A place called Grace
where love abounds...
"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." —Psalm 103:8
This week I attended a funeral for one of the parishioners of the church where I work. As I stood in the back of the church, I witnessed a gathering of people who were struggling with the sudden loss of someone they loved. Tears were shed, loving memories were shared and beautiful songs were sung.
Inside the walls of this serene, little church you could feel the presence of God surrounding you. As I stood there, I reflected on this place called Grace that was unknown to me just a few years ago.
I rarely traveled to this part of town in my previous life as a teacher and librarian. It’s strange how life works sometimes…You are on a path, sometimes for many years, and you never envision yourself leaving that path...that journey…
Yet life evolves, circumstances change and there you are, doing something totally different for a living. That is where my path and Grace church met…Where I was given a second chance by a wonderful pastor in a new working environment and what a blessing that has been for me.
The concept of “grace” is one of the foundations of Christian faith. It is the belief that grace is something freely given by God and that, despite our past sins, God gives us grace to move forward, to start each day as a new beginning…
I thought about the power of grace, and love, that shows itself everyday in the people of that church…people who come together to support each other and to support total strangers, through their words and their actions.
Downstairs that morning there were many people working hard “behind the scenes” to put together the food that would be shared with family and friends, after the funeral.
Beautiful words were spoken by our guest pastor and equally heart-felt thoughts were shared by the brother of the deceased.
Perhaps the most moving experience for me was watching and listening to the choir sing…absent one alto voice…and the emotions felt throughout the church…broken hearts slowly healing through the power of music.
It is said that a family isn’t always related genetically. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are; the ones who would do anything to help you in your hour of need and who love you no matter what…
I believe that is the beauty of faith and getting to share that experience with others in a church community.
I know that I am so grateful for all those who have helped me on my faith journey. I am also grateful to be a part of a very special place…a place called Grace.
What do you think?
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Tranquil Moments…
I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:
This week’s Smile video…
When Blossom lost her mate Bud earlier this year, the staff at the Iowa cemetery pond where the two geese had been living took out a personal ad to find Blossom a new partner. And it surprisingly worked. Steve Hartman has more on how the new couple are faring in "On the Road."
#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove
Thoughts to ponder…
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.
You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies.
Awards tarnish ...
Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
Easier?
The lesson:
The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.
What I am reading…
I discovered a few books of the late Nora Ephron and I am so glad I did. During these gloomy days of winter, when sunshine is elusive, it is healthy to read a good book, especially a funny one.
This week I am reading I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman. The Amazon description is as follows: “With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron chronicles her life as an obsessed cook, passionate city dweller, and hapless parent. But mostly she speaks frankly and uproariously about life as an older woman. Utterly courageous, uproariously funny, and unexpectedly moving in its truth telling, I Feel Bad About My Neck is a scrumptious, irresistible treat of a book, full of truths, laugh out loud moments that will appeal to readers of all ages.”
If you are looking for some good laughs, I would definitely recommend this book - Enjoy!
Be the Change…
All I can say is…prepare to be inspired…
Comedy Lift…
I love to share funny cartoons or memes with friends and family. Who doesn’t need to smile? Here’s this week’s Comedy Lift…
Music Moments
Music inspires me in many ways. Here’s Yusuf (a.k.a. Cat Stevens) singing “Morning Has Broken”.
Quote of the week
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….