A Holiday Hello

Greetings and Happy Holidays Everyone!

I have just returned from “over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house I “ went!

I am replete…

…with great home cooking

…a sure sense that a respected elder can lighten any heart

…and with the knowledge that the Christmas Season holds family traditions in each family, no matter how different each may be.

Just knowing that kindness and respect are never out of season makes the Holiday Season even more special.

Therefore…

May Christmas be always with you…

in Joy that inspires,

in Peace that comforts,

and in the love of Jesus that blesses your heart.

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel.  Matthew 1:23

To Love

This week, with the passing of a dear friend, I pondered what it means to love—to open your heart—knowing you will eventually hurt in the end.  Love is the selfless act of giving and receiving; therefore, a gift, a gift that can never be taken away or destroyed.  I came to the conclusion love transcends all boundaries—all barriers.  Yes, it is worth to love, I think, because that love will never fade; never die.  It is that kind of love to be preserved in the heart as long as we live.

Love you, John…Till we meet again.

Try, Try Again

Hi All,

I wanted to say last how last night’s UCP’s 60^th anniversary celebration inspired me so much.  As I heard speeches of encouragement and gratitude, I felt so enlightented!  In the past few weeks, a friend gave me this poem by T. H. Palmer named Try, Try Again, and I thought this occasion perfectly.  I hope you enjoy and are inspired by it the same way I was!

‘Tis a lesson you should heed,
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;

Then your courage should appear,
For if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear
Try, try again;

Once or twice, though you should fail,
If you would at last prevail,
Try, try again;

If we strive, 'tis no disgrace
Though we do not win the race;
What should you do in the case?
Try, try again

If you find your task is hard,
Time will bring you your reward,
Try, try again

All that other folks can do,
Why, with patience, should not you?
Only keep this rule in view:
Try, try again.

A Note

Last week, I wrote a note to one of my good friends; an elderly man who lost his wife not quite a year ago.  In the midst of my busy school schedule, I remembered I hadn’t communicated with him in a while.  As I wrote, it brought to mind the joy every time I see or talk to him; a happiness that only a good friend evokes.  It reminded me to delight in the simple pleasures of life; above all, the human connection we all have.  To partake in that is the greatest gift of all!  Isn’t that what it’s all about?   It certainly is for me.

Happy fall weekend, everyone!

Friends

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I received a card today with this saying from a dear friend and it spoke volumes to me.  With the end of the semester rapidly approaching, I sometimes forget the value of friends.  Those friends give the impotus to carry on, no matter the burden.  They do for me, at least. and that keeps me afloat in daunting days.  Thank you for those who have faith in me, for it diminishes all barriers I face in this world!

Friendship

This week, friendship seems to be a theme for me.  Faced with a hectic schedule at college, trying to gain my footing during these past few weeks has been difficult and challenging, yet with a few devoted friends, I think I found my rhythm again.  It is funny how we sometimes think tasks are insurmountable, but with others’ persistent belief in us, we always find a way to complete the most formidable demands.  Therefore, I wish to thank all of the individuals who are my friends and have faith in me.  I could NOT do it without you!

Everyone have a good weekend!