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A Living Witness
I am blessed with two wonderful mothers in my life. My own mother is a quiet soul whose life radiates peace even amongst the most challenging of circumstances. She calmly goes through life, caring for her family and finding a myriad of ways to show she loves us. While she is not overly vocal about her faith, there is no doubt that it is what grounds her no matter what happens. My dear mother-in-law is opposite in character. Her vivacious personality embraces those around her with love and affection. She opens her heart and her life to those around her, easily socializing in any crowd and making friends…
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The “In” Crowd
Making connections – it is usually considered the way to success. We are told to get out there and find ways to meet people who are influential in our chosen profession, sport, or interest. Get to know them, find out what makes them tick, read what they read, attend events they attend – these are all strategies supposedly to lead to the goal we desire. Most really successful people are able to use their connections to their own advantage. This “in” opens up doors to new opportunities and avenues for growth. There are many days when I would like to have that magical “in” – that special connection…
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A New Thing
A highlight in my school day are my video chats with my students. My young students always have some intriguing comments to make, no matter what the subject. I never quite know what paths our conversations will take each day. They typically are quite frank and honest in their responses, easily sharing what matters most to them in their world. As is typical on a Monday morning, I ask them what they did with their weekend. In recent months, their answers are rarely exciting. Sometimes I hear about snow forts built or places visited but usually I get lists of movies watched and board games played as my students try…
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Baseball Hit
Mary Dobkin was an unlikely baseball hero. Born in the early 1900s, she suffered severe frostbite as a child which resulted in long term complications. She endured multiple hospital stays and surgeries and spent her adult life in poverty, living on disability benefits. While hospitalized, Mary came to love the sport of baseball. As an adult, she realized that baseball could be an encouragement to the poor children of her neighbourhood. Mary raised funds for equipment and uniforms and started a team. Even though having to use a wheelchair or crutches, she was able to coach thousands of children over the years. Volunteering her time, Mary was instrumental in…
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Taking Flight
What’s your typical reaction when you see a storm coming? Do you dance around in the midst of the hailstones or do you run for cover? Do you relish in getting soaked from the rain or do you find the nearest dry shelter? Most of us want to seek some kind of protection from stormy outbreaks. We desire a reprieve from any adverse conditions rather than search them out. Avoiding the stresses of turbulent events is typically high on our list. The bird kingdom is no different. When a storm approaches, all but one breed of bird goes to find shelter. Who is the anomaly? It is the eagle. While…
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Giving
I’m in the middle of watching a Christmas movie where a struggling photographer wins a contest. Rather than use the substantial prize money for himself even though he needs it badly, he decides instead to play a Secret Santa role and help out a number of needy people in his community. He demonstrates great empathy for people and becomes aware of many whose needs are even greater than his own. He starts a trend. Soon multiple people are paying for purchases of others and helping those in need. His giving attitude is infectious. He shows that the best gifts are those where you don’t expect anything back. The rewards he…
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Family Tree
In this Advent season I am working through the Gospel of Matthew. My purpose is to take a journey through Jesus’ earthly story and to truly appreciate the sacrifice He made to come to earth, live among us, and sacrifice Himself for us. Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus. It makes sense that Matthew opens his book this way as his main purpose in writing is to show the Jews how Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecy. Part of that explanation is showing that Jesus is in the lineage of King David. Jesus’ family tree reveals some interesting points. Although it was uncommon for women to be included in such…
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The Explanation
My husband has a great love of movies. He likes the challenge of media that makes him think as well as those that offer action and adventure. Recently he recorded the Matrix series of movies. We had watched pieces of these movies together at various times, but his thought was, if I can see the events in sequence from the beginning to the end, then I will understand the movies better. Because this type of movie makes him happy, I am game to try it out at least. Watching the start of the first movie I wonder if I really have made a wise decision. Very little makes sense to…
