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

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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Source: https://thewacomoms.com/advent-tradition-jesse-tree/

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

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

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)

Source:https://vk.com/thesemagicmoments

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

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

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.

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

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!

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

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Life, Personal Musings, Photography Art, Quotes, Reflections

Glimmer of Lights

Posted on December 13, 2019August 31, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

With holidays round the corner, schools slowly winding down for Christmas and the shopping to be done; one would inadvertently meet lost or out-of-touch acquaintances, hear news from distant friends or renew previous friendships. Deep inside, the constant comparison of the present with the year previous would be there. At times, there would be days tinged with regrets and “what-ifs”; while other days may highlight the quiet acceptance of the present life and the resolve to face the future day and year in a better frame of mind with the aim to make the best of the things at hand. Either way, it is the view that one chooses to take that matters the most.

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but you thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking.” Eckhart Tolle

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

Regrets for what has passed, either the good or the bad, doesn’t change anything at all. We all have our firewood, to break or have chopped off; but it’s what we do with it that matters. Take for instance, the cup that contains tea. Regardless of whether it is hot or cold, full or empty; being thankful that one has a cup and that next time, one would take care to better it to own choice would be better than twiddling thumbs and cribbing about the cup.

“If I behave as though this is a completely normal situation, then maybe it will be …” Sophie Kinsella

Each time, the thoughts of “regret or despondency” take over; look around and start mentally counting the blessings. Doing so, will help one realize that though things may have been better if one had taken the either way previously; today what is there mayn’t be there. Looking around, one should never forget the fact that today is there. That the living of today holds more importance and rightness that desiring the “what ifs” of the past or speculating the prospects of the future.

“Life is a balanced system of learning and evolution. Whether pleasure or pain; every situation in your life serves a purpose. It is up to us to recognize what that purpose could be.” Steve Maraboli

Source:https://vk.com/slideshowarts

When these downtrodden thoughts assail one, know to address the quiet sadness of the past and think of those days, but hold the “what ifs” at bay. While peering and hoping for a planned future, speculate and let the curiosity of the “what will” stay. For the latter helps one to grow and put forward their best efforts n the present. Yet while looking forwards and backwards, remember not to fail to look around. For the hugs and kisses of the loved ones in the present are the ones that help one to face the future and fills up the treasure chest of thoughts, memories and moments from the past. Learn to swim in the sea of the present as one prepares to chart the course of travels into the future.

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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”.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

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.

Source:https://vk.com/monahos

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

Life, Personal Musings, Quotes, Random Thoughts, Stories Around the World

Weave of the Ribbon

Posted on December 2, 2019November 30, 2019 by Sugar and Spice..... Among Other Things

“It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abe Lincoln

Unexpected news or shockers from what was previously imagined as real can give a jolt to the person when understanding hits the surface. Yet when it does happens, how one reacts or rather how all of us react, makes the biggest difference.

35 years male. Single. Known case of thalassemia major. On blood transfusions since age of six years. Recurrent infections. HIV ELISA positive.

40 years female. Recurrent infections since the past year. Atypical pneumonia. Disease profiles variable. HIV ELISA positive.

7 year old male. Recurrent oral candidiasis. Recent diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. HIV ELISA and PCR positive.

These above cases are not even close to the tip of the iceberg of the damage caused by what was originally believed to be the mutated form of the wild virus in non-human primates. Rising to global pandemic proportions, the origins are traced to as early as 1910 wherein probably the wild virus underwent mutations to the present form by series of changes ranging from suppression of the innate and internal immune response, high-risk transmission channels as well as social and environmental changes leading to the rapid spread of the mutated virus form. Though the earliest well-documented case of HIV in a human was done in 1959, the clinical cluster of cases (1981) in the United States with rare types of pneumonia (symptoms of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)) and rise of previously rare skin cancer called Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) prompted the CDC to develop a task force to control the outbreak. With these opportunistic infections being more prevalent in the hemophiliacs, drug users, certain endemic areas and social or sexual preferences; the task force stepped up the ante and the term AIDS was coined and brought to the forefront of the mass public.

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Ryan_White.jpg

From Ryan White to Greg Louganis or Magic Johnson and many numerous people, each of them had fought their battle with the disease of HIV/AIDS. Whether it was by their circumstances or series of unfortunate events, the questions and chaotic thoughts every person or loved one goes through on hearing the positive confirmation is the plenty of “why me’s” and the uncertainty of the future, disease progress and implications on the personal, professional as well as mental front. None of us realize the reality behind the scene, unless we step into the other’s shoes and walk a couple of miles. Only then the false pictures get morphed with those little details that help one to realize the truth was far from what was initially perceived.

“You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end,each of us must work for our own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think can be most useful.” Marie Curie

Source:https://vk.com/public75290000

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

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Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

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As the global battle continues on multiple fronts, from raising awareness to finding solutions and reparative measures for the ongoing myriad of symptoms and disease complex, society in general as to sit up and take note. Ignorance may be bliss for now, but it always comes at a heavy price. Neither does guilt, accusations or pointing fingers help any. But awareness doesn’t hurt anyone. Instead it helps to build for a better tomorrow. The resilience of mankind lies in the ability to pick the battle and choose wise. Linking the goals for the common future would help for the days of tomorrow.

“A man only begins to be a man when he ceases to whine and revile, and commences to search for the hidden justice which regulates his life. And he adapts his mind to that regulating factor, he ceases to accuse others as the cause of his condition, and builds himself up in strong and noble thoughts; ceases to kick against circumstances, but begins to use them as aids to his more rapid progress, and as a means of the hidden powers and possibilities within himself.” James Allen (As a Man Thinketh)

Source:https://vk.com/englisharoundtheworld

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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.

Source:https://vk.com/public138314547

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?