Many Happy New Years

Another year has come to an end
Like a good dream it came and went
If only it would slow down
Yet it will pass faster next round

Time is a gift from above
To allow us to spread love
Use it wisely for the clock
One day will come to a stop

Spend time with your special ones
Have time for those in need
Save time for yourself
Enjoy the good time

A Happy New Year!
Many Happy New Years!
Many Many Happy New Years!

Smile!

James
Toronto OntarioDecember 30, 2007

The Christmas Message

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1)

In the fullness of time, the Creator entered human history and lived among us. In a manger in Bethlehem, Jesus, the Son of God, was born the Son of Mary. He descended from heaven to teach us to live so that we can be with Him today and for eternity. He came out of boundless love: He loves me, He loves you, and He loves the whole world. He is our God and our Friend: available and approachable, offering hope and support no matter what storm we are facing. If we love Him and love our neighbour then nothing can keep us from experiencing this Divine love. Even if we fall to our passions, like the prodigal son, upon our return, His love will be awaiting with open arms. Jesus, the Christ, dwells among us and within us if we let Him be born in our heart. Have no fear of anything or person for His Light has overcome the darkness of this world, for God is Love.

Glory to God in the Highest!

James
Toronto Ontario
Christmas Eve, 2007

My Spiritual War

The war goes on and on
It is part of the timeless conflict
I am a Spartan, a warrior, fighting darkness
The land is full of wolves and the sea with sharks
Wearing my Cross, I willingly face all danger
At work, lies and deceitful charges are hurled at me
I am tempted to return the fire
Instead, I turn the other cheek
At home, caring for my wife’s illness and aging parents weigh heavily upon me
I am tempted to serve my needs first and ignore theirs
Instead, I turn the other cheek.
Ego, pride, fear, like guided missiles, attack my heart
Prayer and worship attempt to shoot them down
Some get through and wound me
It has been a rough July
The daily battles are taking a toll
I have been weakened
I need rest
As I begin floating in a sea of despair, I hear an Angelic voice telling me:
“Continue the good fight”
“You are winning”
I smile, and prepare for the battle ahead by putting on the armor of God, fighting with the sword of the Holy Spirit and the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:13)
The war goes on and on


James
Toronto Ontario
August 6, 2007

Mind Weeds

Last Saturday, I spent 2 hours working in my garden: tilling the soil and removing weeds. I am amazed by the power of weeds. I remove them, yet like a wave they return. No matter what I do, in 3 weeks I will be removing them again.
Sweating under the hot sun, it occurred to me that weeds are like the evil thoughts that are unceasingly bombarding my mind, like a wave, seeking a place to inhabit. Some of these thoughts, related to pride, ego and lust, get planted and begin to grow.
I resolve, that as I remove the weeds from my garden on a tri weekly basis, I will remove the weeds in my mind on a daily basis, lest they overcome me.

James
Toronto Ontario
July 5, 2007

Barking Dogs

It’s Sunday evening, sitting on my porch
Watching people walking their dogs go by
Across the street, a neighbour’s large pooch
Is watching too, but with an evil eye

Jumping and barking madly behind a fence
It is clear that his disposition is quite tense.
He is saying, “this is my turf go away”
The passer-by’s can choose to confront or to obey

A Terrier, like most dogs, stops and aggressively returns the fire
And attempts to engage in a physical altercation
While a Sheppard, as if he is deaf, calmly ignores the ire
With courage and patience, he avoids an unnecessary confrontation

Everyday you and I face too many provocations
Choose not to respond to every such occasion
Be not like the barking dogs but like the good Sheppard And the peace of God will be with you forever

A Fathers Day Petition to God

Lord, on this Father’s Day, I beseech Thee. My father has begun the descent to dust. His medical conditions are numerous. His nous and soul are weak. Please do not summon him to You yet. Bestow upon him more time so that he may find You first. May your Grace come upon him.

Many times I have selfishly doubted his pain and suffering. Forgive me Lord. I have failed him and You. Bestow upon me more time so that I may make amends. Let me be Your tool to help him. May your Grace come upon me.

I love my father who is on earth and my father who art in heaven.

James,
Toronto Ontario June 16, 2007

No Short Cuts In Life

Culture today is characterised by a desire for instant gratification. The quick fix: fast food, cosmetic surgery, cramming, pornography, “lose 10 pounds in 30 days”, “ buy now pay later”, self help books that promise a solution to every imaginable family and personal problems. Any time spent in these activities results in benefits that are temporary and illusionary. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes in life.

For example, successful farming requires tilling, planting, watering, and cultivating. All these actions must be taken to ensure a bountiful harvest. In, “First Things First”, author Stephen Covey refers to this example as The Law of Farm and argues that the no short cut principle applies to all facets of life. Similarly, the Bible provides that, “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” The most important aspects in life are God and family. Are we taking shortcuts in developing a relationship with Jesus and with our family?

Notwithstanding our busy lives we must find time for Him: “Seek first the Kingdom of God”. Do this by; daily reading of the Bible, readings of the Holy Fathers of the Church, prayer – talk to God, attending church every Sunday. There are no shortcuts to climbing the ladder that leads to God.

We must find more time for our spouse and for our children. Time and the accompanying attention, is the most important gift we can provide our family: Material possessions or money have little meaning in creating lasting harmony. Our behaviour towards the family must be governed by patience, tenderness, selflessness and forgiveness. Demonstrate these virtues, endure all that comes your way, and over time healthy relationships will be harvested. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes.

My friends, sow your time wisely.

James
May 22, 2007
Toronto

My Special Wife

Facing hardship every day
Without asking why it came her way

Chronic illness is her cross
That she carries without fuss

She looks forward to tomorrow
Whether it will bring peace or sorrow

On a typical day she is at rest
Up and about she gives her best

A degree or career she has not
Yet her wisdom is often sought

The innocence in her eye
Tells she cannot lie

The cheerful smile on her face
Says that she has been touched by God’s grace

To our children she devotes her life
I love my beautiful special wife


James
Toronto
May 12, 2007

The Cycle

Again knowingly I trespass
And move away from the Light
Unable to see the way
I descend into the night

The fall only stops
When I acknowledge the sin
Forgive me Lord, I say
Beginning an ascent toward Him

Feeling the presence of Truth
Again I am at peace
Until a passionate thought invades
Causing the divine connection to cease

This cycle will continue
Till the end of my time
I hope to limit the repeats
By being of sound mind

A Letter to God on Good Friday

Dear Lord

Good Friday, April 6,2007

Thank you for enduring the Crucifixion: The nailing, verbal attacks, bodily blows, the spearing, the thorns, being spat upon, the thirst, the humiliation, and the betrayal. I cannot begin to imagine Your pain and suffering, or what went through your mind, as you faced Your world from atop the hill. What a paradox, us creatures doing this to You, the Creator. You allowed this to happen: An act of love by You, for me, and for the whole world. A love that I do not deserve. I am one of your assailants. Forgive me Lord! My sins, past present and to come, assaulted you on the Cross. Forgive me Lord! If I had been present in the praetorium, would I have joined the crowd and yelled “Crucify Him!” We know the answer. I continue the persecution, knowingly and unknowingly. Yet Your love for me remains unchanging. Forgive me Lord! Praise be to you my patient Friend and Lord.


JS April 6, 2007

Peace

Don’t be anxious about your life
It will turn out all right

There is no other like you
The Maker knew what to do

You are beautiful the way you are
Believe it and you will go far

When it does not go your way
Smile and say that’s okay

Although you are in daily pain
Forgive, don’t seek to blame

Let love fill your heart
To give joy a start

This is the road to inner peace
As laid out by the Prince of Peace

We shall take this journey together
For we are friends forever