Yes You Can

Yes you can
All is possible
Ignore the other voice
It is your choice

Climb the mountain
Carry your cross
Engage in this fight
Victory is within sight

When you fall
Endure it all
Get up, keep going
Finish the race

Focus on the Light
For power and might
You can do it all

Yes you can, my love

James

Toronto Ontario

January 12, 2008

The Holy Theophany of Our Lord

‘When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mathew 3-16).

Imagine being on the banks of the river Jordan and witnessing this awesome and marvellous scene. How would we react? Would we walk away? Would we kneel in prayer? Would we jump into the river and be baptized?

Suppose CNN was present at the Baptism and the correspondent asked Jesus to show the Father. Jesus reply would be; “He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say show us the Father.” (John 14:9)

Through this event God has directly revealed to us His triune nature. God is the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: One God, One undivided being, and three distinct divine persons.

Our minds cannot grasp this true nature of God, yet is understood by our hearts. St. Patrick used a shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity: for a shamrock is one clover with 3 leaves.

Saint Basil of Caesarea described the relationship of the three divine persons in this way: “Everything subsists by the will of the Father, comes into being through the action of the Son, and reaches its perfection through the Holy Spirit.”

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages amen!

On January 6th, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Holy Theophany of Lord God.

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