Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Miracles

Do you know that Christmas is all about miracles - big and small?
I know we've all heard the Christmas story so many times, that some of us can repeat it verbatim - and that's a beautiful thing!

Just to recap - Jesus was conceived by immaculate conception through Mary who was probably a teenager. Elizabeth,Mary's older cousin, also conceived miraculously with her husband Zechariah. Both were carrying children of promise. John was a fore-bearer of Jesus and the Holy Spirit was on John from conception. (Luke 1: 13-15) John was born six months before Jesus. When Jesus was born, the angels sang, shepherds were afraid and yet they knew something amazing was happening and kings came to worship. Young innocent Mary treasured all these things pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)

The thing that has struck me the most this Christmas is one small detail in the Christmas story and it is this: when Mary visited Elizabeth, shortly after being told that she would bring forth the Messiah, the baby that was in Elizabeth's womb leapt with joy!! It is utterly amazing to me that two spirit filled babies were communicating with each other before they could be seen by their parents.
Christmas is a time for miracles; for believing in things that may seem to man implausible - but knowing that with God - ALL things are possible.
May you have a wonderful Christmas -and if this is your first year without a loved one, know that God is there to comfort you. May you be enveloped in his love - the ultimate gift at Christmas.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Update - Recalibration

I originally started this blog as a result of my brother's death, and because of the words of a very wise 18 year old who said, "in my young life I've experienced my share of death and it makes us appreciate life more." Those words were the impetus for this blog.
I find writing cathartic, but I dont only want to write about things related to his death - but things that I enjoy in life. They may be as a result of his death, but more times than not, they're not. What I've come to realize - is life is for living; lifes too short - there are no guarantees in life except: you are born and you will die; so make the most of it.
So, I've said the above to say that I'll be expanding the things I write about and they may have no connection to my brother's death.
Keep reading to find out more!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Opportunity

I recently read a book about Jamie Dimon called Last Man Standing, which led to subsequent discussions. BTW, Jamie Dimon is the current CEO of JPMorgan Chase.
One of the things that stands out about Mr. Dimon is the opportunity he received.
Another thing was exposure - banking was in his blood and it was talked about at the dinner table.
But I want to talk about opportunity - because much has been made of it. Opportunity is defined as: a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal;a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.
In life, you try to enrich, educate and evaluate yourself so that when an opportunity presents itself you are ready for it. This opportunity may be a mate, a job, a promotion, a house, confirmation of a plan, a child, healing, anything. Opportunity takes on many forms and I think that's what makes it so hard to jump when it becomes available.
But what if your opportunity never comes? What if you never get married, or you never get the job, or you never get the promotion, or you dont get the house, or you can't have children, or you are not healed?
Seems like so many of us are in the missed opportunity camp, than being able to grasp on to these opportunities. Do we become bitter and cynical? Do we curse God and die? Or do we recognize that even in these missed opportunities, God is in control. Maybe that's not what God had in store for you.
Perhaps we can refocus our lenses and recognize that opportunities abound - but all may not be for you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up IN DUE TIME. 1 Peter 5:6