As Ibn Taymiyyah simply put it, “Don’t depend too much on anyone in this world because even your own shadow leaves you when you are in darkness.” It reminds me that as a People we are unpredictable which in turn can make us untrustworthy. Some situations will cause us to trust no one, including ourselves.
Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King … . What a lovely and powerful Christmas Carol. Christmas is a joyful and beautiful time of the year; it is, as many believe it to be, a time to reconcile with oneself, with others and with God. In Luke 4:18, we learn that Jesus came to set the captives free (both believers and non-believers alike). Christmas season is a time to reflect, to rejoice, to hug someone, to reach out to someone whom we haven’t spoken to in a while. Can we love again past the hurts? Sure we can. Someone did the same for us by dying on the cross to save us all from sin. Another good example is a Mother, whose love for her child is so strong and unfailing. How many times have we brought our Mothers to their knees by our reckless actions? Still, they’ve stood by us, providing for us, keeping us safe and demonstrating their unfailing love for us.
We should love people regardless of what they do or say about us. We should show the same kindness to others as we would like to be shown. I know the hurt of being let down and I am sure that somewhere along the road, I have let a few down too. One thing I hold dear to my heart is the love for Family and even though we don’t often see eye to eye, I love each and everyone of them to pieces. I have lost one too many and I just cannot afford the luxury of holding negative energy or to wallow in the hurts and bitterness. It’s destructive, it’s a drainer and it’s a time waster. I have one brain, one heart and one life which I refuse to poison with futilities.
I love the moment. I enjoy creating good, lasting memories to cherish in my lifetime and to pass on.
God’s Unfailing Love …
As the year 2012 draws to its end, let us all thrive to make these last few days count. Let us look around us and examine ourselves, our lives, our life styles. What did we achieve this year? Where did we go wrong and how did we make it right? This season, let’s make someone happy by reaching out regardless of who was wrong or right. Do not wait until the last minute to regret or condemn; it will be too late then and time, we cannot reset.
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and praying that these last few days take us safely into 2013.
From My Family to Yours, Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
A Christmas Prayer by Helen Steiner Rice
God make aware that in thy name,
The Holy Christ Child humbly came.
To live on earth and leave behind,
New faith and hope for all mankind…
And make us aware that the Christmas Story,
Is everyone’s promise of eternal glory.
Yesterday was a joyful day as we celebrated the moment, a friendship reunion and new beginnings.
We feel blessed and thankful for all the wonderful people we’ve met along our way through life. We are thankful for those who are no longer in our life and for the life lessons it’s thought us. We are most thankful to those who are still a part of our lives and whose presence (near or far) makes a difference.
Neri and Joan.
Today, I finally met Neri and her loving Family. We are all a DeVry Institute of Technology/University couples. She was Eduardo’s classmate and we used to chat a lot once upon a time, when we weren’t as busy with life and before we got married and started our families. She always had good advice to give and we stayed connected through Myspace and Facebook. After ten long years of wanting and hoping, I finally met Neri, which it seems, I have always known in my head and heart. She is a beautiful, strong and amazing Woman. A compassionate being, a free Spirit and her joy radiates. Have you ever had that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and had the impression of knowing them all your life? That’s how I felt in the presence of Neri.
Victoria Secret Gift Bag.
Thank you so much, Neri, for your hospitality and for allowing us to share a moment of one of your family’s cherished tradition. Thank you for the delicious food (as well as the ‘Take Home’). Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the pictures, the gifts, the friendship, etc.
We thank God for you and for your wonderful husband, Michael. We thank God for your lovely children (you are teaching them well). Thank you for your continued encouragements in my life as a Writer and thank you for your invaluable input.
I pray that the Almighty God bless you abundantly and keep you safe, always.
Aside from having a White Christmas Tree this year, Christmas itself wouldn’t have been complete without a Nativity set. As a lover of old things, you can’t imagine the joy I felt when I spotted a beautiful Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set of the Holy Family. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this set and I intend to keep for a lifetime. The beauty of the set is captivating and features carefully crafted porcelain. The colors are vibrant with wonderful detailing and finishing. Joseph is 12 inches tall, Mary is 9 inches high and baby Jesus is 4 inches long.
Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set (The Holy Family).
For our Nativity Angel, we’ll be using a Fontanini Simonelli Cherub Angel (playing a harp) which we purchased from an estate sale a couple of months ago. This Cherub is made of heavy duty composite and plastic material. It’s an adorable piece and the details are stunning and simply breathtaking. There is an attached loop on the back for hanging (just don’t use it on a Christmas Tree as it’s quite heavy). It measures 7 3/4 inches in length.
By JM Perez
