The Greatest Gift

The greatest gift of all is God’s gift to us, His son Jesus.  Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the gift of forgiveness.

It is “Time for Letting Go”   https://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/  and you will be richly blessed.

Baby Jesus Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels.com

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The Greatest Gift…

The greatest gift of all is God’s gift to us, His son Jesus.  Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the gift of forgiveness.

It is “Time for Letting Go”   https://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/  and you will be richly blessed.

• 

  Photo by Jeswin Thomas on Pexels.com

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My Christmas message

Let us remember the purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Image via Wikipedia

It’s fun to give and get gifts as part of the celebration, but not at the expense of going into debt to do so.

We can  find ways to give the gift of ourselves to others by helping them in some specific way, meaningful to them.  Help someone in need, someone you don’t even know.

The most important part of celebrating Christmas, is by simply sharing a special time and a meal with friends and family.

Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts, when I can, even some small meaningful item.  For parents it is hard when they can’t afford to give gifts to their children.  I remember a time when me and my brother were young and our parents explained that we would only get one gift that Christmas because money was tight.  I don’t recall us being upset at all, we understood.

This is my early Christmas message to each and every one of you~

I wish for all of you throughout this special time…wisdom, peace, joy, caring, kindness, love for all, and safety.  I wish you many blessings this Christmas, and Hanukkah to my Jewish friends, and throughout the New Year.

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Little One’s First Christmas

Earlier in Little One’s journey with her traveling companions, Angel Mary told her about Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Little One is now on her way to a special place where she will have a special surprise during her first Christmas celebration.

After spending some time in this part of the forest with her traveling companions and introducing them to her old friend Sora the white owl Little One thinks it is time to move on again.

L’Uni, the young Unicorn and one of Little One’s traveling companions is ready to go.  Eagle Tom and the Doves, Peace and Love have returned and ready to join them.  Mary is Little One’s Guardian Angel and always with her.  She says “Today is Christmas Eve.  I know we are going to find a special place to rest tonight.”

Little One smiles and goes over to Sora to say goodbye.  As usual Sora is happy to let Little One pet her.  She quietly tells Sora “I’m so glad to see you again, but we need to be on our way.  Goodbye for now.”  As Little One begins to walk away Sora slightly raises a wing as if to wave goodbye.

“OK, let’s go” says Little One, and off they go again.

It is a cold, cloudy day.  Thankfully she has the shoes and socks, and some clothes Martha gave her to keep her, at least a little bit warm.

As L’Uni leads them through this beautiful forest Little One thinks of what Angel Mary told her about Christmas, that it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the son of God.  She was told how many people celebrate this special occasion.  She was a toddler when she lost her parents in a remote forest and began her journey alone.  Spending most of her time in the forests and through country areas she didn’t spend much time with people, in their homes, and never during what would be holiday times.

“Mary, I’m excited to see where we stay tonight”

Angel Mary replies “I believe it is going to be lovely.  I think this time may be an opportunity for a change in your life.”

Little One stops walking.  She is quiet and deep in thought wondering what this could mean.  All her companions wait for her.  She finally asks “What do you mean Mary?”

Mary says “I am not exactly sure just yet about the details, but I know it will be good…if you choose to take the chance and go with the change.”

Little One asks “You mean I will be able to say yes or no?”

“Of course Little One, you always have a choice, and there will be many throughout your life.  But remember, as long as you ask God for His guidance, and listen with an open mind, heart, and spirit then you will know the choice He wants for you.”

Mary watches Little One in quiet thought.  Then she continues…

“As long as you do your best in life and follow God’s path you will be truly blessed.  I know you are going to be a real blessing in the lives of the people you touch.”

Little One finally says “I will do my best to always follow Him.  And I know you will always be with me, even when I can’t see you.”

Angel Mary smiles as she says “Yes I will.  Let’s move on.  We need to get to where we are meant to be tonight before dark.”

“Ok” says Little One and off they go.

It is quiet here in the forest, except the occasional sound when Little One steps on leaves and twigs.  Her feathered friends are flying high above the trees so she can’t see them.

If anyone could see Little One they would think she is alone since they cannot see L’Uni, or Angel Mary.

Right now Little One is content not talking with her friends as she enjoys the quiet and occasional sounds of nature.

Earlier the sun was out, but now there are low, grayish clouds.  It is colder, but Little One hardly notices because she watches the occasional woodland creatures go about their business.  Some stop and look at her for a moment, and sensing she is okay they continue on their way.  Little One smiles at them because she has always loved all animals.

There isn’t much left of the snacks Martha gave her so she keeps them for later.  Little One knows how to find food in nature since she spent the first few years of her life in the forests.  She looks around and finds some late berries.  She picks several and eats them as they walk.

Just as she is finishing the last of the berries she notices white flakes falling from the sky.  Her face lights up and she exclaims “Oh, they are so beautiful.  I really like it when they appear and cover the ground.  It looks so lovely.”

Mary asks her “Do you know what those are called?”

“No” replies Little One.

“They are called snowflakes, and when they cover the ground it is just called snow.  It really is lovely when everything is covered in white.”

Little One asks “What is white?”

Mary realizes that Little One doesn’t know that colors have names.  “White is a color.  Those trees over there with the green needles on them are called Pine trees.  They stay the color of green all year.  The other parts of the trees are brown.”

Mary tells Little One about the seasons of the year and explains different colors by show and tell.

As they continue walking the snow fall is getting heavier.  The ground and trees are covered.  It is also getting colder.  Angel Mary notices Little One is shivering.  She also sees L’Uni is looking back at them as if to make sure they are nearby.

Mary tells Little One “I think we are close to where we will stay for the night.”

Little One says “I’m glad because I am cold.  I see L’Uni checking on us and I bet she knows we are almost there.”

Here come their feathered friends who had been off doing their own thing for a while.  Eagle Tom flies close to Little One then heads off again.  He does this a couple more times as though urging her to follow.  L’Uni has started her usual eager prancing when close to a destination.  Following L’Uni and Eagle Tom along with the two doves, the pace is a little faster which is helping Little One feel a bit warmer.

The really tall trees are becoming fewer and fewer as they go.  Gradually there are more and more different kinds of trees.  There are fir, pine, and spruce trees.  Mary tells her they are the kind of trees cut down and used as Christmas trees in homes and decorated for this holiday season.

“Families usually decorate their trees together.  There are all sorts of ways to decorate them and many different kinds of decorations.  I know someday you will get to share in this tradition.”

Just as Little One is about to say something she stops and stares straight ahead.  Her face shows astonishment and joy at the sight she sees before her.  L’Uni, Eagle Tom, and the doves are already resting in front of their destination for tonight.

Little One is staring down what looks like a wide path between the trees.  There at the end of the path is a beautiful little cottage.  It is white with green shutters and front door; a dark green like the trees.  There is a lovely covered front porch all across the front of the cottage with four rocking chairs.  There are lights on inside and smoke coming from the chimney.  It’s late afternoon and the sun is getting closer to setting.  With all the big trees around it is getting darker, quicker in this place.

Little One walks the rest of the way and stands at the bottom of the stairs to the porch.

Mary says “It looks like someone is home since there are lights on; and apparently a fire in the fireplace.”  She tells Little One to go up and knock on the door.

Her first knock is very timid and surely no one could hear it.  She knocks a little harder and waits.  No one comes to the door.  She notices there is something written on the door, but since she has not learned to read she asks Mary what it is.  Mary tells her it says

Welcome ~ Come In

“It looks like the people who live here are welcoming to all who come and may need a place to stop awhile.  I’m sure they will be back shortly and ok for you to go in now.

Little One opens the door.  She stands in the doorway for a moment taking in the beautiful warm coziness of this place.  There is a lovely fire in the fireplace with a couple big overstuffed chairs in each side.  A blanket is draped over the back of each chair.  Everything about this place is wonderful.  It is calm and peaceful, and truly welcoming.  She walks in and shuts the door

While Little One is in the cottage L’Uni has gone into the forest and their feathered friends are making themselves at home in nearby trees, at least for a little while.

Once inside Little One looks around and there in the right corner of this room is a beautiful Christmas tree.  It is decorated with tiny white lights, an angel on top and two white doves, one on each side of the angel.  Little One exclaims “Mary, that angel on the tree looks like you, except you don’t have wings.”  She smiles.

She goes over and stands in front of the fire, feeling the warmth of the flames.  After a few minutes she decides to curl up in one of the big chairs.  She’s tired after walking all day.

It isn’t long until she hears something…or someone.  She had dozed off a bit, but hearing something she opens her eyes.  There are two people standing in front of her and smiling.

“Hello” says the lady.

Little One says “Hi.  I am sorry for just coming in.  I did knock, but when no one came, and the door said Welcome, Come In, I thought it would be ok; and I was cold and tired.”

The lady and man smiled.  He said “Of course, you are welcome.  My name is John, this is my wife Zoe” and touching Zoe’s tummy he says “and she is going to have our first baby soon.”

Little One smiles and says “That is wonderful and thanks you for letting me in your home.”

The couple smile and look at each other with such love.

Zoe asks “Where are your parents?”

Little One explains that she does not have any parents, that they died a long time ago and she has been on her own since then.  She also tells them she has met many wonderful people in her travels.  They’re amazed this little child seems so mature and at peace being alone.

John asks her “What is your name?”

“I don’t know, but everyone I’ve met calls me Little One.”

“Welcome to our home Little One” says John.  “We have some hot soup ready.”

The soup smells so good, there is homemade bread, and hot tea.  They all sit down and John says a prayer before they eat.

Little One says “thank you, it smells so good.”

“You are welcome” says John.

Suddenly Zoe touches her tummy and goes “Ooooooh!”  And there is a look of discomfort on her face.  John asks if she is ok.

She says “Yes.  It stopped.  It can’t mean much since I have another week or so before the baby is due.”

“Well,” says John “if it happens again, keep track of how long it lasts and how long since the last one.  The hospital near here isn’t too far.”  She nods in agreement.

They tell Little One that if something would happen they have to go to the hospital she can stay at the house.  In fact, they tell her there is another bedroom she can use.

“Thank you” Little One says.

Zoe says “This place is our special place to get away from the city where we live.  We don’t plan to still be here when the baby is born, but we have planned other options just in case.”

Little One tells them “It will be really nice if you have the baby here.  I’ve never seen a baby.”

Zoe smiles and says “Well, if God decides she is to be here sooner, then she will be.”

Little One says “You know it is a girl?”

“Yes” Zoe says.  “There are ways now that the doctors can find out if a baby is a boy or girl.”

Little One is curious “Do you have a name for her?”

“We have named her Grace” says John.

“That is a pretty name”  Little One says.

John gets up from the table and puts all the dishes in the sink.  “Zoe, you go sit by the fire.  I will turn on the tree lights and get some Christmas music going.  Little One, you can also sit in the other chair in front of the fire. When I’m done in here I will pull up the sofa.”

Zoe and Little One do as John suggests, and he finishes cleaning the table.  Then he gets a few things prepared for tomorrow’s special Christmas dinner as they had decided to have their Christmas day here by themselves, to relax in this their special place before the baby comes.  However, with Little One’s arrival they are delighted to have her with them and eager to hear her story.

John is finished in the kitchen and moves the sofa up by the chairs and near the fire.  He puts a couple big pillows on one end and tells Zoe to rest there instead of sitting in the chair.

She smiles and gets up, gives John a kiss and says “Thank you sweetheart.”

She is able to sit, but more in a reclining position and more comfortable for her.  John covers her lap and legs with a blanket.  Little One smiles and enjoys watching this young couple obviously so in love.

The three of them chat awhile, sometimes quietly mesmerized by the beautiful fire.

Zoe has more uncomfortable, almost painful feelings, but says nothing.

John asks Little One to tell them about where she has come from, what she’s been doing on her own.  She smiles and begins telling her story. They are amazed at the things she tells them…so far, when suddenly…

Zoe exclaims “Oh my, I think Grace is going to come early!”

John says “Zoe, have you been having pains all this time?”

“Yes, but I didn’t want to say anything because I figured it was too early and they would go away.  But now I’m sure and I think it will be soon.”

John says he will go start the car so they can get to the hospital.  However, when he opens the back door he sees that it has been snowing heavily and they are snowed in for the night.  He tells Zoe they will have to go with plan B and do as they were taught for just this situation.  He tells Little One this means the baby will be born right here in the cottage.

Little One asks  “Is there anything I can do to help.”

John is delighted she is with them.  He feels almost like she could be their child.  “Thank you, and I think Zoe would like it if you sit beside her when the time comes.”  Zoe smiles and tells Little One she would like that.

John prepares everything they need including extra blankets and a couple special ones they already have for the baby.  John and Little One rest in the big chairs, with Zoe resting on the sofa with a nice warm blanket over her.  They relax in front of the fire for the moment.  John and Little One stare at the fire until Zoe tells John it is time.  Before long Baby Grace is born.  It is shortly after midnight, and now Christmas.

Although John and Zoe cannot see them, Little One sees Mary and another angel looking down at the baby.  Little One smiles and knows the other angel is Grace’s guardian.

Sounds are heard outside the cottage.  Little One goes and opens the front door and sees L’Uni, Eagle Tom, the white doves Peace and Love are there, but not alone.  Sora, the white owl has also come to welcome the new baby.

Zoe and John come to the door after hearing Little One’s excited comment “Look, they came to see the new baby.”

The new parents are surprised and overjoyed that these friends of Little One have come to welcome their daughter into the world.  Although they cannot see L’Uni they are witness with Little One to see the arrival of more of God’s woodland creatures coming to join in the celebration.  There are deer, a couple of silver haired wolves, rabbits, squirrels and chipmunks, a mommy and baby bear, and a few others.  They gather in front of the cottage and wait.

Angel Mary tells Little One to ask the parents to bring the baby to the door so the visitors can see her.  Little One does as Mary suggests and Zoe happily goes to get the baby.  She wraps Grace in a warm white blanket and brings her to the door and hands her to John.

John has been standing there in awe at this amazing sight.  Now he takes Grace in his arms and says “Dear God, thank you for our beautiful baby daughter, and thank you for this amazing gift of  your woodland creatures come to see her.  We are especially grateful that you brought Little One into our lives.”  As he lifts Grace up so she can see her visitors and they her, he says “We ask your blessings God on our baby Grace and all her visitors who came this day to be with us.  Thank you.”

Little One sees L’Uni go down on her front legs and lower her head.  They all see the other animals lower their heads as if bowing and welcoming Grace.

Zoe and John are delighted at this surprising occurrence.

Mary says to Little One “This is wonderful for Grace to be born on the same day we celebrate the birthday of Jesus.”

Little One smiles as she looks at this young couple, their new baby Grace, and back at the gathering before them.  She thinks to herself that her first Christmas sharing experience is so beautiful and joyful.

December 2010

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My Christmas message

Let us remember the purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Image via Wikipedia

It’s fun to give and get gifts as part of the celebration, but not at the expense of going into debt to do so.

We can  find ways to give the gift of ourselves to others by helping them in some specific way, meaningful to them.  Help someone in need, someone you don’t even know.

The most important part of celebrating Christmas, is by simply sharing a special time and a meal with friends and family.

Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts, when I can, even some small meaningful item.  For parents it is hard when they can’t afford to give gifts to their children.  I remember a time when me and my brother were young and our parents explained that we would only get one gift that Christmas because money was tight.  I don’t recall us being upset at all, we understood.

This is my early Christmas message to each and every one of you~

I wish for all of you throughout this special time…wisdom, peace, joy, caring, kindness, love for all, and safety.  I wish you many blessings this Christmas, and Hanukkah to my Jewish friends, and throughout the New Year.

Read Full Post »

The Greatest Gift…

The greatest gift of all time is God’s gift to us of His son Jesus.  Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Now remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the GREAT GIFT OF FORGIVENESS.

It is “Time for Letting Go”   https://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/  and you will be richly blessed.

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Little One Learns about Thanksgiving and Christmas

 

The First Thanksgiving, painting by Jean Louis Gerome Ferris (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Time for the annual story of Little One as she first hears about Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Little One and her companions are silent as they begin the next part of their journey.  Each is in their own thoughts of what has happened during this last part of their journey, and wondering what’s next.

It is still early morning and the sun has not been up long enough to warm the day.  Since it is still a wee bit cool Little One is wearing the long pants, a little t-shirt and the sweater Martha had given her.  She is not wearing the shoes because she loves the feel of the sand on her feet.

L’Uni walks alongside of Little One while their flying companions go on ahead, yet sometimes circle back as if to check on the others.

Little One is quiet in her own thoughts.  She feels sad having left Martha and Kelly, but knows it is time to move on.  Although she wonders what will happen next she decides she does not want to think about it…only take one day at a time.

She walks on slowly.  Sometimes shuffling her feet in the sand as she goes, occasionally walking backwards to see where she has come from.  Then she stops for a moment.  Although she no longer sees the place where Martha lives, she thinks about her, wondering how she is and what she is doing.  Maybe she is getting ready for her family to arrive for their visit.

As they continue along this stretch of beach, her friends are nearby, but quiet.  They know Little One has much on her mind and heart.  It has been a couple of hours since they left Martha and Kelly.  Little One notices a huge piece of driftwood on the beach near the water and decides to sit for a bit.  L’Uni, Angel Mary and their feathered friends rest nearby.

Little One is thanking God for the blessings in her life ….

After awhile Little One takes a snack from her back pack and eats with a smile in her heart for Martha’s gift.

Angel Mary decides now is a good time to talk to her about life in the world…how it is in this time, this century.  She wants to tell her about the upcoming holidays and what people do in the communities, the cities across America.

“Little One, I want to tell you about two special holidays coming up soon.”

Little One asks “What is a holiday?”

“Holidays are yearly celebrations of special events which happened long ago.  There are some which are only celebrated in some countries” Mary explains.

Little One looks confused, maybe just thoughtful.

“What is it Little One” Mary asks.

“What are countries?” asks Little One.

Mary laughs.  “Oh my dear child, you have much to learn.”

Little One’s face lights up with eyes big and bright, she says “I really like to learn new things and I like meeting new people.”

Mary smiles and continues.  “I have seen that about you.  Your experience with wild animals in your travels, I saw you unafraid when typically many of them can be dangerous to humans.  That will help you be more patient and understanding, and accepting of humans who may not be so nice.  And I’ve seen how you have been with other people.  Your openness and acceptance of others you have met, like L’Uni and her fairy friends will keep you believing in the unexpected.  Even when the time comes that you won’t see them or me anymore there will be quiet memories in the back of your mind.  You may not even remember what it is exactly, but there will be a special feeling inside you.  I know that is a gift from God you will always be thankful for.  That brings me to the special holidays coming up.

The first is Thanksgiving.   This began centuries ago, not only in America, but also in other countries.  It is for giving thanks to God for plentiful harvests.  It is a time to celebrate with family and friends over a meal together.  It has become a time to be grateful for more of God’s blessings, not only the food to nourish our bodies.  Many people give thanks for the wonderful people in their lives, for work they get paid for and the ability to pay the bills to support themselves and others, for their health, and whatever else they are grateful for.”

Little One has been listening with great interest and says “what a wonderful celebration.  I hope I will get to share that time with people some day.”

“Oh you will Little One,” replies Mary.  “You will have wonderful people come into your life, and have family of your own.  You will share your blessings with others, which in turn will give them even more to be thankful for.”

Mary continues the holiday stories.  “The next and most important holiday soon after Thanksgiving, is Christmas which is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.”  She tells Little One about God giving the world his son Jesus, and Jesus giving his life for us, and how Christmas traditions evolved, and now so commercialized.”

Little One replies “Maybe Thanksgiving is the time to thank God first for giving us Jesus, and then preparing for the real purpose of the Christmas celebration.”

“Yes” Mary says.  “I agree with you and wish everyone would feel that way.  Maybe one day that will come to pass.  You are very insightful, and that will do you well in this world.”

While Mary and Little One talk, L’Uni gets up and takes a short walk along the beach.

Little One says “I think L’Uni is ready for us to get going.”

Mary agrees.  “We can continue talking as we go.”

L’Uni sees Little One getting ready to go so she joins them.  Of course, eagle Tom and their Dove friends go with them, but from a distance.

As they go Mary continues telling Little One how people prepare for the upcoming holidays.  During the telling she also explains some details of things which Little One never heard of before.

“Most people in this country, America, traditionally have turkey and maybe ham, with various kinds of potatoes, vegetables, salad, and desserts.  Many people here come from other cultures in other countries, and they may prepare foods traditional to their country.

The meal time is a big part of both these celebrations.  Turkey is used most often on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Although Thanksgiving has not become commercialized since it is not a gift giving event, usually family and friends who enjoy time on this day at someone else’s home will bring a prepared dish to share.

Christmas has become overly commercialized because it is promoted by the stores to sell products for decorations and gifts.  Sadly people have gotten so they feel obligated to get gifts for so many others who are not friends or family.  Even within families people tend to spend more than they can afford which then causes them stress throughout the year trying to pay for it all.  Many feel they have to return the gesture when someone they did not plan on gives them a gift.

It would be so much nicer and more meaningful if people would make something as gifts to give.  Or they could create personalized gift cards for a service, something they know the other person would really appreciate.

In time many people have forgotten the true reason for the celebration of Christmas…the birth of Jesus.  They spend much of their time stressed about decorating, shopping for gifts, and if hosting on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, worrying about meal preparations and cleaning the house.

However, as many people have lost jobs, their homes, the ability to pay bills, and feed themselves there has been a shift in what some people now believe is truly important.

There is a trend toward remembering the true purpose of Christmas.  Many people are cutting back, making some of their gifts, simplifying their holiday plans, appreciating what they do have, especially their relationships with family and friends.

It is a lovely time when families and friends attend their church celebration of Jesus’ birthday, then at home sharing a meal and opening their gifts.”

Little One has been listening with much interest.  “It sounds like a lovely holiday; at least when remembering the purpose and keeping the celebrations simple.  I look forward to experiencing it some day.”

“Yes it is a wonderful and very special holiday” says Mary.

While Mary has been telling this story to Little One, Eagle Tom, and the doves Peace and Love have taken off on their own.  L’Uni is a little ahead of Little One and Mary.

It is now late afternoon. They decide to stop for a while.  They realize they seem to be coming to the end of this beach.  There are huge rocks up ahead.    They notice L’Uni walking around them.   So they follow her and find on the other side an opening.  They go in to see what is there.  It is a smallish cave.  The opening is big enough so the current location of the sun in the sky shines its light into the cave.  It is quiet and rather comfortable inside.

In one corner there is a tiny pool of water which comes from a small trickle out of a wee crack in the wall.   It is fresh water.  Little One realizes she is thirsty so she cups her hand to get the water which she drinks.  She steps into the little pool and feels the water is a comfortable temperature.  “Oh, this feels good.  And I can wash myself with the little cloth Martha put in my pack” she says.

Mary smiles and nods a yes as she says “I think this is where L’Uni plans for us to stay tonight.”

“I think so too” says Little One.  “It almost reminds me of the one we stayed in the last night before we started our new journey along the beach where we saw the three people who had been in an accident, and before we met Martha and Kelly.  It was a lovely cave.”

They know their feathered friends will join them again later.  So here they stay.  Little One has food to snack on and the water to drink.  They talk while they rest.

Now that the stars are out and Little One has grown tired it is time to sleep.

As she sleeps she has a magnificent dream about a Thanksgiving celebration and a Christmas with some wonderful people she has yet to meet.

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The Greatest Gift…

The greatest gift of all time is God’s gift to us of His son Jesus.  Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.

Remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the gift of forgiveness. It is “Time for Letting Go”   https://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/  and you will be richly blessed.

Read Full Post »

Brief Moments and then…

Tears

I wrote this in 2005. Yes it is sad, yet reminds me to be available to others.

A few moments of magic
A special letter
Exciting news
Something special happens
I am excited
A special joy fills me up
I want to share the moments
….in person

Call to a friend
Can we meet for coffee?
Something wonderful to share…
Sorry, can’t…
Call another friend
Can we meet…?
Something wonderful to share…
Sorry, can’t today…
See another friend
Want to share something wonderful…
They are busy with children
Or other people…
Sorry, can we talk later…………

My heart drops
Pain sets in
My spirit cries
I try not to feel sorry for myself
I can barely breathe
The moments disappear
No one to share with…
Then…
Just more moments…
Alone………

Copyright February 5, 2005

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Little One Learns about Thanksgiving and Christmas

Little One and her companions are silent as they begin the next part of their journey.  Each is in their own thoughts of what has happened during this last part of their journey, and wondering what’s next.

It is still early morning and the sun has not been up long enough to warm the day.  Since it is still a wee bit cool Little One is wearing the long pants, a little t-shirt and the sweater Martha had given her.  She is not wearing the shoes because she loves the feel of the sand on her feet.

L’Uni walks alongside of Little One while their flying companions go on ahead, yet sometimes circle back as if to check on the others.

Little One is quiet in her own thoughts.  She feels sad having left Martha and Kelly, but knows it is time to move on.  Although she wonders what will happen next she decides she does not want to think about it…only take one day at a time.

She walks on slowly.  Sometimes shuffling her feet in the sand as she goes, occasionally walking backwards to see where she has come from.  Then she stops for a moment.  Although she no longer sees the place where Martha lives, she thinks about her, wondering how she is and what she is doing.  Maybe she is getting ready for her family to arrive for their visit.

As they continue along this stretch of beach, her friends are nearby, but quiet.  They know Little One has much on her mind and heart.  It has been a couple of hours since they left Martha and Kelly.  Little One notices a huge piece of driftwood on the beach near the water and decides to sit for a bit.  L’Uni, Angel Mary and their feathered friends rest nearby.

Little One is thanking God for the blessings in her life ….

After awhile Little One takes a snack from her back pack and eats with a smile in her heart for Martha’s gift.

Angel Mary decides now is a good time to talk to her about life in the world…how it is in this time, this century.  She wants to tell her about the upcoming holidays and what people do in the communities, the cities across America.

“Little One, I want to tell you about two special holidays coming up soon.”

Little One asks “What is a holiday?”

“Holidays are yearly celebrations of special events which happened long ago.  There are some which are only celebrated in some countries” Mary explains.

Little One looks confused, maybe just thoughtful.

“What is it Little One” Mary asks.

“What are countries?” asks Little One.

Mary laughs.  “Oh my dear child, you have much to learn.”

Little One’s face lights up with eyes big and bright, she says “I really like to learn new things and I like meeting new people.”

Mary smiles and continues.  “I have seen that about you.  Your experience with wild animals in your travels, I saw you unafraid when typically many of them can be dangerous to humans.  That will help you be more patient and understanding, and accepting of humans who may not be so nice.  And I’ve seen how you have been with other people.  Your openness and acceptance of others you have met, like L’Uni and her fairy friends will keep you believing in the unexpected.  Even when the time comes that you won’t see them or me anymore there will be quiet memories in the back of your mind.  You may not even remember what it is exactly, but there will be a special feeling inside you.  I know that is a gift from God you will always be thankful for.  That brings me to the special holidays coming up.

The first is Thanksgiving.   This began centuries ago, not only in America, but also in other countries.  It is for giving thanks to God for plentiful harvests.  It is a time to celebrate with family and friends over a meal together.  It has become a time to be grateful for more of God’s blessings, not only the food to nourish our bodies.  Many people give thanks for the wonderful people in their lives, for work they get paid for and the ability to pay the bills to support themselves and others, for their health, and whatever else they are grateful for.”

Little One has been listening with great interest and says “what a wonderful celebration.  I hope I will get to share that time with people some day.”

“Oh you will Little One,” replies Mary.  “You will have wonderful people come into your life, and have family of your own.  You will share your blessings with others, which in turn will give them even more to be thankful for.”

Mary continues the holiday stories.  “The next and most important holiday soon after Thanksgiving, is Christmas which is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.”  She tells Little One about God giving the world his son Jesus, and Jesus giving his life for us, and how Christmas traditions evolved, and now so commercialized.”

Little One replies “Maybe Thanksgiving is the time to thank God first for giving us Jesus, and then preparing for the real purpose of the Christmas celebration.”

“Yes” Mary says.  “I agree with you and wish everyone would feel that way.  Maybe one day that will come to pass.  You are very insightful, and that will do you well in this world.”

While Mary and Little One talk, L’Uni gets up and takes a short walk along the beach.

Little One says “I think L’Uni is ready for us to get going.”

Mary agrees.  “We can continue talking as we go.”

L’Uni sees Little One getting ready to go so she joins them.  Of course, eagle Tom and their Dove friends go with them, but from a distance.

As they go Mary continues telling Little One how people prepare for the upcoming holidays.  During the telling she also explains some details of things which Little One never heard of before.

“Most people in this country, America, traditionally have turkey and maybe ham, with various kinds of potatoes, vegetables, salad, and desserts.  Many people here come from other cultures in other countries, and they may prepare foods traditional to their country.

The meal time is a big part of both these celebrations.  Turkey is used most often on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Although Thanksgiving has not become commercialized since it is not a gift giving event, usually family and friends who enjoy time on this day at someone else’s home will bring a prepared dish or dessert to share.

Christmas has become overly commercialized because it is promoted by the stores to sell products for decorations and gifts.  Sadly people have gotten so they feel obligated to get gifts for so many others who are not friends or family.  Even within families people tend to spend more than they can afford which then causes them stress throughout the year trying to pay for it all.  Many feel they have to return the gesture when someone they did not plan on gives them a gift.

It would be so much nicer and more meaningful if people would make something as gifts to give.  Or they could create personalized gift cards for a service, something they know the other person would really appreciate.

In time many people have forgotten the true reason for the celebration of Christmas…the birth of Jesus.  They spend much of their time stressed about decorating, shopping for gifts, and if hosting on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, worrying about meal preparations and cleaning the house.

However, as many people have lost jobs, their homes, the ability to pay bills, and feed themselves there has been a shift in what some people now believe is truly important.

There is a trend toward remembering the true purpose of Christmas.  Many people are cutting back, making some of their gifts, simplifying their holiday plans, appreciating what they do have, especially their relationships with family and friends.

It is a lovely time when families and friends attend their church celebration of Jesus’ birthday, then at home sharing a meal and opening their gifts.”

Little One has been listening with much interest.  “It sounds like a lovely holiday; at least when remembering the purpose and keeping the celebrations simple.  I look forward to experiencing it some day.”

“Yes it is a wonderful and very special holiday” says Mary.

While Mary has been telling this story to Little One, Eagle Tom, and the doves Peace and Love have taken off on their own.  L’Uni is a little ahead of Little One and Mary.

It is now late afternoon. They decide to stop for a while.  They realize they seem to be coming to the end of this beach.  There are huge rocks up ahead.    They notice L’Uni walking around them.   So they follow her and find on the other side an opening.  They go in to see what is there.  It is a smallish cave.  The opening is big enough so the current location of the sun in the sky shines its light into the cave.  It is quiet and rather comfortable inside.

In one corner there is a tiny pool of water which comes from a small trickle out of a wee crack in the wall.   It is fresh water.  Little One realizes she is thirsty so she cups her hand to get the water which she drinks.  She steps into the little pool and feels the water is a comfortable temperature.  “Oh, this feels good.  And I can wash myself with the little cloth Martha put in my pack” she says.

Mary smiles and nods a yes as she says “I think this is where L’Uni plans for us to stay tonight.”

“I think so too” says Little One.  “It almost reminds me of the one we stayed in the last night before we started our new journey along the beach where we saw the three people who had been in an accident, and before we met Martha and Kelly.  It was a lovely cave.”

They know their feathered friends will join them again later.  So here they stay.  Little One has food to snack on and the water to drink.  They talk while they rest.

Now that the stars are out and Little One has grown tired it is time to sleep.

As she sleeps she has a magnificent dream about a Thanksgiving celebration and a Christmas with some wonderful people she has yet to meet.

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A Beautiful Christmas Weekend 2011

 

Image via Wikipedia

The joy of spending time with friends over the holidays is extra special. 

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, I had lunch with a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time.  We went to a restaurant she had never been to before, the Red Robin, and then went walking after. 

 Last night was the traditional Christmas Eve celebration with the extended family of friends.  There are 9 adults, 4 teens, and 8 children.  The younger children get to open their stockings before we eat, then given their food first before the rest of us sit back and enjoy the easy dining of a fondue meal.  Once dinner is over, the children dress up for the Nativity scene as one of the men read the story.  This year Grandma and Grandpa got each other a video camera and were able to tape it, in addition to my taking the still photos.  Then there is the gift opening before we sit back down for the dessert of chocolate fondue with strawberries, pineapple chunks, apple slices, bananas, and marshmallows.  After dessert our entertainment was each of the children either singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, or combination.  A great night had by all.

 It has rained here all day today, Christmas Day.  A friend of mine who lives in my neighborhood had invited me to join her and her son for an early afternoon dinner today.  She is a good cook and the food was delicious.  It was lovely to share a meal and a couple of hours with them.

Tonight I watched the movie The Polar Express.  I love the story and the music, especially the song “Believe” sung by Josh Groban.  Another reminder for us to…
BELIEVE…and keep BELIEVING.

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My early Christmas message

Let us remember the purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

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It is nice to give and get gifts as part of the celebration, but in this time of a very tough economy, let’s not spend money we don’t have.  Unless you did already. (smile)  Explain to others, and the children that you just don’t have the money to spend.  I’ve been in that boat for a couple years now.  However, I have found that most people love just getting a meaningful card, with a personal note written inside…even the children.

Even my card giving/mailing has had to be reduced big time…mostly just to those who don’t have email.  A few I deliver by hand.

We can also find ways to give the gift of ourselves to others by helping them in some specific way, meaningful to them.  Help someone in need, someone you don’t even know.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to celebrate the birth of Jesus more like Thanksgiving, sharing a special meal with friends and family.   Let’s dream of a better way to celebrate this special occasion.

Don’t get me wrong, I love giving gifts…at least when I was able to.  It makes me sad at this time of year that I don’t have the money to buy gifts.  For parents it is even worse when they cannot afford to give gifts to the children.  I remember a time when me and my brother were young and our parents explained that we would only get one gift that Christmas because money was tight.  I don’t recall us being upset at all, we understood.

This is my early Christmas message to each and every one of you~

I wish for all of you throughout this special time…wisdom, peace, joy, caring, kindness, love for all, and safety.  I wish you many blessings this Christmas, and Hanukkah to my Jewish friends, and throughout the New Year.

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Heal Yourself…Forgive and Let Go

 

Image by hang_in_there via Flickr

It is a tough time for millions of Americans with the crummy economy and terrible housing market.  So many of us are looking for paying jobs and/or trying to sell a house for more than what we owe on them. 

 On top of that it is the holiday season…Christmas and the New Year.  Many people find this a sadder time because they are alone.  Many cannot buy gifts for their families, or friends…and can’t even afford to send cards.

 I’m hearing more people feeling really bad, and when getting into deeper conversation with them it turns out they have been very angry at others who hurt them in some way.

I asked if they could find it in their hearts to forgive those people.  They feel so strongly about the wrong done to them, they say there is no way they can forgive.  My heart breaks for them.

 There are many stories of people who have such anger and sometimes even hate for the offender, and they find themselves with troubled lives and health issues.  There are many stories of those who found it in their hearts to FORGIVE those who hurt them.  They may not forget what happened, but the FORGIVING and LETTING GO gave them peace within themselves.  They found their lives turned around for the better, including better health.

 Who are you angry with and why?  Find the courage, with love in your heart to forgive and let go. 

https://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/ 

Wishing you peace and love within your heart and a very blessed and happy Christmas.

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Little One Learns about Thanksgiving and Christmas

Little One and her companions are silent as they begin the next part of their journey.  Each is in their own thoughts of what has happened during this last part of their journey, and wondering what’s next.

It is still early morning and the sun has not been up long enough to warm the day.  Since it is still a wee bit cool Little One is wearing the long pants, a little t-shirt and the sweater Martha had given her.  She is not wearing the shoes because she loves the feel of the sand on her feet.

L’Uni walks alongside of Little One while their flying companions go on ahead, yet sometimes circle back as if to check on the others.

Little One is quiet in her own thoughts.  She feels sad having left Martha and Kelly, but knows it is time to move on.  Although she wonders what will happen next she decides she does not want to think about it…only take one day at a time.

She walks on slowly.  Sometimes shuffling her feet in the sand as she goes, occasionally walking backwards to see where she has come from.  Then she stops for a moment.  Although she no longer sees the place where Martha lives, she thinks about her, wondering how she is and what she is doing.  Maybe she is getting ready for her family to arrive for their visit.

As they continue along this stretch of beach, her friends are nearby, but quiet.  They know Little One has much on her mind and heart.  It has been a couple of hours since they left Martha and Kelly.  Little One notices a huge piece of driftwood on the beach near the water and decides to sit for a bit.  L’Uni, Angel Mary and their feathered friends rest nearby.

Little One is thanking God for the blessings in her life ….

After awhile Little One takes a snack from her back pack and eats with a smile in her heart for Martha’s gift.

Angel Mary decides now is a good time to talk to her about life in the world…how it is in this time, this century.  She wants to tell her about the upcoming holidays and what people do in the communities, the cities across America.

“Little One, I want to tell you about two special holidays coming up soon.”

Little One asks “What is a holiday?”

“Holidays are yearly celebrations of special events which happened long ago.  There are some which are only celebrated in some countries” Mary explains.

Little One looks confused, maybe just thoughtful.

“What is it Little One” Mary asks.

“What are countries?” asks Little One.

Mary laughs.  “Oh my dear child, you have much to learn.”

Little One’s face lights up with eyes big and bright, she says “I really like to learn new things and I like meeting new people.”

Mary smiles and continues.  “I have seen that about you.  Your experience with wild animals in your travels, I saw you unafraid when typically many of them can be dangerous to humans.  That will help you be more patient and understanding, and accepting of humans who may not be so nice.  And I’ve seen how you have been with other people.  Your openness and acceptance of others you have met, like L’Uni and her fairy friends will keep you believing in the unexpected.  Even when the time comes that you won’t see them or me anymore there will be quiet memories in the back of your mind.  You may not even remember what it is exactly, but there will be a special feeling inside you.  I know that is a gift from God you will always be thankful for.  That brings me to the special holidays coming up.

The first is Thanksgiving.   This began centuries ago, not only in America, but also in other countries.  It is for giving thanks to God for plentiful harvests.  It is a time to celebrate with family and friends over a meal together.  It has become a time to be grateful for more of God’s blessings, not only the food to nourish our bodies.  Many people give thanks for the wonderful people in their lives, for work they get paid for and the ability to pay the bills to support themselves and others, for their health, and whatever else they are grateful for.”

Little One has been listening with great interest and says “what a wonderful celebration.  I hope I will get to share that time with people some day.”

“Oh you will Little One,” replies Mary.  “You will have wonderful people come into your life, and have family of your own.  You will share your blessings with others, which in turn will give them even more to be thankful for.”

Mary continues the holiday stories.  “The next and most important holiday soon after Thanksgiving, is Christmas which is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.”  She tells Little One about God giving the world his son Jesus, and Jesus giving his life for us, and how Christmas traditions evolved, and now so commercialized.”

Little One replies “Maybe Thanksgiving is the time to thank God first for giving us Jesus, and then preparing for the real purpose of the Christmas celebration.”

“Yes” Mary says.  “I agree with you and wish everyone would feel that way.  Maybe one day that will come to pass.  You are very insightful, and that will do you well in this world.”

While Mary and Little One talk, L’Uni gets up and takes a short walk along the beach.

Little One says “I think L’Uni is ready for us to get going.”

Mary agrees.  “We can continue talking as we go.”

L’Uni sees Little One getting ready to go so she joins them.  Of course, eagle Tom and their Dove friends go with them, but from a distance.

As they go Mary continues telling Little One how people prepare for the upcoming holidays.  During the telling she also explains some details of things which Little One never heard of before.

“Most people in this country, America, traditionally have turkey and maybe ham, with various kinds of potatoes, vegetables, salad, and desserts.  Many people here come from other cultures in other countries, and they may prepare foods traditional to their country.

The meal time is a big part of both these celebrations.  Turkey is used most often on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Although Thanksgiving has not become commercialized since it is not a gift giving event, usually family and friends who enjoy time on this day at someone else’s home will bring a prepared dish or dessert to share.

Christmas has become overly commercialized because it is promoted by the stores to sell products for decorations and gifts.  Sadly people have gotten so they feel obligated to get gifts for so many others who are not friends or family.  Even within families people tend to spend more than they can afford which then causes them stress throughout the year trying to pay for it all.  Many feel they have to return the gesture when someone they did not plan on gives them a gift.

It would be so much nicer and more meaningful if people would make something as gifts to give.  Or they could create personalized gift cards for a service, something they know the other person would really appreciate.

In time many people have forgotten the true reason for the celebration of Christmas…the birth of Jesus.  They spend much of their time stressed about decorating, shopping for gifts, and if hosting on Christmas Eve or Christmas day, worrying about meal preparations and cleaning the house.

However, as many people have lost jobs, their homes, the ability to pay bills, and feed themselves there has been a shift in what some people now believe is truly important.

There is a trend toward remembering the true purpose of Christmas.  Many people are cutting back, making some of their gifts, simplifying their holiday plans, appreciating what they do have, especially their relationships with family and friends.

It is a lovely time when families and friends attend their church celebration of Jesus’ birthday, then at home sharing a meal and opening their gifts.”

Little One has been listening with much interest.  “It sounds like a lovely holiday; at least when remembering the purpose and keeping the celebrations simple.  I look forward to experiencing it some day.”

“Yes it is a wonderful and very special holiday” says Mary.

While Mary has been telling this story to Little One, Eagle Tom, and the doves Peace and Love have taken off on their own.  L’Uni is a little ahead of Little One and Mary.

It is now late afternoon. They decide to stop for a while.  They realize they seem to be coming to the end of this beach.  There are huge rocks up ahead.    They notice L’Uni walking around them.   So they follow her and find on the other side an opening.  They go in to see what is there.  It is a smallish cave.  The opening is big enough so the current location of the sun in the sky shines its light into the cave.  It is quiet and rather comfortable inside.

In one corner there is a tiny pool of water which comes from a small trickle out of a wee crack in the wall.   It is fresh water.  Little One realizes she is thirsty so she cups her hand to get the water which she drinks.  She steps into the little pool and feels the water is a comfortable temperature.  “Oh, this feels good.  And I can wash myself with the little cloth Martha put in my pack” she says.

Mary smiles and nods a yes as she says “I think this is where L’Uni plans for us to stay tonight.”

“I think so too” says Little One.  “It almost reminds me of the one we stayed in the last night before we started our new journey along the beach where we saw the three people who had been in an accident, and before we met Martha and Kelly.  It was a lovely cave.”

They know their feathered friends will join them again later.  So here they stay.  Little One has food to snack on and the water to drink.  They talk while they rest.

Now that the stars are out and Little One has grown tired it is time to sleep.

As she sleeps she has a magnificent dream about a Thanksgiving celebration and a Christmas with some wonderful people she has yet to meet.

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Spirit of the Holidays

Image via Wikipedia

I am grateful for the spirit of the upcoming holidays … Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is an emphasis on being grateful at Thanksgiving time. If we could only remember to be grateful each day of the year.

And Christmas…it is supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus. How many of us remember that in the midst of decorating, buying gifts, and looking forward to opening our own gifts! And if hosting the Christmas Eve and/or Christmas day meal, the buying of groceries and maybe some special table decorations; then cleaning the house and preparing the meal. Through all of this, many still feel the “spirit” and joy of this holiday. I hope your spirit of Christmas includes joy for the birth of Jesus.

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