
To hope.
To love.
To as the University of Ozarks’ motto is, “Live life more fully.”
Love one another. Inspire one another. Laugh with one another and cry with one another. With vim, vigor, and a dose of zest!
Reflections, Poems, & Prayers on ESTRANGEMENT by Nadia Crane has recently been released. This book describes the 8 Stages of Estrangement and more. The author does a great job of simplifying the painful process of estrangement. Ms. Crane offers inspirational reflections, prayers, and poems after the reader becomes intimately personal with the topic. She then goes on to provide a crash course in it with, Estrangement 101.
This book outlines the 8 Stages of Estrangement, as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross describes the grief process related to death in her well-known 5 Stages of Grief. Grief and estrangement overlap in three of the five stages of grief. They are denial, anger, and acceptance. In Ms. Crane’s analysis, her 8 stages add another layer of acceptance, and includes rejection, shame and blame, fear, and healing.
Let’s bring more awareness of this ever-growing epidemic of broken relationships to the masses. If you know a parent who has been shunned, abandoned, blocked or has had no contact with their child, please bring this resource to their attention. If you know someone who is not speaking to their parent for other than abusive, addictive, or other harmful behaviors, please encourage them to reach out to their parent. A parent and child can reconnect with deep compassion, respect, and understanding. Order today and take the first step toward a deeper understanding of this exploding topic.
Picking them up one by one, Being careful not to get cut.
Crying over the loss, Not knowing what to do.
An angel whispers, Keep them in a cherished spot.
One day, you will know what to do, Follow your heart when you are ready.
Taking a breath, slow and steady, Sitting with a jar of broken glass.
Laying out work cloth, Hands put into gloves.
Fitting the shapes side by side, Creating a pattern – stained glass emerges.
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Spirit waved a magic wand, Angelic voices faintly whispered.
In the breeze flowers swayed, Intense glances warmly welcomed.
Hummingbirds sipped on nectar, Insects fully fed on pollen.
Attracted to one another, Perfectly paired in symbiotic dance.
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Lesson #1: Duty and Love Rarely Mix Well Lesson #2 Mothers Don’t Always Know Best Lesson #3: There is a Big Difference Between Illusions, Delusions, and Reality Lesson #4: Sometimes, it is Important to Break Protocol Lesson #5: Accepting a Situation for What it is Can be Good for the Soul
Lesson #6: Sometimes, it is Not the Words… But the Way We Say Them that Matters Most
The Eloquent Speaker
There is no doubt that Queen Elizabeth was an eloquent speaker. Sure, she had writers to write her speeches. Yet, her delivery was always on point. Her speeches started with a hook and were quite engaging. They were direct and pleasant to hear. She spoke with dignity and gentle softness, even when delivering bad news.
Practice Makes Perfect
Queen Elizabeth gave her first speech, the “Windsor Speech,” in 1940 when she was a princess. At Winston Churchill’s suggestion, the 14-year-old Elizabeth spent weeks practicing this radio address, whose purpose was to comfort young children sent away from their homes during World War II and, more subtly, to charm America into supporting the fight against the Nazis. According to news sources, the speech boosted the morale of the younger generation and won the support of their United States ally as well.
Hope for the World
In Queen Elizabeth’s first official speech on the evening of her Coronation in 1953, she offered hope. She did not speak of the monarchy’s power but instead of her confidence about the future. It uplifted the world, as many of her public addresses did, as they highlighted the themes of hope and her devotion to serving the people. She came across as a strong yet humble leader.
The Stiff Upper Lip
Queen Elizabeth’s relationship with Diana was mediocre at best. Queen Elizabeth was no model mother-in-law. She took the same approach to Princess Diana as to her own children. One of distance and limited involvement. When Diana asked for mental health treatment, she was denied. After all, what would the public think of a royal who couldn’t solve problems with a stiff upper lip?
The Cold Fish Starts to Thaw
When Princess Diana died in a tragic car accident, all hell broke out at Buckingham Palace. What exactly was the protocol for mourning and the funeral of an ex-wife of a Prince? There wasn’t one. Decisions about these things would have to be made post-haste. One thing was clear, the Queen had shifted into overdrive and did everything she could to help her grandsons process the tragedy in their own way and time.
Queen Elizabeth delayed speaking to the public about Princess Diana’s death. Perhaps she was taking time to process it all. At some point, she realized the necessity of delivering a formal announcement after the enormous outpouring of sympathy. Her tribute to Princess Diana displayed considerable warmth and kindness. It seemed more maternal than usual. Her tone was hopeful, trusting, and uplifting. Her delivery was heartfelt and compassionate. Even through the pain of grief, she felt for her grandsons losing their mother, she stood tall and strong.
Reflections
Contemplating the Queen’s speeches, I offer my thoughts. Queen Elizabeth represents a long line of royalty that dates back centuries. I admired her because she was anointed Queen and held the official title of “Defender of the Faith” by the Church of England. It was this mysterious religious anointing that captivated me.
Queen Elizabeth was clearly rough around the maternal edges. I don’t think “mothering” was instinctual for her, nor was it something she wanted to perfect. It almost seemed beneath her. Which left me perplexed. As there is no more noble duty than motherhood. Yet, by and large, she left the “mothering” to nannies and other royal assistants. However, once she had grandchildren, Queen Elizabeth seemed to reflect a sense of guilt or sadness about the “mothering” she had failed to offer her own children. Yet over time, Queen Elizabeth’s words and actions became more maternal as the number of her grandchildren grew. Softer. More refined and refreshingly warmer. The cold fish was finally beginning to thaw out.
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I and Thou Reflections 