Remembrance Day

On November 11, as members of a free and democratic country, we gather around to pay our respect to thousands of soldiers who have laid down their lives to defend the principles we now uphold.  On Remembrance Day we watch as veterans lay a wreath in remembrance of their buddies who never returned from the war and those who survived with deep emotional and physical scars.  They paid a great price for our freedom.

On the first Sunday of each month on the church calendar we gather around and remember someone who died that we might be free.  He is not an unknown soldier.   He is Jesus Christ the Son of God.  Isaiah tells us “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15 that the gospel that he preached, which we have received and by which we stand, by which we are saved,  we keep in memory how Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.  If we don’t keep this in memory, our believing is in vain.

We keep these things in mind by following the example set for us in 1 Corinthians 11.  “That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.  After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord=s death till he come.”

This was to be Jesus’ last meal with His disciples before the agony of the cross.  No one would ever go through what Jesus was about to go through to redeem lost humanity.  It was for this reason that Jesus wanted to have this last fellowship with them.  Yet, it was more than just fellowship.  Luke 22:15 points to a greater purpose for this final shared meal.  Jesus said “With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.”

After their meal, Jesus explained to the disciples the symbolism of the Communion elements.  In simple yet profound words Jesus told them the bread represented His body and the fruit of the vine represented His blood.  This was the last time on earth Jesus would eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  But it would not be the last time for the disciples nor for all believers from that day to this.  Jesus was instituting the ordinance of Holy Communion when he said “This do in remembrance of me.”

This ordinance of the church called Holy Communion is also known as the Lord’s Supper.  Its purpose is to remember the Lord’s death and resurrection until He returns.  It is a time of reverence and self-examination that offers Christians an opportunity to strengthen their walk with God.

Christ gave us this ordinance that we might ever be reminded of the blessings that He wants us to enjoy now and through eternity.  Lest we forget.

Peace

First Snow Fall 2015

This is what I saw when I looked out my bedroom window this morning, October 17, 2015.  The first snowfall for the season, just as predicted.  Not surprisingly, most Labradorians now have visions of skis, snowshoes, snowblowers and sleds dancing in their heads. As the day progressed, shovels were out and snowsleds were heard zooming down the path between the trees beyond the fence.

For me, however, this scene is peaceful, somewhat comforting.  The white sparkling snow covering the dark earth in a bright, clean blanket reminds me of the Holy Spirit that falls softly on humanity covering us with His comforting presence. When Jesus rose from the dead and was preparing to ascend into heaven he promised to send The Comforter to be with us. 

In John 14:26 (Amplified Bible) It says this:
26 But the [a]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name[in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

We don't ever have to be lonely, helpless, weak or distraught again.  Isn't that a peaceful, comforting thought?

Vote!

I've always been an independent thinker and have rarely voted the same as my family and friends. This election, however, I know I must vote, but I can't see anyone to vote for. 

I know there have been many changes over the years to political parties and their platforms. I don't let tradition and the way it was always done, dictate to me how I vote. As a Christian, I will vote for life and for a party that will stand up for family values. I will vote for a party that will not back down on its stand with and for Israel. I will vote for a political party that vows to work at keeping us safe against terrorism. There is one party right now that, for the most part, does reflect my beliefs but I have no confidence in the national leader or the local candidate for that party.  I'm really in a dilemma here.

I will not be bullied by anyone into not voting for a particular party, or to not vote at all. Personally, I find that a slap in the face of our freedom. So many countries are crying for democracy. We have the awesome privilege to vote, and not voting is an absolute shame.

I will say this though: please do not vote for a particular party just because it is popular among your family, friends or media. Please do not vote for a particular party because it's always been done that way. But please DO familiarize yourself with the issues. Decide on what is important to you, and VOTE!

Sunshine

 Sunshine

Clear blue sky; the sun shines down

On you and me and all around

Glist’ning here and there like glitter glue

On my granddaughter’s picture that she drew

Colourful leaves are drifting down

Covering grass and all the ground

The white picket fence is brighter too

The house and shed looking like new

But sunshine makes shadows fall

Against the house, along the wall

Dancing branches, trees that sway

A royal show now on display

The shadows begin to lengthen

As the sun sets in the west

It’s bright- red widening glow

Leaves gentle warmth on my breast

(c) Beverly Nippard

     October 9, 2015

Be The Change

I just came across this stimulating article called The Funeral that I'd like to share with you.  It's most likely inspired by this quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi:

THE FUNERAL

One day all the employees reached the office and they saw a big sign on the door on which was written:

Yesterday, the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym.

In the beginning, they all got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who  hindered the growth of his colleagues and the company itself.

The excitement in the gym was such that security agents were ordered to control the crowd within the room. The more people reached the coffin, the more the excitement heated up.

Everyone thought: 'Who is this guy who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he died!

One by one the thrilled employees got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside it, they suddenly became speechless.

They stood nearby the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul.  There was a mirror inside the coffin; everyone who looked inside it could see himself.  There was also a sign next to the mirror that said:  There is only one person who is capable of setting limits to your growth: IT IS YOU!!!!!

Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your husband or wife change, when your  company change, when your church changes, when your location change, when your money change, when your status change...

Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs.

Examine yourself, watch yourself. Don't be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses. Be a winner, build yourself and your reality. It's the way you face Life that makes the difference.

~Author Unknown~