O mighty Spirit of the Diamond, Cast your spell on us, humble mortals. Majestic heavens embrace your power, Where galaxies collide, and stars ignite.
Reveal to us your universal secrets, Magnetic forces under your command, Guiding planets in their cosmic dance, Around the blazing orb of day.
Pull us toward the gravitational center, Infuse us with your holy Spirit, Impart your wisdom to us, we pray, Renounce the demons, cleanse our souls.
Mesmerize us with incandescent brilliance, Chip away our dark and hardened shells, Revealing the authenticity within, An unadulterated mind, free to soar.
Your flawlessness radiates purity, Summoning Angels from realms on high, To join us in celestial harmony, Welcoming us with such delight.
Sanctify us with your transformative power, Pour forth the nectar of the gods, Nourish us on this spiritual journey From now until the end of time.
A mighty sword exudes the strength of steel, Slices, dices, and then heals the soul. Armor deflects impending missiles, Protects the heart from vicious daggers.
A babbling brook meanders its course, Rocks and pebbles dissolve ongoing tensions. Unveiling a clarity, pure, and transforming, Hurts and resentments evaporate with the morning dew.
Artist Credit: lakeandriverstudio.com Aqua Turquoise Abstract Painting, Atlantis
Dirt and grime wash away, Emotional wounds from yesteryear. Tranquility of the dancing bubbles, Streams to new levels of consciousness.
The gentle murmur of a soothing hymn, Echo a cascade of emotions like a waterfall. Renewed tingling senses, Daring to navigate a new direction.
The Spirit of Aquamarine, Inhales and exhales a cleansing breath. Frosty blues with a whisper of white, The stone radiates a glimmer of sheer delight.
The gaze of another’s perspective. Rejuvenate a harmonious synergy, Humming, cooing, and wooing, A symbiotic relationship rekindles.
Vibrantly red in color with the sweetness of sugar, strawberries have been around for centuries. Ancient Romans believed the fruit to be a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. This led to rituals associating strawberries with love and fertility.
The Heart Chakra
A sacred fruit to some, symbolizes the heart, as in the heart chakra, the energy center of love and compassion. It represents purity, abundance, and the sweetness of life. Indulging in strawberries can be a mindful practice that invites us to savor each bite as we thank God for the blessings in our lives.
Sensuality
Image Credit: gypsygirlgourmet.blogspot.com
Chocolate-dipped strawberries add a hint of passion and sensuality to its characteristics. Often thought of as an aphrodisiac, chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins and “feel good” hormones, which can tingle the senses. This Valentine’s treat symbolizes desire and indulgence and is a thoughtful gift for a special person in your life.
Eating together is considered a sacred act in tantric and spiritual traditions. It symbolizes a union. A sharing of nourishment at a physical and spiritual level. Thus, eating strawberries with a loved one can deepen emotional connection.
Fresh and Sassy
Whether strawberries are picked in a garden or bought from the grocery store, they are fresh and sassy. They are versatile, too! They can adorn a beautiful platter of cheese and crackers by slicing them thinly, fanning them, and keeping the stem intact. Dipping them in chocolate and poking them on sticks can resemble a vase of flowers. Dicing them and placing them in a glass bowl, whisper, “Use me as a topping.” For salads, for ice creams, for whatever you can dream.
The next time you reach for a strawberry, pause. Take it in. Allow yourself to fully experience the lusciousness this fruit provides.
The color.
The taste.
The love.
Share God’s Love
May the next strawberry you eat connect your soul profoundly and meaningfully to God, to love, and to others. Go and savor the heart-shaped fruit and experience the simple beauty of nature.
Many of us are familiar with the 1993 film, “Groundhog Day,” starring the famous comedian Bill Murray. In this flick, he plays a weatherman sent on assignment to Punxsutawney, PA, to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. Does the groundhog see his shadow for six more weeks of winter, or does he not indicate spring will arrive shortly.
Groundhog Day,
“is a tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year starting in the 16th century. It derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den, and winter will go on for six more weeks; if it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.”
Wikipedia
The movie begins with the clock turning 6 a.m. and the alarm playing “I Got You Babe,” a Sonny and Cher certified Gold hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Bill, who plays Phil Connors, wakes in his hotel room, only to repeat this segment many times in the movies. Finally, Phil realizes he is caught up in a time loop, with the same day playing over and over.
In psychological terms, he experiences a personal transformation. Phil’s character matures from an arrogant, self-centered one to a more authentic human being who genuinely cares for others. His pursuit of love offers comic relief to the often awkwardness of dating.
Lessons Learned
Lesson #1: Be Open to Personal Growth
Phil has an incredible opportunity to reflect on his day, reassess, and make changes for the next day. He learns to be kinder and compassionate by listening more and seeing life through other perspectives.
Lesson #2. Embrace the Present
The endless loop Phil finds himself in allows him to live in the moment. He learns to find joy in simple pleasures
Lesson #3. Find Purpose
Phil falls in love with one of his colleagues, and in his pursuit of “winner her over,” he realizes that love gives purpose and fulfillment to his life.
Reflection
This movie provides an opportunity for all of us to pause. To Pause and reflect on how we would live our lives differently if we knew what was coming next. How often do we say to ourselves, “If only I’d known?”
This movie serves as a reminder to live life fully. To be our best selves. Not mediocre selves, but our best!
What does your best look like? And, would your best be the best for someone else?
Living my best self taught me to think more and talk less. I have learned that my words matter. My actions matter. My intentions matter. I want to make this place a better place and impact lives. The lives of friends, family, and strangers. I want us to come together as one. One people. One God. One love.
The other day, I had a conversation with a long-time friend. She told me she had been looking to purchase a manger for her Christmas Nativity Set. The salespeople she asked didn’t know what a manger was, let alone how it fit into Christmas!
As I write this post, even Grammarly doesn’t recognize the word manger! How sad is that?
A manger is a place to feed animals. Quite an unlikely place for Jesus to be born. Or was it?
A manger. It is not pretty. Under the shelter of a roof, a piece of wood lies in a barn or stable. It may or may not have raised legs and is filled with hay or slop. In the wintertime, back in the day, it was common for people to bunk in with their animals to stay safe and warm, like a giant slumber party with your furry friends.
manger
ˈmān-jər
NOUN a trough (see trough sense 1a) or open box in a stable designed to hold feed or fodder for livestock.
Merriam Webster Dictionary
A Baby in a Manger
Can you imagine a baby in a manger?
It would be utterly appalling to some to see a newborn in an unsterilized, dirty, filthy trough used to feed animals. Yet, some might see this scene as a sign of great awe and wonder.
Think about this.
The God of the Universe chose a stable filled with animal creatures to welcome his Son. This was the ultimate sacrifice and message of love and humility. God sent his Son for…
Every. Single. Person. On. This. Planet. Rich. Or. Poor.
Scripture isn’t clear whether animals were or were not present at the birth of Christ. Let’s imagine for a moment that they were. What would it have been like for the animals witnessing the birth of Jesus? Sure, they had seen cows, horses, and pigs give birth, but a human? How divine! Just like God saved the animals from dying in the Great Flood, God blessed the animals as witnesses of this most sacred event.
The Miracle of the Manger
The true meaning of Christmas may have evaporated from some of the fabric of our society. Yet, some of us know, this “living water,” was a miracle.
The most perfect baby in the world was born in a lowly manger. Jesus, born in a manger. The same Jesus who fed 5,000. The same Jesus who feeds our soul. This Jesus, was born in a manger made with the purpose of feeding animals, can feed you, too!
His name was, is, and will be forever, Jesus.
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind about the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy. It’s something experienced by all who are in close contact with a woman “with child.” From the crazy food cravings to the emotional outbursts, there is never a dull moment.
Mary & Son, Jesus Elizabeth & Son, John (The Baptist)
Mary and Elizabeth were first-time mothers-to-be and surely had emotions stirring inside of them. Both were destined to give birth. Both had partners at their side.
At her advanced age, Elizabeth probably laughed, yet felt blessed to be able to conceive and finally bear a child. She looked forward to blending in with the other women in the neighborhood. She would no longer be stared at for being childless. Awe. Astonished. Honored. Blessed. Privileged. Matronly. Relief.
Mary did not laugh, yet most likely felt blessed and privileged to be chosen by God to deliver the baby Jesus. Even being the Holy Mother, she undoubtedly felt the scorn of some in society as an unwed pregnant girl. What shame she must have felt and her family, too. Throw that all in with a mix of hormones running wild, and one can sense the good with the bad. Awe. Astonishment. Honored. Blessed. Anointed. Miraculous. Unbelief. Lowly. Scared. Disappointed. Bewildered. Humbled. Sacred.
Unique Story
Like Elizabeth, I was older when I gave birth to my younger son. It was redemptive to me, a moment filled with joy. It might have been something like the anticipation that Elizabeth felt. Mypregnancy was uncomplicated! It contrasted with my first one, which might have echoed Mary’s apprehension and curiosity. Like Mary’s experience, my husband wasn’t initially thrilled about my first pregnancy, leading to emotional turmoil. My dream of motherhood clashed with the challenges of medical complications, which labeled my pregnancy as high-risk. While overjoyed, I felt conflicted, as perhaps Mary did. I wondered if I had done something terribly wrong.
When reflecting on my pregnancy, it’s not hard for me to imagine that Elizabeth and Mary faced their diverse emotions just as I did. I’m pretty sure the feelings darted all around. The joyous anticipation, the unforeseen challenges, and the conflicting emotions bubbling up inside.
I experienced all kinds of emotions all at the same time. For me, there was no other life experience that came close. It was like being on a rollercoaster, with its ups and downs, having a massage day at the spa while enjoying your favorite ice cream cone while crying – all rolled up into one.
The Miracle of Emotions
Just as God chose Elizabeth and Mary to play pivotal roles in the Nativity Story, God may have chosen a man named Mark to play a significant role in my first pregnancy. Mark was the counselor at the clinic. He was kind and empathetic. He guided my then-husband and me through our whirlwind of emotions and encouraged us to stay strong.
Toward the end of pregnancy, the anticipation. The unknown. The praying. The closeness to God.
Praying for the baby.
Praying for the baby’s health.
Praying for stability.
Praying for a loving husband to be supportive.
Praying for the miracle of birth.
I felt that God was with me every step of the way. And I’m guessing Elizabeth and Mary felt that way too. Our pregnancies and the birth process were nothing short of a miracle. Like Elizabeth and Mary, I had a son. Then, six and a half years later, I gave birth to a second son. The experience of feeling different emotions at the same time was a miracle.
Have you considered asking God about the emotions you feel?
The next blog will explore The Miracle of Jesus’ birth.
To faith-based people, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of their savior, Jesus.
Most of us are familiar with the significant elements of the Christmas Story, or as some might say, the Nativity Story. Like baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the manger. Then came the shepherds and the wise men.
The Bible definitely doesn’t wrap stories up with neat bows. They are often confusing and void of details. Yet, the Bible has withstood through the ages as the most significant piece of literature of all time.
Why?
Because its words pierce the heart and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to each one of us uniquely. And maybe the Bible was written just for you and me!
The Miracle of Motherhood
Before we can appreciate and fully understand the meaning of Jesus’ birth, we need a refresher on noteworthy mothers in the Bible. We begin today’s post with the miracle of motherhood.
In the Bible, several women give birth to baby boys, who become some of the greatest leaders in the Bible. These Old Testament women faced infertility and were initially unable to conceive. Some were even past child-bearing age! Yet, through God’s divine plan, each went on to experience the miracle of birth.
Sarah & Son, Isaac
There is Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who becomes pregnant and gives birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1).
Rebecca & Twins, Esau & Jacob
Interestingly, next is Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, who gives birth to twins Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:25-26).
Rachel & Son, Joseph
After Rebecca comes Rachel, Jacob’s wife. Jacob is the man who married Leah by mistake (wearing a veil in the bridal tent) and then has to work seven more years for his Uncle Laban’s approval to marry his true love, Rachel. Rachel becomes the mother of Joseph (Genesis 30:22).
Manoah’s Wife & Son, Samson
Then, there is the unnamed woman who is Manoah’s wife. She conceives and gives birth to Samson.
Hannah & Son, Samuel
Next is Hannah, who cries out to God and finally has Samuel. After weaning, she presents Samuel to Eli, the Priest, who then raises Samuel in the house of God (1 Samuel 1:20).
Each of these women was deeply spiritual. They each cried out and prayed fervently for a child. Some, for decades. Sarah even laughed when God promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. She waited more than fourteen years for the prophecy to come to fruition.
The Miracle of Surrender
These women who become mothers teach us that God controls even the minute details of our lives. Even though the Bible may be devoid of details, there is nothing in this world that God does not know. There is a plan for you and for me.
How do we ensure we are doing what God wants us to do? For me, the first step is surrender.
We need to let go and let God.
When we give ourselves to God, we open ourselves to new possibilities. New doors to open and go through. You will only know what is on the other side of the door if you open it.
Reflecting on a point of surrender in my life, a pivotal moment stands out – back in 2015. Faced with a failed job search in the tri-state area, I turned to prayer. “God, I surrender and will go where you lead.”
The Miracle of a Dream Come True
I expanded my job search nationwide, leading to a surprising job offer in Arkansas. Little did I know what God had in store for me. My dream of teaching academic courses was fulfilled a few short years later. Only God knew of that dream, and it came true!
How do these biblical stories relate to you and your life’s journey? Has there been a time in your life that you surrendered to God? I’d love to hear about it.
As we close, may this Christmas be a time for you to be open to the possibilities of what might lie ahead.
I and Thou Reflections 
