The Light. . .

Lead, Kindly Light ~ Arrangement by  John Henry Newman – Harp & Flute Duo – Mormon Tabernacle

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It has been a tradition for my husband and me, for quite some time, that we do a tour of the festive lights displayed throughout different areas of the city on Christmas Eve. One particular part of the city in the east, however, is always a thrill to see and never disappoints.  In order to get to this specific neighbourhood of about 40 homes, however, one must make many twists and turns on the dark side streets until eventually coming across a small crescent of homes that becomes a miniature village unto itself. Almost every single home along this crescent displays a beautiful Christmas scene of angels, stars, sleighs, snow globes, carolers, or nativity scenes, to name just a few; even synchronized seasonal music to complement the thousands of lights that glow in the dark. It is absolutely breathtaking and truly magical every time I see this festive display as one just follows the lights. 

As we slowly drive along, I could not help but ponder on what that evening must have been like so many years ago when the wise men, although their journey would have been very dark, just followed the bright star in the east that eventually brought them to the birth place of the Christ child lying in a manger.  

As I reflect on all the darkness and uncertainty that has happened in my life this past year, I am comforted to know that my journey, too, has not been in total darkness but has been guided by the promises of Jesus when I read, “I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of the life” (John 8:12). By casting my cares on Him and leaning on His everlasting love, He has truly been my source and resource to help me through my days of darkness and my nights of worry and uncertainty.  

For I have learned, it is only when I search God’s word, can I really know the peace and comfort of God’s promises when reading “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105) and "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Psalm 32:8). I may not currently have all the answers to my health scare this past year or know what lies in my future, but I do know that it is my faith in God that gives me the strength and the certainty that He will take care of me at all times and direct my path in the way it should go if I truly trust in Him. Though the path of the unexpected and unknown has been quite daunting this past year, I have been blessed in so many ways for which I thank God knowing that even in the darkest of days and the dreariest of nights, He is always with me. My hope and prayer is that others may see His light and feel His love through the window of my life as I share what He has done throughout my life as I follow His light!

Lord, make my life a window

for your light to shine through,

and a mirror to reflect your love

to all I meet. Amen 

~ Author Unknown ~

“God’s promises are like the stars;
the darker the night
the brighter they shine”
~ David Nicholas ~

I Wonder As I Wander. . .

I Wonder As I Wander ~ Arrangement by Unknown (Dulcimer & Guitar Duo)
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On this beautiful sunny, wintry afternoon with the glistening snow crunching under my feet, while walking with Jake, I wonder as I wander how different 2013 could have been. One might think this was the worse year of my life, but, in fact, it is probably one of the best because I am still here to tell my story! Sadly, however, there are many who were diagnosed with cancer this year that were not as fortunate. My thoughts and prayers go out to their loved ones. For none of us know when our last day on this earth will come. Though this year has truly been bitter sweet, I have so very much to be thankful for! I can truly claim Romans 12:12 when I read, “Be joyful in hope; patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”  For this most certainly sums up my year. I cannot begin to imagine facing my affliction with cancer alone. I cannot imagine my life without the encouraging hope and constant prayer of so many surrounding me through these difficult months.  I have been so blessed in so many ways ~ by the faithfulness and everlasting love of my dear husband, who has never left my side, by the constant encouragement of my family and dear friends, and by having the available medical facilities, technology and expertise of my medical team nearby to make me well again.  There are so many who must travel every day for miles and miles, hours and hours, through rain or snow, for their medical care, while I am only a short distance away.  I am so thankful I am where I am.  

Most importantly, I cannot imagine my life without my faith in my Creator – Lord and Saviour! For life as we experience it from day-to-day would have no meaning or purpose and would be oh, so hopeless.  Yet, God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for ordinary folks like you and me so that we might have eternal life.  

As this Christmas season is once again upon us, I wonder as I wander, how wonderful it must have been to bear witness on that special blessed night in Bethlehem.  Oh, how it must have felt to perhaps be a little drummer boy who may have played his best for Him, or like the three wise men following the star of wonder guiding them to the perfect Light bringing their gold, myrrh or frankincense.

As I wonder as I wander, one thing I know for sure I am one very blessed woman!    

“Jesus didn't say, 'Blessed are those who care for the poor.'
He said, 'Blessed are we where we are poor,
where we are broken.'
It is there that God loves us deeply
and pulls us into deeper communion with himself.”
~ Henri Nouwen

Sincerely Yours. . .

Sincerely Yours ~ Arrangement by Gary Chapman

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As I sift through my memory box reflecting on the beautiful cards and notes I have received these past few months wishing me back to good health, I am always touched by the complimentary closing remarks such as  “Take care”, “Thinking of you”, “Blessings and hugs”, Best wishes”, “Much love always”, and “Sincerely yours” to name just a few. These encouraging words have brought much comfort to me as I have been so very blessed by the compassion of others who have supported me along my journey to recovery.  It is with a profound debt of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to those who have encouraged me as well as prayed for me during these difficult months that I can truly say I am forever “Sincerely Yours”.

This reminds me of a beautiful song entitled, “Sincerely Yours” that I used to sing (lyrics below).  It is so easy to take these words for granted in our everyday comings and goings. However, when a life changing event occurs in one’s life you realize how blessed you are to have those who dearly love you in your life more than ever before.  More importantly, as a child of God, I have so very much to be thankful for.  For it is with the grace of God that I know:

•  I have nothing to fear, not even death. Although my life here on earth is finite, I know my soul will live on. Instead of fears, I have hope. Instead of worries, I have peace that passes all understanding beyond this life.  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
•  I am never alone.  God has not, nor ever will, abandon me. He is my heavenly Father, my confidant and my provider.  He has brought solace and comfort countless times throughout my life.  No matter my circumstance, He is always there. “Fear not; for I am with you. Be not afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)
•  I am loved.  I am not only cherished by my loved ones, but my heavenly Father. I am precious in His sight and regardless what happens in my life, He will always love me and I will not be separated from His love. “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. . .For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor any other creation will separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)
•  I have a purpose in life. My purpose in life in not fame or fortune, but to live a life for Christ, to honour and glorify  Him, as well as  love and encourage others. “And be kind one toward another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32); “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)     

Lord, I take my pen to write to You a letter

Knowing even now You know what's on my mind.

But I think perhaps it might make me feel better

If I see myself here written in a line.

As I close I see a phrase I took for granted

And it leaps out as I see it written there

As the truth of it begins to become planted

These two words have now become my heartfelt prayer ~

Sincerely Yours, 

Lord I sign myself to You

Sincerely Yours,

With a Strong and honest wish

To be the best that I can be at what I am 

Without a thought for me

Lord teach me how to be ...

Sincerely Yours,

Without a proud or selfish line

Sincerely Yours,

From now until there is no time

Please make my life become a letter you can keep

And never throw away

I'll write until the day

That I become

Sincerely Yours,

Sincerely Yours,

Sincerely Yours,

Sincerely ~ Yours.

~ Music & Lyrics by Gary Chapman ~

“Lord, I thank you for what you have done 
and continue to do in my life, 

through the good and the bad, 

through the sorrow and the strife.

With this humble heart, I am “Sincerely Yours.” 

~ By Bonita ~