Odd, but I’m feeling homesick. Not which home but it’s the feeling deep inside; a longing for something from before. It’s a feeling, a smell, or a sound. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.
This song caught me in the heart today.
“I will sing you home”
We’re getting close. We pray for safety, bread for the journey, and love to sustain us.
Bethlehem is just around the corner.
“4 Love is patient; love is kind; ” 1Corinthians 13
We walk into the week that is surrounded and filled with love. Well, that’s the plan, right?
Patience seems to flee this time of year. Perhaps we’re feeling like our last nerve is raw. Where does love fit in our pictures?It shows in the kindness we show one another and in the moments when we count to ten and just breathe.
Paul writes these words to remind the folk in Corinth of what love looks like. Friends, the world still needs love and patience. Each one of us needs this reminder too.
To close today’s reflection from verse “8 Love never ends”. Read that again. If love never ends neither does patience, neither does God’s love for us.
Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself. “Love is patient; love is kind.” Then shine a big, bright smile. Feel silly? That’s OK. Just giggle and go on about your day, remembering what love is for you.
Blessings,Pastor Barbara
Hello fellow Advent travellers.
As we have been packing our plans, dreams, and ideas as we journey to the cradle, are you needing a second bag?
When I’m planning for something special I pack too much into the days ahead without regard for how much time a task will take or how much energy will be needed.
Have you ever received something in the mail or from a store that has been vacuum sealed? You open it and whoosh – it almost explodes.
Our days up to Christmas can feel like that. Doing more than we can manage and not getting the rest and proper nutrition needed to sustain us could leave us feeling like life is out of control.
When life gets this way it’s time to stop. Stop and pray, meditate, breathe. I imagine that’s what Mary would have done. Her song after hearing the message from the angel could be seen as a moment of thanksgiving and prayer.
Instead of packing everything for the journey into one bag, cramming it all in, perhaps a small carry-on for our prayers and quiet times would be helpful.
What will you put in our small bag for the journey today?
How is your Advent journey progressing? Does it feel like two steps forward and one back? During this strange season our previous large steps to complete holiday preparations may feel like baby steps with lots of trips and falls along the way.
I keep imagining Mary on a donkey, riding on a rough road or walking on routes that may have large rocks or holes to avoid. Balance for her may have become a new experience.
Some say that balance in life is overrated. I’m of the mind that too much of a good thing is too much. When, on dark days, all I want to do is go back to bed – too much of a good thing, right?
If being out of balance feels like you right now, stay the course. What would have happened if Mary said, “I’m not going to Bethlehem”? I’m thinking she’d be in some Roman prison for not adhering to the rule of the time.
Mary road on – rocky road and stinky donkey but she was NOT alone. Joseph was with her. I’m pretty sure the angels watched over her. God was with her.
If you are feeling unbalanced know that you are not alone. God is with you. (and so am I)
Blessings,
Barbara
— Thank you for your faithful support of St. Andrews, St. Lukes, and Emmanuel United Churches. We appreciate your continuedprayers and all that you do to minister in the world. Please contact your treasurer or myself for ways to give financially during our time of sheltering in place. You are a blessing to all. Barbara
Barbara (Doll) Creelman Designated Lay Minister, R Denbigh, Matawatchan, Schutt Pastoral Charge 613 333 9894 (Manse) 905 252 1894 (Cell) (does not work in Denbigh)
https://tweakyourweek.org/ https://musingsfromthemanse.com
It’s Friday – an evening reflection
Do you remember wishing on Monday that Friday would come? Then Friday comes and you are excited for the weekend? Guess the feelings are a little different now. The days flow into weeks and I keep asking myself, “What day is it today?”
As I/we prepare for Christmas and continue packing our bags for the journey to the cradle let’s remember that as much as the destination is important so too is the time spent getting there. Add to those feelings about watching, waiting, and travelling. Know that regardless of space and time, COVID or turmoil, we are not alone.
God is always with us. We give thanks to God – at all times.
You will never walk alone.
The Great Physician
Mind Map Outline of the message for today:
Musings from the Manse 