faith – Page 7 – Sugar And Spice… Among Other Things

Christian, Family and Society, Random Thoughts, Reflections

Given Another Try

Posted on December 29, 2019October 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

One of the local downtown stores was having it’s usual year end sales. While most sections were having the regular holiday rush, one section set apart as a temporary built structure was having an unexpected inflow of customers. For a change this year, they had opened a new section meant for second hand goods like old toys, clothes, decors, sports goods and the like with the proceeds going to the local orphanage. As the second hand goods went at throw-away prices, all these products were given a second chance at being useful to those in need, somewhere else or to someone else.

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A lot like these goods, many people are in need of second chances. While second chances do indeed transform lives, when this chance is from God, there is a whole new lease to life as it unfolds. Many a time we encounter His Grace whether it be through sheer luck, unexplained acts of random kindness or a stroke of luck or goodness that happens by chance; all these second chances gives a fresh face to life.

“Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean!” (Micah 7:19)

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With the year coming to a close, there may have been mistakes made, some knowingly or by chance (as just happened) or inevitable circumstances. Setting all these causes and factors aside, while changing the circumstances mayn’t be possible, giving ourselves a fresh chance to cope with them would help face the day. While this year or month mayn’t haven’t gone as per plan, one can always attempt again or find a new way. All of us need second chances, for no one is perfect at every strike or moment. Accepting His Grace and seeking His Help would help us overcome the downhills and find a fresh chances in the coming year.

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Christian, Random Thoughts, Stories Around the World

Twelve Days On

Posted on December 26, 2019December 19, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“For Christmas is tradition time—
Traditions that recall
The precious memories down the years,
The sameness of them all.”
Helen Lowrie Marshall

With the Christmas bells still ringing on, the festive feeling still runs on. With all the family gathered at the homestead yesterday, the laughter, food and music were in the air. To pass the time before the dinner, the carol game of recall and forfeit was played (more of a family Christmas tradition) among the teens and the adults in the group.

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Interestingly, one of the most popular Christmas carols, “The Twelve of Christmas” was believed to have originated as a children’s memory and forfeit game. As per the song, the twelve days start with Christmas Day or the day after Christmas (Boxing Day or St. Stephen’s Day, the feast day of St. Stephen Protomartyr) to the day before Epiphany or the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January, the Twelfth Day). The eve of the Epiphany is formerly the last day of the Christmas festivities and observed as a time of merrymaking”. Epiphany formerly celebrates the revelation of the God prophesy of Christ. Historical evidence and records point to the North of England, specifically the area around Newcastle upon Tyne, as the origin of the carol somewhere around the early 18th century (approx.1714) onward.

“This piece is found on broadsides printed at Newcastle at various periods during the last hundred and fifty years. On one of these sheets, nearly a century old, it is entitled “An Old English Carol,” but it can scarcely be said to fall within that description of composition, being rather fitted for use in playing the game of “Forfeits,” to which purpose it was commonly applied in the metropolis upwards of forty years since. The practice was for one person in the company to recite the first three lines; a second, the four following; and so on; the person who failed in repeating her portion correctly being subjected to some trifling forfeit.”
Husk, 1864 ( Cecil J. Sharp, A. G. Gilchrist and Lucy E. Broadwood, “Forfeit Songs; Cumulative Songs; Songs of Marvels and of Magical Animals,” Journal of the Folk-Song Society, Vol. 5, No. 20 (November 1916), p. 280.)

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Another reference to the popular Christmas carol can be traced as a Christmastime game played before supper. As written by Lady Gomme (1898), “The Twelve Days” was a Christmas game. It was a customary thing in a friend’s house to play “The Twelve Days,” or “My Lady’s Lap Dog,” every Twelfth Day night. The party was usually a mixed gathering of juveniles and adults, mostly relatives, and before supper — that is, before eating mince pies and twelfth cake — this game and the cushion dance were played, and the forfeits consequent upon them always cried. The company were all seated round the room. The leader of the game commenced by saying the first line. […] The lines for the “first day” of Christmas was said by each of the company in turn ; then the first “day” was repeated, with the addition of the “second” by the leader, and then this was said all round the circle in turn. This was continued until the lines for the “twelve days” were said by every player. For every mistake a forfeit — a small article belonging to the person — had to be given up. These forfeits were afterwards “cried” in the usual way, and were not returned to the owner until they had been redeemed by the penalty inflicted being performed.”

As this song evolved as an English Christmas carol as a catechism song for young Catholics, along with the surface meaning, each element in the carol has a link to the Christian faith (although this aspect is highly debatable). As children sang these songs, they could remember the background and principles behind the Christian teachings. Starting with the “True Love” one hears in the song is referenced to baby Christ because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators. The two turtle doves signify the Old and New Testaments while the three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love. As the four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the five golden rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man’s fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.

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Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas_(song)#/media/File:XRF_12days.jpg

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For the words “six geese a-laying” signify the six days of creation. The “Seven swans a-swimming” represented the seven fold gifts of the Holy Spirit—–Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy while the eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. The “Nine ladies dancing” were the remaining nine fruits of the Holy Spirit which are charity, joy, peace, patience (forebearance), goodness (kindness), mildness, fidelity, modesty and chastity. As remaining of “ten lords a-leaping”, “eleven pipers piping” and the “twelve drummers drumming” symbolize the Ten Commandments, eleven faithful Apostles and the twelve points of belief in The Apostles’ Creed respectively. Although this interpretation is highly debatable, it highlights the fact that there is always a meaning behind each word.

All in all, these few carols when sung in full swing or even played as a Christmas time game, bring all of us closer in the spirit of love, joy and kindness. For the real Christian faith goes beyond the surface, carrying His Teachings and the principles that guide us through the good times as well as the tough days.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

[Verse 1]
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree

[Verse 2]
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree ………

[Verse 12]
On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me
12 drummers drumming
11 pipers piping
10 lords a-leaping
Nine ladies dancing
Eight maids a-milking
Seven swans a-swimming
Six geese a-laying
Five golden rings
Four calling birds
Three french hens
Two turtle doves, and
A partridge in a pear tree

Note: “The Twelve Days of Christmas” known today was the arrangement as popularized by Frederic Austin (1909). Original source for the history behind the song : Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska

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Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas_(song)#/media/File:12_days_angus.png

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Christian, Family and Society, Life, Random Thoughts

More than A Chance

Posted on December 22, 2019December 14, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“A little child, a shining star, a stable rude, the door ajar. Yet in that place, so crude, forlorn, the Hope of all the world was born.” Anonymous

As the last Sunday before the Advent approached, the youth group had decided to do a different tree for this year. Along with the tradition of setting up the big Christmas tree, green complete with the tiny ornaments, snow globes, garlands and clumps of holly; the “Jesse Tree” was set up in the central lawn of the chapel. Unlike the elaborately Christmas tree, the Jesse Tree was one of the very old medieval customs to mark and celebrate the gift of the Advent. As per the custom, a tree was selected and during the four weeks leading to the Advent, each day had the teachings and records from the Scriptures, from the Creation to the day of the Advent. With each story, the respective symbol was up on the tree.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Jesse#/media/File:Beauvais_(60),_%C3%A9glise_Saint-%C3%89tienne,_baie_n%C2%B0_5_a.jpg

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The last week before this Sunday had seen the symbols of water lily, made from fine white crepe paper as well as a miniature painting of the mother and child go up. Numerous symbols adorned the tree ranging from the miniature apple (Adam and Eve) , the rainbow ( story of Noah’s Ark and the flood), the cutout drawing of a tent (God’s promise to Abraham), the ram, multicoloured robe, the six pointed star of “David”, a temple cutout, the scallop shell and the like, were few of the tokens adorning the tree.

Each branch of the Jesse tree is a sign of new beginnings. The first Jesse trees were large carvings, tapestries or even stained glass windows put in Churches that helped illiterate people to learn about the Bible, from the creation to the Christmas Story. These trees today, stay as an Advent calendar, serving to remind each Christian of the promises of His Word and gift of another Chance through the birth of His Son.

1MAubwp2gdo__original pic series_mycambridgefairytale

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While the significance of the Jesse tree lies in the scriptures of the prophet Isaiah wherein His Promise of new Life and beginnings through His Son Christ. The greatest gift of the Advent is the “gift of His Love”, another chance to receive the fruits of the Spirit as well as the gift of His Grace and His Love. During the times of turmoil, be it from external or internal influences, it is His Promise that helps us gain the courage to survive the ordeal and return strengthened and reinforced in His Love. Let this Advent be another blessing, giving each one their own special gift, miracle as well as memories to hold for a lifetime.

“11 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
and faithfulness the sash around his waist.”
(Isaiah 11:1-5.King James Version)

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Daily, Family and Society, Life, Personal Musings, poetry, Random Thoughts

Beacon through the Mist

Posted on December 19, 2019September 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“The rocky ledge runs far into the sea,
And on its outer point, some miles away,
The Lighthouse lifts its massive masonry,
A pillar of fire by night, of cloud by day.”
(excerpt from The Lighthouse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)

With schools closed for the holiday break, free hours were taken by impromptu walks, daytime exploration of the countryside with abandoned buildings or simple hanging out at the family homestead. During their trip to the small harbour while accompanying Grandpa was their exploration of the abandoned building standing tall amidst the rocks across the coastline. Being near my workplace, I had agreed to pick up the kids after office hours, their volley of shouts and play in the lighthouse tower brought to mind, the stories and experiences seen and held in those strong bricks.

“To be a lighthouse, you must be strong enough to resist every kind of storm, to every kind of loneliness and you must have a powerful light inside you!” Mehmet Murat Ildan

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What had initially started as fires built on hilltops to guide the mariners had later lead to attempts to increase the visibility of the fire by placing it on a platform. Thereby, the ancient lighthouses were built functioning both as entrance markers to ports and as warning signal for reefs and promontories. As per the Homeric legend, Palamedes of Nafplio invented the first lighthouse, attested by the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Colossus of Rhodes. Although records show that Themistocles had earlier established a lighthouse at the harbor of Piraeus connected to Athens in the 5th century BC, essentially a small stone column with a fire beacon.

These on passing by the abandoned lighthouse that falls on my regular route, one tends to contemplate of the stories, the secrets, the experiences and the storms witnessed by that solitary tower. Those ships who had seen that light during the downpour and storms, or the bright yellow directing the way across the hazy air around them. With advanced communications and signalling, lighthouse may feel to be a thing of the past. Yet the reality depends on the place. Even today, it may be the strong beacon of light which guides the seafarers through the treacherous rocks, as compared to the radio signals which may be more lost than found in the storm.

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Each of our lives echo the effect of the lighthouse, standing lone but independent and strong, felt similarly at certain points in our lives. As long as one decides to stay true and do their best in every situation, their very lives will be the beacon of hope and throw light to dispel the darkness and gloom surrounding those who watch them. No lighthouse blasts away their name, but by being just there as themselves in those crucial points help to steer away major loss and disaster. Instead, their beacon of light shows the way out through those difficult hours.

“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining- they just shine.” Dwight L. Moody

On the Lighthouse at Antibes
by Mathilde Blind

A stormy light of sunset glows and glares
Between two banks of cloud, and o’er the brine
Thy fair lamp on the sky’s carnation line
Alone on the lone promontory flares:

Friend of the Fisher who at nightfall fares
Where lurk false reefs masked by the hyaline
Of dimpling waves, within whose smile divine
Death lies in wait behind Circean snares.

The evening knows thee ere the evening star;
Or sees thy flame sole Regent of the bight,
When storm, hoarse rumoured by the hills afar,
Makes mariners steer landward by thy light,
Which shows through shock of hostile nature’s war
How man keeps watch o’er man through deadliest night.

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Christian, Family and Society, Personal Musings, Random Thoughts, Reflections

Small but Profound

Posted on December 15, 2019October 21, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20)

While attending the Sunday meet for the women wing of the church, the talk had moved around the daily difficulties as well as conflicting work schedules, the fiasco of the holidays and the winter aliments affecting the elderly at home. In the course of the conversations, the feeling that resonated through was that He will find a way for us. Later on, reflecting these thoughts what ran through was the expression from the bible of “faith as a grain of mustard seed”.

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Found mostly in temperate regions, the black mustard is a large annual plant growing up to nine feet tall, from a proverbially small seed (approx. 3mm). As noted by theologian Ben Witherington notes that the mustard plant demonstrates that “Though the dominion appeared small like a seed during Jesus’ ministry, it would inexorably grow into something large and firmly rooted, which some would find shelter in and others would find obnoxious and try to root out.”

“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. (Mark 11:22)

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Faith should be in effect like the mustard seed. It may in small measure but have a profound influence. Faith never dictates nor directs, but it grows into belief in His Word and that all will be done by His Will. Faith also gives hope that like today, tomorrow will have it own share of troubles but a way will be found through. Faith grows through prayer and His teaching. Faith helps one to face an uncertain tomorrow. Faith is what drives each one through tough times. Once each one of us grows the mustard tree, the vitality and peace from it will be felt deep within. If not for inner peace, which is fostered by Faith and Hope; the practicality of a life lived in harmony, contentment, love and happiness would be just a futile dream.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

One little girl had to have an operation. The doctor told her before putting on the operating table, “Before you are operated, we will put you to sleep. (i.e. anaesthetize)” The girl looked at him and, smiling, said, “And if you put me to sleep, then I must pray first.” She knelt at the table and said, “I go to bed, Lord, and I ask You to save my soul. But if I have to die before I wake up, then I ask You, Lord, to take my soul as per Thy Will.”
The doctor later said that this evening he prayed for the first time in thirty years!

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Christian, Daily, Life

“Our Father…”

Posted on December 8, 2019September 18, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

With the season of Christmas coming near, the church was busy with the choir, Christmas play, carols and related Christmas activities. From paper chains to setting up of the Christmas tree, preparations were being made and each one was allotted their fair share of work. With the weekdays and the weekend having the practice scheduled accordingly, each session was closed by the prayer “Our Father”. For each event practice, it was the younger members of that set that had closed the prayer with “Our Father”.

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One of the first prayers taught by the Lord Himself, this prayer carries a wealth of meaning. The grace of the Lord, His Will, the art of forgiveness, the price and fall of temptation, receiving the daily bread and above all, living the Christian Way are all spoken of in the prayer that the Lord Himself taught us. With the season of giving and Christmas-time starting off in full swing, let not the worldly glamour and needs take over the principles and teachings of the prayer “Our Father”, as taught in the Christian Life.

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PRAYER “OUR FATHER”

Prayer “Our Father” pray more often,
Each word has its own special weight,
And there is no prayer deeper, cleaner, sweeter,
Than this, who came to us from heaven.

Behind the door locked, in solitude,
Under the branches of your fig tree,
Pray for this drink of pleasure,
Understanding the meaning of what was said in it.

In this prayer one can learn
Everything that there is law and grace:
As the name of the Lord is holy,
As the will of God to give a place in the heart.

And how to forgive, to receive forgiveness,
How to have daily bread on the table.
How to save oneself from temptations,
As a name to exalt the Father in praise.

“For Yours is the Kingdom, Strength, Glory!” –
Isn’t it so beautiful ?!
And this belongs to us rightfully.
These are the words of the Master, Christ.

Prayer “Our Father” pray more often.
Each word has its own special weight.
And there is no prayer deeper, higher, sweeter
than this, which came to us from heaven.

Anna Velk

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

Christian, poetry, Random Thoughts

A part of HIS Canvas

Posted on December 1, 2019August 11, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.” (1 Chronicles 16:24)

Entering into the final month of the year, winter brings forth a lot of pleasant memories, realizations, personal goals as well as soul time for family, friends and self. Though every winter may differ from the previous, this season gives a chance for one to reflect their own canvas of life and the wonderful works done by His Hand.

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From the rich fields of green fresh with the smell of the spring to the bare beauty and quiet of winter; one learns to appreciate life as God teaches us through the seasons. Every day is a fresh start to learn something new from own experience or through the perspective of the other. Nature itself has a lot of wonders to show and teach us. From the bare headed trees of winter to the flowers that flourish through the winter, each season has something that proves that if one really wants to, one can survive and come through with flying colours, against all odds. For it depends on how much one believes in own self and in His Mighty Works. Faith no matter how simple it sounds, has the more power than mustard seed or even dynamite.

“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” (Psalm 104:24)

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God The Artist
By Angela Morgan

God, when you thought of a pine tree,
How did you think of a star?
How did you dream of the Milky Way
To guide us from afar.
How did you think of a clean brown pool
Where flecks of shadows are?

God, when you thought of a cobweb,
How did you think of dew?
How did you know a spider’s house
Had shingles bright and new?
How did you know the human folk
Would love them like they do?

God, when you patterned a bird song,
Flung on a silver string,
How did you know the ecstasy
That crystal call would bring?
How did you think of a bubbling throat
And a darling speckled wing?

God, when you chiseled a raindrop,
How did you think of a stem,
Bearing a lovely satin leaf
To hold the tiny gem?
How did you know a million drops
Would deck the morning’s hem?

Why did you mate the moonlit night
With the honeysuckle vines?
How did you know Madeira bloom
Distilled ecstatic wines?
How did you weave the velvet disk
Where tangled perfumes are?
God, when you thought of a pine tree,
How did you think of a star?