I Love You

Forever together
You and me
Two special persons
United in love.

It was meant to be
An example for all
That in perfect love
Everything is possible.

For twenty-something years
Our love has endured
Through ups and downs
Remaining very sound.

Living under the Light
Tomorrow will be bright
For I love you
And this love is forever.

Smile

James
Toronto Ontario
Written On February 10, 2008

Home Alone

Going on a business trip
Thousand miles from home
Worrying about my wife
For she will be alone

Facing challenges every day
Can she cope with me away?
What if, What if, Questions
Cloud my mind

Lord, Joanne is in your care
Keep her safe and healthy
Lord, shield me from temptation
That may come my way

Smile

James
Toronto Ontario
Written January 26, 2008

Smile

Smile

A smile has power
To transform
Smile every hour
To withstand any storm

Smile and laughter and joy
Will permeate hearts
Smile and positive thoughts
Will dominate minds

Smile to give strength
To those in need
Smile to disarm
A stranger’s fear

My love, Smile, Smile again
Life will no longer have pain

James
Toronto Ontario

Composed on January 19, 2008

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