This is a poem, written by my 8 year old niece, Emily. It is about her mischievous younger brother, Jonathan. She wrote this to help brighten my days, and lighten my load.
"Jonathan With A Hose"
by Emily Rose Gibson
You try to spray me
That won't work, don't you see ?
I've got protection here
In the form of rain gear.
An umbrella in a reddish hue
It's nice and sturdy too,
You say you'll spray the flowers
But you mean to give me showers.
You try to make me drip
I open my protection quick !
My message should be clear
TURN OFF THE HOSE, DEAR !
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3 comments:
Dear Brent
Came to know about your illness three days ago and through George Thottappilly had the opportunity to read Brent's Blog. I must adimire you for accepting it in the right spirit and leaving it to the almighty for a speedy recovery
Tomorrow is a very auspicous day, Vinayaka Chaturdi. When I vist the temple I will offer special prayers for your recovery. Indeed the world agricultre needs you and your services are indispensable for the millions of farmers below poverty line
Kindest regards
DVR Reddy
Virologist
MAKE ME AN INSTRUMENT OF THY PEACE
HOLDING ON IN FAITH
Many situations cause us to lose faith in ' the system.' When we read of justice being twisted to favour the rich and powerful, or the denial of rights to women and minority groups, the use of violence to subdue the powerless, we wonder, " Is there any hope left for us?"
In institutions where we work, when time honoured old values are pushed aside for newer, more superficial ones, feelings of hopelessness sets in for those who believe in the old ways. At such times, it is easy to despair. To believe that struggling and working for what you believe in is just an idealistic dream. When a society or community begins to lose faith and begins to despair, the fabric of its life soon disintegrates into chaos.
The story of South Africa has always been a source of inspiration for me. People like Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu were two of the many who sowed seeds of faith and hope in what seemed to be dismally, depressing times. In 1960, the year when Tutu was ordained, the white government attacked a group of protesters against apartheid in what became known as the Sharpeville massacre: 69 people were killed, many shot in the back while running away. In total, 500 people died that year. Black people retaliated with gruesome violence too. The government turned to harsher violence and draconian laws to stay in power.
Living with violence of this kind and the fear and insecurity it brought had become the way of life. Ordinary people gave in to despair. But Tutu believed that this was not the right way to live for black people or whites ones. He believed too that the black people had a God who cared about justice and righteousness as much as they did. Whenever he preached, he drew examples from the Bible where God had intervened and reached out and heard the prayers of those who were oppressed and suffering. He spoke of a day of justice and liberation. He made people believe in this dream. He spoke whenever he could at funerals and Sunday services, to youth and women's groups, in schools and universities. People who heard him trusted him and had their faith and hope renewed.
Tutu was right not to despair and lose hope. It was right that he sowed seeds of faith and hope in a better way to live. For five years later, all-race elections were held in 1994 and Nelson Mandela was elected president. Later, the Truth and Reconciliation commission heralded a new South Africa for everyone.
When we lose faith in the system around us, there is always someone who still has faith. Someone who still believes in justice and equality for everyone; in working things out, in wanting to restore a better way of life for everyone. It becomes important that people who have faith and hope address those who lack it. That they encourage them with their presence, strengthen them with their faith and support them in what ever way they can.
THINK!
When you lose faith in the 'system' - whether at work, or in the country, how do you feel? What rekindles your faith?
O God, who has created the universe and art ever at work in it to restore the harmony broken by the self- will of men: give us quiet, confident faith in Thee that our eyes may ever look in expectation to thy love and power, rather than the power of evil or the weakness of men. Help us to stand firm in the assurance that thou art at work in all that happens, in the foolishness of men as well as in all their efforts for goodness, turning all to Thy loving purpose. Amen.
{George Appleton}
Suggested reading: Mathew 17: 20
(a thought i collected from vellore site.
i am really sorry to hear about the recent pattern of things and am unable to understand God's will but am still with u mentally and will continue to pray for u and usha and family)
love and prayers
christo
...send the doctors and caregivers...
Dear Father in heaven, my creator and provider, help me. Help me to stand on your word that you will command your angels to guard me, especially when I’m in pain and suffering. You know my own condition. You promised to be with me when I’m in trouble. Please give me patience to wait for your deliverance.
I have difficulty finding the right words except to ask that you will send the doctors and caregivers that are best for my needs. Give me the wisdom to choose the best option for treatment, the best professionals, the best facilities and the best place under my circumstances.
Lord Jesus my saviour, I pray for your blessings and guidance. Relieve me of the many discomforts and worries that prevent me from normal sleep. Help me to call on your Name when in pain instead of moaning in self pity. I put myself entirely in your precious hands dear Lord. Heal me. Please hear my prayer and grant my needs according to your will. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Then I would be comforted, knowing that in all of my pain I have never disobeyed God.
Job 6:10
(may b i have found some prayer words for u on the net. take care. christo)
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