The Gift of the Orchards. . .

Claire de Lune - by Debussy
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

As we drive along the country roads in our surrounding area, my husband and I are amazed at the abundance of fruit, whether they are grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, or apples, which are draping from the beautiful orchards and vineyards. The harvest is over-flowing among these lovely orchards for miles and miles. So much so that we will often see fruit lying on the ground, while the birds feast on their bountiful orchard finds. It fascinates me seeing this simple abundance. Hence, the farmers must, indeed, be happy to be able to reap what they have sowed after all their hard labour of love by taking such good care of their orchards to provide such an abundant harvest.  

It never ceases to amaze me, however, how some crops seem to thrive more than ever during a drier summer with only the occasional summer shower putting that much more stress on them to grow. Meanwhile, other crops flourish better during a more rainy summer season. Nevertheless,for both orchard scenarios to yield a good harvest, they must both have balance and harmony of nourishment and good maintenance for their growth to survive, thrive and be bountiful.

So, too, must our lives also have balance and harmony, if we want to flourish and yield

much fruit of contentment, grace, peace, gratitude and happiness into our lives. Yet, so many of us today seem to be lost in the maze of a corn field not knowing what our purpose in life is or what true happiness really means. Is it the new job, new house, new clothes, the long awaited Transatlantic trip, or the new love with whom we think we want to share the rest of our life with? Sadly, many people often think happiness is a long overdue award-winning possession rather than what it truly is, which is one’s “healthy” state of mind.

Do you fear and feel your life is frazzled, isolated, over-whelming or unraveling for one reason or another?  Do you feel you are missing something in life but not sure what it is or why you feel this way? Take heart, for, sadly, you are not alone. With everything life seems to be able to offer in the world of convenience, technology, social media and accessibility more and more people are more dissatisfied and unhappy with their lives today than ever before. It may be due to the fact that one’s life journey is not living up to their own expectations, others’ expectations of them, or just simply disenchanted with life, in general, because it seems to have somehow short-changed them along the way. It may be due to job dissatisfaction, no job at all, a broken relationship, no relationship, a lost relationship, general demands of family life, a crisis in one’s health, or some other unexpected detour in life. Whatever the reason, many people, today, seem to be either sad, mad or depressed seeing only cynicism, pessimism, and skepticism.    

So what is the answer to happiness? From a very profound physical, philosophical, and spiritual reflective journey, I can tell you that after only looking in the mirror and asking myself, “Who am I meant to be? What is my true purpose in life? What do I need to change in my life so I am more content and happier?” the answers are there. However, be prepared for a bumpy ride, which is like riding on an uncomfortable tractor down a rutted pathway through the orchards! Nevertheless, after much soul-searching and meditation on God’s Word, I found my answers by re-discovering and re-defining my true aspirations, inspirations and motivations for a well-balanced, happy, fulfilling, contented life. It is simply by helping, inspiring and encouraging others. It is not thinking of "me" but "we". It is having an attitude of immeasurable gratitude. While weeding out the world’s external expectations and desires, as well as turning my obstacles into opportunities, and not focusing on the lack but rather the abundance in my life, I am enriched with the bountiful orchards of blessings, which I harvest every day in my life to its fullest. 

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who defined the five stages of grief, once said, “It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” Hence, I encourage you to realize there is no time like the present to make changes, if necessary, to find your calling in life giving you more blessed fruit than you could ever have imagined. Remember, we are not promised tomorrow; only today. Do not set your concerns on the “quantity” of time you have on this earth, but rather the “quality” it has to offer. 

The Gift of the Rose. . .

The Last Rose of Summer - Arrangement by Bevani
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

When I first began pruning a rose bush a number of years ago, I was unsure who it was going to hurt more, me or the roses? Was this pain really necessary? Was I not going to damage the rose bush even more resulting in making it weaker? What if I cut too much away?  Perhaps, if I just let things be. It looked healthy enough just as it is for now. I am sure when spring brings its welcomed showers of rain and eventual warm sunny days all of the canes of the rose bush will survive and revive, once again, along with the vibrant deep burgundy/dark green leaves. Meanwhile, the rose buds will begin swelling rapidly just waiting to burst toward the big blue summer sky with their beautiful, bold, full fragrant heads. 

Of course, as I am no master gardener, I had hope the roses would do their very best and look very impressive, which they, indeed, did for a while during the early spring/summer months.  However, then the long summer’s hot days and warm, humid nights came along with the lack of rain and cloudy days, which began taking their toll on my beautiful rose bush. The vibrant green leaves began turning yellow with black spots and mildew powder dust began appearing here and there.  Meanwhile, the insects ensured their feast on the leaves and buds were recognized leaving behind their contribution of lacy leaves found everywhere. Oh, how exhausted, depressed, deprived and dormant my lovely rose bush appeared! What could I do to revive, rejuvenate, and reinvigorate it back to its full potential, strength and beauty? 

And so, with a clean pair of pruning shears in hand, while, protecting my hands with garden gloves so as not to be pricked by one of the many needle-sharp thorns,

I carefully began cutting away dead flower head by flower head, yellow, black spotted leaf by leaf, along with any disease- and/or debris-looking spindly or sucker canes that had taken their toll on the overall health of the rose bush, while creating better airflow and reducing pest infestation for the remaining healthy canes to breathe. In addition, I carefully and regularly gave the rose bush some fresh rose food for encouragement and nourishment along with a healthy daily dose of water. Roses love a deep drenching of water but not saturated; like all of us, roses need to be taken care of with tender loving care. Hence, it was my hope that my careful process of pruning and maintenance would certainly ensure this rose bush would, once again, be healthy, strong and vibrant with an abundance of blooms. Within a short period of time, to my own amazement, new leaves began to show and new blooms began to grow! It would appear the severe pruning of the shearer’s hands did, indeed, bring forth the most beautiful array of roses.

“Does this not remind many of us of our own lives? In our early years of life, many of us have been blessed to have been taken care of with much tender loving care with the necessary nurturing and nourishment that gave us opportunity to not only blossom, but survive and thrive in becoming a beautiful person both outwardly and inwardly. However, if unprotected and not cared for properly, even as we mature, the changes in the weather conditions of our lives will, without a doubt,  take their toll bringing debris and disease into our lives.  Ultimately, this will not only infect our lives, but can be fatal, while the slugs, stress, and struggles of anxiety, anger, bitterness, disappointment, fears, loneliness, unhappiness, and worry, to name just a few, grown and spread within our lives.  Where has that beautiful rose gone and can one ever get it back?

The only “Master” Gardener I know is God, himself, who can turn this sickly rose bush back to its glory days.  For only He knows its purpose and how to nurture and nourish it back to health so it can bloom and be healthy again. However, this can require very deep cuts so close to the root that one would think how can it ever grow back? What good is it anymore? Is there anything left for it to survive and thrive?  However, we must keep in mind God, without a doubt, knows the art of pruning. I know, because, I am one of His many roses, who was sickly and needed to be severely pruned back to health! 

With the watering of His Word and the cutting of His shears He has brought forth many blossoms in my life. However, I could never have imagined this through the pain-staking process of being pruned. Like Job in chapter 23, verse 10, “But he knoweth the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold,” or from a gardener’s perspective like a beautiful, fragrant rose!      

Jesus reminds us in John 15-12, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” So, how does God do it? It is by none other than by the tool of His Word. It is one of His best gardening tools that prunes, shapes and revitalizes. 

God’s Word is sharp and to the point, but it definitely gets rid of the dead stuff that has

infected one’s life. 
Hence, some may ask~ 
Does it hurt? Yes. 
Is it painful? Most often. 
Does it really work to encourage new growth? Absolutely. 
Is it just a quick fix? Definitely not.  
How does God’s pruning process work? Often through severe changes in our circumstances forcing us to focus on the “Master” Gardener, Himself, who wants nothing more than to help us live healthier lives by getting rid of the deadwood and debris that seeps into our lives. 
Is this God's way of “getting” back at us or "punishing" us? Absolutely not. It is His way, however, of showing His love towards us by taking the time to care for us by pruning out the the debris and disease that are stagnating our growth to bloom for Him. He does not want us in pain or to deprive us of our potential, but His pruning is to nurture and nourish us to become more like Him by the hands of His shears.   
What will the end results be? It will give us a new attitude of gratitude for living with new growth of aspirations, inspirations, fortification, and beautification in our lives; most importantly, hope! 

I am greatly comforted when reading II Corinthians 4:17, especially after having had my own health severely pruned, “Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  For when I choose to see my sorrows from God’s perspective, instead of my perspective, it allows His gracious face to shine upon me, which gives me peace to blossom like a rose!           

The beauty of one’s strength and character
 can only come by  the blade of the
 Master Gardener’s  pruning shears.

        

The Gift of Communion. . .

Piano Instrumental - Music by Peder B. Helland
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

It was a delightful Canada Day’s celebration when some of my family members were able to join us for a visit by the lake, while enjoying a classic summer’s BBQ with all the fixings! These are very precious moments for me as they do not happen very often. Our lives are so busy, while living in different towns and cities does not help the situation. Nevertheless, I was so looking forward to spending the day with my beloved family. 

Like sugar plums dancing in my head, I was in my glory with ideas of what the menu might be like. Would I make a potato salad or coleslaw, or both, to compliment the burgers? What condiments would I display on one of the pretty crystal glass serving trays?

What summer dessert should we have? That was an easy one. It would be fresh local strawberries marinated in sugar, served with angel food cake, frozen yogurt, which tastes just as good as ice cream, with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkles of cocoa! The menu was done. Now unto my next planning duty; how do I want the table setting to look?   

This is truly my greatest enjoyment ~ creating the ambiance and the visual look of how I wanted the table setting to appear when we would gather around the table to share our “Gift of Communion” as a family; for it truly is a gift to spend with them. It was obvious the colour scheme would be “red” and “white” to celebrate our country’s flag colours for Canada. However, what accent pieces

would I add to the table? Slowly, I began pulling out the red placements, white plates, clear goblets, stainless steel cutlery, and white dinner napkins. To complete the picturesque table, I placed a lovely centre-piece of red and white Carnations. I am sure you can imagine my delight when every single piece seemed to bring the creative look together. It was an elegant, yet relaxed, look that would enhance and enrich our family fellowship. Our guests were in awe as they began sitting around the table, yet comfortable, savouring their meal, especially the dessert, with many giggles and laughter in between. Truly a precious moment for me!

Later that evening, after everyone had departed, the dishes were put away, left-overs were stored in containers, I thought how blessed I was to still be able serve my family in this way. Such opportunities are far and few between these days. Yes, I was tired, but it was worth it! However, it also made me think of how I prepare my “communion” time with God. Do I put as much effort into my precious moments with Him like I just did for my family, or do I just grab a couple of moments here and there, and then rush off to do something else that, at the time, appears more demanding of my time?  Surely, after all the time I spent throughout the day with the meal planning and preparations as well as table setting and clean up, in order to delight our guests, God will understand if I do not sit down and visit with Him tonight. I promise, however, I will definitely chat with Him in the morning. 

I confess, I find myself, at times, behaving like the Biblical Martha. Always concerned that everything looks picture perfect, under control and well-organized, everything in its place that will be impressive, enjoyable and pleasing to our guests. Meanwhile, Martha's sister, Mary, was quietly, enjoying her precious moments of quality time with Jesus sitting near Him.  

Martha, like myself, wanted to ensure everything was just perfect for her visitors. She was being sensible, practical and efficient, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this approach as long as it does not over-shadow what is really important, which is spending quality time with our guests. Mary, meanwhile, realized better to be spending time at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him rather than futzing in the kitchen. As my beloved husband has reminded me on occasion, “Don’t bother with the dishes right now, they aren’t going anywhere!”  Just sit and visit.” Yup, Martha and me certainly have similar personality traits! Always wanting to please and serve others, but sometimes forget to please ourselves by just being in "communion" with our guests.     

Hence, I re-read the story of these two sisters and was reminded of what Jesus, who was their important guest, gently said to Martha, when she was most perturbed her sister, Mary, was not helping her. The Gospel of Luke 10:38-42, tells us, “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

As you can see from Jesus’ gentle reprimand, it is important we keep our priorities in place. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a little bit of both Martha’s and Mary’s personality traits in our lives. Nevertheless, we should never allow the busyness of our activities of daily living deter us from the precious moments we need to daily spend with God in "communion"." Are the dishes more important or is it the fellowship and time we spend with our guests? Similarly, when we prepare to spend time with God, we should not be thinking about our “To Do List”. He wants us to “be still” and be “in the moment” with Him.
  
If you tend to be like a Martha, which I have already confessed I am, it is very easy to slip into the mindset of becoming restless thinking about all the other unimportant “stuff” that dance in our heads that may appear more productive and practical. However, what could be more productive and practical than if we were more like Martha’s sister, Mary, whose focus was only on hearing what Jesus had to say, while spending precious moments in His presence? 

Once again, I have learned it is far more important to set aside all the good deeds for the day I think are important and spend more precious moments being devoted to God as I "commune" with Him, so I may receive more of His teachings, wisdom and grace for my life.

In your moments of busyness,
Please Stop ~
Catch a breath of God,
So He can breathe on you!
~ Bonita ~

      

The Gift "Lamp". . .

I Am Always Right Here - Arrangement by Kevin Kern
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

A few ago as a Christmas gift, I gave a very dear, elderly, friend a delicate china night light that was painted with the most delicate flowers. She, in fact, is my best friend’s mom, who is now in her 90ies.  Her youngest daughter, Maureen, and I met the first day of college and we instantly became the best of friends.  She was training to become a registered nurse, while I was training to become a medical administrative assistant. For 25 years our friendship grew and bonded to the point we were more like sisters than friends; even her mom would refer me as her “third” daughter. Hence, for the past 40 years, Maureen’s mom, Margaret, and I have shared many delightful memories together. However, we have also shared some very profound times of sorrow. For example, within an 18 month span, she lost her beloved husband of 50+ years from a stroke, her oldest daughter, age 49, from a six weeks’ diagnosis of a brain tumor, and my best friend, Maureen, age of 45, after a two-year battle with breast cancer.  As you can imagine it was a devastating time for all of us, but especially for Margaret. There is yet a day goes by but what I don’t think about my best friend and how much I miss her.  Meanwhile, her mother, who has such a deep faith in trusting God, has carried on with tremendous grace, fortitude and perseverance, while steadfastly encouraging others. Consequently, she has not only been a dear friend, who I treasure, but truly one of my mentors in life. Her faith and trust in God has been unwavering in the most darkest of nights; she has been a great inspiration to me. 

Knowing how Margaret, like many of us, gets up throughout the night, I thought she might find it helpful to have a night light; hence, the Christmas gift. To this day, and after all these years, she still tells me how much she enjoys this little lamp, how it brings her comfort, guidance, and peace.  In fact, every single time she sees it, she will touch the little lamp ever so gently and send a little prayer to God asking that He will continue to take care of me. What a dear friend, but, more importantly, oh, the "power of prayer"!  I truly believe in the "power prayer" as I know God is listening to Margaret’s request because of how He is daily taking care of me.  

When I was, recently, chatting with Margaret on the telephone, she reminded me of her ritual in touching the lamp each time she walked by it. I could not help but think, however, of another“Lamp”that also brings us even that much more comfort, when reading one of my favourite inspirational Scripture verses, Psalm 119:105, “Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”

Without God's“Lamp”, that being His Word, and how it has guided me throughout my life and given me much comfort and peace, I cannot imagine where or what condition my life would be. I do know it would not be one of peace. For to “know” God is to “know” peace, but to have “no” God in my life, I would surely have “no” peace, but rather uncertainty, despondency, darkness, and despair. 

The greatest treasure we can have in our lives is to make sure and know Jesus is in the centre of our lives; thus, it is vital we daily turn to God's Word, which will keep us focused on what is most important in our lives and that is Him.  If you truly want to know your “purpose”  and your “potential” in life, I encourage you to read God’s Word for you will find it is not just about how He comforts us, but how we are to comfort others. Regardless of what is happening in our lives, God will take care of us when we put our complete faith and trust in Him. I am inspired when reading Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which you do not know" as well as Isaiah 26:3-4, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee. Trust ye the Lord forever; for in the Lord (God) is everlasting strength."  It is only through the Grace of God that I have the strength to face every day living with cancer, while passionately wanting to encourage others.  While embracing and being grateful for each day, God has blessed me more than I could have imagined with His ever-lasting peace knowing He will never abandon me. Just knowing this is so “comforting”, “assuring”, “reassuring” and “encouraging”. Nothing happens in our lives that God does not know about, whether good or bad. Yet, He will use it to His honour and glory if we trust in Him, while He is taking CARE of us! Hence, I ask, “Will you reach for His“Lamp” so He can guide you to a more fulfilling and peaceful life?” 

When God’s Lamp shines in your life,
no darkness can stand in its presence.
~ Bonita ~

The Gift of Water. . .

As The Deer - Arrangement by Katherine Ganzon
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

I was so glad being back home, upon returning from my monthly oncology visit, which is now a 4-hour round trip! Both my husband and I were exhausted, drained, and downright beat. I was ready to call it a day after having had, thankfully, an encouraging report and advice from my oncologist to “carry on” with my new target medication status quo.  Thus far, all signs are indicating it appears to be improving my clinical symptoms, which I am so very grateful for.  

However, as I began looking around our property, it became quite evident my day was far from over as many of our flowered pots were in dire distress; especially one particular pot of million bells (mini petunias). The flowers, petals and leaves were so withered-looking. I thought for sure, this pot was “kaput”!  It amazed me how a flower pot could look so beautiful, bright, cheery, and healthy-looking in the early morning, yet by end of day be so sad, wilted, drained, parched and lifeless only a few hours later. It was obvious the sun’s intense heat, throughout the day, had penetrated the pots to the point of zapping all the water out of the flowers leaving them scorched and almost lifeless. 

Nevertheless, with watering can in hand, I gave them all a good douse of fresh, cool water

like they had thought they had never felt before, in the hopes of making them look refreshed, reinvigorated and re-energized once again; giving them what they may have thought must surely be a new lease on life.  Sure enough, within a couple of hours, and to my delight, there was a remarkable transformation. I was inspired to see these tiny, beautiful flowers and their leaves revived and almost “rejoicing” as they displayed their beauty, blooming and flourishing!  All I needed to do was give them their daily douse of water.

I could not help but think of this analogy in both our “physical” and “spiritual” lives as well; reflecting on the importance of the “Gift of Water”, which we all, sadly, often take for granted. Yet, the “Gift of Water” is what we all desperately need daily in our lives, in order to stay happy, healthy, and blooming! 

Are you aware that 75% of our body consists of water, which helps to regulate the flow of body fluids, including our tissues, cells, blood and many other fluid secretions, throughout our body on a daily basis?  We are so fortunate to live in this part of the world, especially those of us who live near the Great Lakes, to be abundantly blessed with over-flowing and easily accessible amounts of water at our finger tips. The “Gift of Water” is tremendously vital in our lives, as well as the earth’s, for that matter. If a person, for example, lacks as little as about 9 cups of water in one’s body that individual could possibly suffer from various physical symptoms such as dehydration, irritability, fatigue,dizziness, headaches and possibly even death. However, it is very important to also remember that too much water can be extremely detrimental, too; like most things in life, there needs to be a happy and healthy “balance.”  

The scenario with the pot of million bells also made me think about how much I need to receive God’s gift of His "Living Water" daily in my life, too.  Without it, I know I would, similarly, suffer from "spiritual" lethargy, dehydration, listlessness and despondency. When reading Psalm 42:1, I can so relate to the following Scripture, “As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” 

Never has there been a time in my life that I can think of in which I need, desire, long for, “run towards” the replenishment, the rejuvenation, and the spiritual refreshment of God's daily "Living Water" more than now. I know I could not survive without it. The daily heat of life's challenges, anxieties, disappointments, fears, stresses, uncertainties, and

worries can be so sweltering, leaving one completely drained, parched and almost lifeless; leaving the soul completely void. However, as I "daily” study and meditate God’s Word, I also know I can come to a “living” stream that never runs dry.  I am comforted when reading John 4:14 when Jesus says, “Whoever drinks of the water I give him shall never thirst again, but the water that I shall give to him shall be in him a well of living water springing up into everlasting life.” In other words, God’s stream of "Living Water" will never run dry; it is always there. However, it is up to me to come to His stream daily, in order to receive His free “Gift of Water”, which only He can provide.  

No matter how one chooses to look at it, the “Gift of Water” is a vital necessity both “physically” and “spiritually” for one’s well-being to be alive and survive; you cannot live without it! Even the desert, eventually, must receive water at some point for the desert flowers to bloom in the spring as they thrive to survive. 

Such a simple act on our part, yet the “physical” and “spiritual” health benefits of the “Gift of Water” are enormous in one’s life. And so, I ask, "Have you received your daily douse of the “Gift of Water” from HIM today?"  God has given us the free-will to make it our desire, so that when we receive His "Living Water" we, too, will feel like the million bells beautiful, blooming and flourishing!

The gift of living well
 is receiving
 God’s Living Water,
ever-flowing, endless and free.

      

The Gift of Beauty, Butterflies & Bookmarks. . .

Above All - Classical Praise Piano & Cello

(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

I have always been interested in the origin of names; I find their meanings fascinating and often wonder how parents decide on the name of their newborn. Will their little girl be an “Emma” or “Olivia,” or will their little boy be “Nathaniel” or “Joshua”?  For example, the meaning of David means “beloved”, Megan means “pearl”, Cassandra means “unheeded prophetess” and Bonita, which is a Spanish name, means “pretty little one”. Although I am pretty sure I have no Spanish heritage, at least not that I am aware of, my maternal grandmother blessed me with this pretty name, her first granddaughter. I have always been grateful for this name and I hope I have lived up to its beautiful meaning not so much on the outside, but, more importantly, on the inside of my life.

Regardless of where life’s journey has taken each one of us, there is beauty surrounding 
us each and every day, if we choose to see it through the Eyes of the Beholder. In fact, the older I become, the more drawn I am to God’s beauty and I am especially delighted when I see the beauty of a butterfly. The beginning of its life is one of tremendous patience, perseverance and power, but its reward for waiting patiently is one of absolute beauty.  

The butterfly, in fact, has become my mentor, in many respects, as I pray for God’s will

in my life. Meanwhile, God never ceases to amaze me when He continually delivers a daily beautiful bouquet of blessings in my life through the generosity and kindness of others, who have expressed their love, support and prayers for me. There truly are no words to express my deepest gratitude, but from the bottom of this very humble heart, I am so appreciative of everyone's thoughtfulness. It would, therefore, be remiss of me if I did not pass this forward, which I have tried to do throughout my life. However, since living with cancer these past four years, I am determined more than ever to try to encourage others in any small way and opportunity that I can.  

I am, therefore, delighted to share with others my passion and desire to help raise awareness and funds for the London Health Sciences Foundation’s “Patient Assistance Program Program.” This program is available to “any adult, who is receiving treatment within the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) and/or its affiliated South Western Ontario regional partner sites and who is experiencing a financial burden as a result of their cancer and its treatment.” For more details about this program, I encourage you to please visit the following website link:
http://www.lhsc.on.ca/Patients_Families_Visitors/LRCP/PatientAssistanceFund.htm

Meanwhile, as a past recipient of this Program, myself, I wholeheartedly support this vital program and want to help raise its awareness however possible. For anyone who is living with this disease, they, unfortunately, find out very quickly how expensive cancer treatment costs can be. From personal experience, I have found these costs to be astronomical. Sadly, for some, this becomes such a personal financial burden to them that they are unable to receive the recommended cancer treatments that could possibly help them stay alive.   

Thankfully, however, in order to help ease some of these treatment costs, both the “Massel-Cruickshank Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund” and the “Gene Goodreau Patient Assistance Fund” have been established at the London Health Sciences Foundation in support of patients at the LRCP. But they need our help to stay alive! These programs exist today because of the generosity of private donors, who wanted to make a difference and help someone else in their time of need.  I am, therefore, asking you, “Will you help me help them?”   
I now have available the following handmade "Beautiful Butterfly Bookmarks." I cannot tell you how excited I am to be able to do this. All proceeds will go towards the London Health Sciences Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program.  These pretty bookmarks can be given for so many occasions ~ birthdays, thinking of you, thank you, graduation, bridal/bridesmaids or hostess gifts ~ the occasions are endless. Each bookmark is designed in various colours for cancer.   Each bookmark costs: $10.00 (Canadian Currency) + shipping & handling. 

Variegated Blue – Colon and/or Prostate cancer
Multi-colours – All cancers
Pink – Breast Cancer
White – Peace, Perseverance and the Power of Prayer for healing in one’s life.

Custom orders in other colours for cancer may also be available upon request.
Please note: Colours may vary depending on availability of crochet cotton. 

"What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived.

 It is the difference we have made

 in the lives of others that will determine

 the significance of the life we lead." 

~ Nelson Mandela ~   

The Gift of Nature's Music. . .

Blow the Wind Southerly, Early One Morning and the Water Is Wide - 
Dan Gibson's Solitudes 
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

It was one of my very first big screen movies I saw when I was a young girl, “The Sound of Music”. Oh, how I loved every moment of that story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me sad, it made me smile.  Most of all, however, it made me fall in love, not just with Julie Andrews, aka “Maria,” but with the sound of music!

It has been called the world’s “universal language.” Without exchanging a word, music crosses all boundaries among all cultures in our world. It releases the emotions in our heart to massaging our soul, while relaxing one’s mind of its troubles and woes. Think for a moment, the gentle, melodious chords of the harp’s timbre, the soulful, soft mellow sounds of a cello, or the elegant, soothing, velvety chords of the piano playing one of your favourite tunes. For me, as an example, it is “Somewhere in Time” played magnificently by Maksim Mrvica on a beautiful grand piano surrounded by nature or the amazing rendition of “The Mission/How Great Thou Art” by the extremely talented Piano Guys.    

And so, as I wake up to another spring morning to the joyful choir of the robins, red-winged black birds, mourning dove and orioles, to name just a few, I cannot help but thank God for the sounds of His music through nature. Though “weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Regardless of the road we travel, the sorrows that may come our way, there is reason to be joyful and be grateful for the benefits God gives us each and every day through the gift of nature’s music.

The older I become, the more connected I am to the sounds of nature; whether it be the sounds of a trickling stream, cascades of a waterfall, the lake’s crashing waves hitting the shore, a gentle spring rain, or sounds of the mighty wind swirling and twirling through the trees, and oh so much more. The sounds of nature spread far and wide, yet God’s hands are in all as He walks with us side-by-side. It gives me peace, it gives me serenity and it gives me tranquility. 

I once read, “Music is as important to humankind as it is for the birds” (Anonymous). Since their arrival back into our area just a couple of weeks ago, I am thrilled to wake up and see the beautiful sight of the gorgeous oriole perched on our front porch, while he eats to his little heart’s content the freshly cut orange slices we have put out there for him every morning. How handsome he is dressed in his brilliant orange-golden underbelly and shoulder patches with his black head and black wings that have bars of white. When not eating, we will often hear him serenade us with his loud, flutey whistle or chattering to his mate. Carefully observing this little fellow, reminds me of how grateful I am for what God does for me every single morning when He “daily loads us with His benefits” (Psalm 68:19). 

God knows our needs and always provides us with just the right amount of nourishment, strength and hope to get us through each day. We only need to look up towards Him and give Him the glory and praise; otherwise, on our own we will only flit from hither to yon in the hopes of finding our daily needs on our own without any satisfaction. With God, however, no left-overs from yesterday or dipping into tomorrow’s portion, but enough of His portions are provided just for today. As I look around at the signs and sounds of nature, I marvel at the beauty He has given us in any given day from sunrise to sunset. For it is the sound of nature’s divine music that heals and uplifts one’s heart and inspires the most troubled soul. It is through the nature of music that one is drawn closer to God through the many blessings He bestows upon us each and every day. Without question, it is indispensable how the gift of nature’s music is part of one’s journey to healing the body, the mind and the soul.

“I tell you truly, when we are born, we enter the world

with the sound of God in our ears,

even the singing of the vast chorus of the sky,

and the holy chant of the stars in their fixed rounds;

it is the Holy Stream of Sound.” 

Edmond Bordeaux Szekely

(translation of the Essene Gospel of Peace)

(1900-1979)

      


          

The Gift of Relinquishment. . .

O Love That Will Not Let Me Go - Arrangement by Art Turner
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

I remember, vividly, when teaching Jake, our dog, when he was much younger, the importance of letting go of his favourite toy, his big, white rope. Oh, how he struggled. He

would tug, he would pull back, he would try breaking away, but he just did not want to let go! He didn’t understand the reward he would receive, if he just listened and obeyed. Hence, it took a while for us to come to an understanding. Working patiently with him, though, he, eventually, did learn to let go on command. In return, he received many rubs and hugs with much praise; and, of course, was given back his big, white rope to play with again. How delighted he would be as he pranced around the yard with his big, tan, bushy tail wagging high into the sky!  He finally understood the importance of submission and relinquishment.

This little scenario, made me think of my relationship with my heavenly Father, when He is teaching me the very same lesson ~ “relinquishment”.  How often I will,

figuratively speaking, try jumping ahead or going about to and fro trying to find possible solutions to help my healing or, at best, put my disease to some sort of rest; particularly, when recently being told my target therapy medication was no longer working, based on the results of my latest CT scans.  The disease continues to progress. I know there is no cure, but I keep searching to see if, in fact, there may be some new drug that could, at least, help make this disease respond and not be so resistant. How I pray that I may have some reprieve.  To understand why some are and others are not healed is beyond human logic and comprehension. There isn’t an answer, but an acceptance that God works with each one of us uniquely. There is no “standard” of care by which God follows; however, He does look at each one of children through His “compassionate” care and complete love individually.    

There is no one else on the face of the earth, who displayed “relinquishment” more than Jesus, himself.  I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering He had to bear. However, not once did He ever disobey His Father’s command, but said, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). Jesus’ will was complete relinquishment of his own will, complete helplessness, while being totally dependent on His Father’s will for everything. “I do nothing for myself, but as my Father has taught me.” (John 5:30).        

Hence, in order to see God’s will in my life, I have learned, I must completely relinquish all self-will by completely handing over to God my entire life to do as He so chooses, in order for me to see what He has planned for me when I read Jeremiah 29:11-12, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans of peace, not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  And you shall seek me and find me with your whole heart.” In other words, He will give us the “wisdom to know” and “courage to go” beyond where one cannot imagine when putting one’s trust in Him.  To know His will in our lives, we must willingly listen and follow Him without hesitation, while we trust and obey.  Meanwhile, God, who is my Great Healer, patiently waits for me to yield to Him one hundred percent of myself; in other words, relinquish myself to Him, while never losing sight of Him, as He plans the remains of my days.

http://littlebirdieblessings.blogspot.ca
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow,
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
For the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 

The Gift of Life. . .

Spirit of the Living God Fall Fresh on Me - Arrangement by Greg Howlett
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

Have you seen it? Have you heard it? Have you touched it? Have you breathed it?  It is all around you, but have you even noticed it; the season known as the “Gift of Life?”

With its exuding exuberance, oh, how blessed we are to be awakened from the cold harshness of winter’s test of dormancy and endurance and breathe the fresh air of yet another glorious season of Spring; my absolute favourite time of year. 

Spring is a season in action of giving rebirth, rejuvenation, reinvigoration, revitalization and resurrection.  Its full beauty and grandeur are a welcome sight to those who have been disheartened by winter’s blight.

And so, as I walk around our gardens through the lush green grass, I see new growth on our rose bushes, the hostas shooting up their little heads through the ground, watching the daffodils lift up their smiling faces toward the warmth of the sun, while being surrounded by their counterparts of spring blooms bursting of hyacinths, tulips, snow drops, crocus, forsythias and magnolias. They are all a constant reminder that hope for a brighter tomorrow is on its way, as the spring birds melodious sing and chirp away while the bald eagles sail through the open soft blue sky rejoicing that winter’s snow of yesterday has finally melted away, given the arrival of spring its long-awaited awakening.

Oh, how precious and sacred life is! Never to be taken for granted. For every breath we take

glorifies God’s "Gift of Life" to us all. Just as we spring clean the inside and outside of our homes and gardens, so, too, is it vitally important to do the same in our lives ~ mentally, physically and spiritually. “How so?” one may ask. By staying focused on only positive thoughts, surrounding one's self with only those individuals who are a positive influence in one's life, and never forget God’s promises. Thus, this, in return, will inspire each one of us to let go of winter’s grip and aspire us to fill our life with spring’s new beginnings of hope, peace, and love. 

Now is the season to plant those seeds, cultivate and watch them grown as they bring forth the joy of the "Gift of Life" that reaches down into your heart and soul. For as you endure and persevere through the struggles and sorrows that life’s harsh winter has beset upon you, when you cultivate God’s love and grace into the bulbs of your life through the soil of prayer, you will reap the growth of your faith growing deeper and blossoming more abundantly in each day of your life.

It is only through God's nourishing and fertilizing of grace and believing in His promises can we shed winter’s plights with spring’s sights of hope; as we claim this season’s "Gift of Life" that will renew and refresh our souls so that we can sing, “It is well with my soul.” ~ 
Singing the praises of Him for the
Promises He has given for us,
Rejoicing in the Gift of Life, 
Infused by His precious love for us. 
Never giving up on hope but claiming His 
Glory and Grace through the Power of His Son for us. 

So, my prayer for you today is that you will be reminded of God’s "Gift of Life" as you hear the birds sing as they spread their wings, as you see the buds of life on every tree and flower spring forth and blossom through God’s loving showers, just as it is His delight in making our weary hearts count their blessings and never lose sight of Him.

“For as the earth brings forth its bud,
as the garden causes the things
 that are sown in it to spring forth,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness
and praise to spring forth
before all the nations.”
Isaiah 61:11