Sunday, December 10, 2006

A Time for Renewal and Rebirth

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A time for reflection on the events that have transpired during 2006. For me, personally, it has been a year of ups and downs. More ups than downs. Certainly, I am in a good position when it comes to my own self validation and self worth. The downs have been triggered mostly by external factors, most of which are beyond my own control.
One only has to watch the news both locally and internationally, to know that we are a nation; nay, indeed, a world under siege. Life, as we know it, has been changed and our sense of peace and well-being has undergone a sowmehat rapid transformation.
For Christians the world over, Christmas is symbolized by the birth of the Baby Jesus. It is a time for renewed hope and rebirth. Some of the best experiences which occurred personally for me during this past year came about as the result of reaching out and helping others.
I have read many great blogs during this past year and become familiar with the many wonderful writers behind them. One great comment that I came across recently said..... "As long as you are wallowing in your own misery, you are living in a state of self-centredness. The antidote to any situation is to reach out and live in the spirit of service to your fellow human being. Focus on giving to others, and that hole in your soul will disappear. Live a life in faith - whatever faith you can muster - and you'll not be too affected by the world. Wear the world, in victory and defeat, like a loose garment."
St. Francis of Assisi wrote this wonderfully meaningful prayer which reads:

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace;
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds oneself.
It is by forgiving, that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life.
Amen.

22 comments:

Jada's Gigi said...

Hi,
Haven't heard from you in a while. Good to see you are in the Christmas spirit. :) thanks for stopping by my blog and have a wonderful Christmas...full of Christ!

Hopalong Cassidy said...

Glad to hear that for you 2006 featured more ups than downs. I hope that 2007 for you also features more ups that downs! Great prayer you selected for the words of it truly depict a life worth living. Your words "Live a life in faith" are also great words for "without faith it is impossible to please him".


P.S.

The Popcorn and Gravy movie club has a second installment, this time at Megan's blog, Diary of a Raving Lunatic. A movie comment by anyone is welcome there (including one by a CO-CEO of the club).

I am wishing you Enid and your family
a very Merry Christmas!!!
lol
Tubby

Leslie: said...

Hi Enid, I love your latest posting as it helps to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. I just returned from a wonderful holiday away in Italy, England, and Wales. I did my Christmas shopping while away because I thought everyone would love to have something special this year. It was great to be thinking of others while I was having such a good time. May you and your family celebrate Christmas well. And may 2007 bring nothing but joy.

Anonymous said...

sowing a seed to the needs of others is a way to meet your own needs through God's blessings.

may you have a merry christmas and a blessed 2007. =)

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Hi Enid, what a wonderful post.
Hope your week is going well.
Take care, Meow

Gary said...

I think the world is getting smaller all the time, and their seems to be a lot of strife and threats of more strife.

But we cannot choose the times we live in, so we just have to hope for the best and try to add peace to the world through our own example.

I hope you are having a peaceful week.

Jo said...

Enid, what a fabulous post...! I know someone who would benefit from your words of wisdom, and I am going to print your post off and send it to her, if that's okay. It's so, so true.

Cheers,
Josie

Heidi said...

Just wanted to thankyou for stopping by..Don't be a stranger ;)

All the best for Christmas and the New year~

Tim Rice said...

That is an excellent poem by St. Francis of Assisi. Much truth. Have a merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

"For it is by self-forgetting that one finds oneself". I found this to be true for me in the Afterglow of The Sahara Aldridge Benefit concert. Thanks so much Enid for your powerful commitment in helping us. You are a very special person! (((HUGS)))!!!!!

Dr. Deb said...

BEatiful words to live by.

Belizegial said...

Hi Jada's Gigi,
I am definitely in the Christmas spirit this year and will be happy to be home for the holidays......Merry Christmas to you and Jada!

Dear Tubby
Thanks for making me a CO-CEO of The Popcorn and Gravy Movie Club. I enjoyed Megan's synopsis of the movie 16 Candles and left a comment on your blog about this. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas :)

Hi Leslie,
Welcome back to blogosphere. I did receive an e-mail with pics regarding the Italy portion of your trip. Sounds like this was a heavenly area you were able to visit. All the best to you and your family for a continued wonderful year in 2007!

Dear Pia and Jec,
Thanks for the well wishes and the same goes out to you for a blessed and wonderful 2007.

Dear Meow
This week has been a busy one both at work and at home. Truthfully, I will be so thankful when things return to a normal pace at the beginning of the New Year. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Dear Gary
This week has been far from peaceful.... but I am taking your advice and trying to add peace to my little corner of the world by my own example. All the best to you at this time and best wishes a wonderful 2007.

Hi Josie,
It's totally okay with me for you to share this post. Glad to know that it made sense to you as well. Christmas cheers to you and the Munchkins :)

Dear Heidi,
Thanks for stopping by for a return visit. I hope the same for you as well during Christmas and the New Year. Good luck with the new job.

Hi Tim,
Nice to see you back here. Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

Dear Marty
It's so good to know that Tom and you are in a position to give. Thanks for any contributions made to Sahara and may you both have a wonderful year in 2007. God Bless.
p.s. Glad you like the music on my blog which comes courtesy of bestaudiocodes.com

Dear Michael
I was so glad to be a part of the Sahara Benefit concert event. You are a special guy as well. ((Big hugs)). Merry Christmas to you and yours and best wishes for a wonderful 2007.

Dr. Deb
Thanks for stopping by and being such a great inspiration to one and all in the blogosphere during 2006. Rock on for 2007!

Enid

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!!!!

Beautiful post...and great thoughts to not only start today with, but each and every day...

Have a Great Holiday Season

Peg & Bun-Bun

heiresschild said...

hi enid,

to echo the sentiments of those before me, it is indeed a beautiful post-- words from the heart.

i hope your weekend is a little less hectic than your week has been. take care, and will chat later.

hugs,
sylvia

Tai said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

You share such truth here. It has been some time since I have read St. Francis of Assisi, and I really appreciate the reminder.

Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind words. I wish you and yours many blessings on this holiday and in the new year.

Unknown said...

About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].

Peace Be With You
Micky

Anonymous said...

It sounds as though you have a healthy outlook. It makes sense to learn to distinguish between what you can and can't control. To focus on your thoughts and reactions directs you where you need to grow.

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