DAY 12 – January 5 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the twelfth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING.
MEANING – The ‘TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING’ refer to the 12 points of doctrine contained in the Apostles’ Creed. We learn this creed as a summary of what we believe about God. It begins by acknowledging God as the creator of the whole universe, including humanity; the second paragraph describes God’s life on earth as Jesus Christ; and the final paragraph assures us of God as the Holy Spirit being with us daily in life -- guiding, strengthening, encouraging, forgiving, etc. Although written in the 4th century, the Creed of the Apostles is still valuable as a brief outline of the essentials of Christianity.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Slowly say the Apostles Creed… stopping after each paragraph and think about its meaning in your life.
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen (SO BE IT).
(January fifth is the last day of the 12 days of Christmas. Tomorrow is the season of Epiphany, when we concentrate on the LIGHT of the good news of God/Jesus shining into every part of our own lives as well as to all of God’s creation).
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 30, 2010
DAY 11 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 11 – January 4 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the eleventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING
MEANING – The ‘ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING’ are the 11 disciples who remained faithful to Jesus. They were chosen personally by Jesus. They were humans with flaws and strengths. They did what God wanted done, despite their own shortcomings. Sound familiar? There is still hope for us.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – How many of the 11 disciples can you name? Who betrayed Jesus? Name two ‘disciples or followers of Jesus’ who had an influence on your life? Give thanks for them.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com(FAITHFUL DISCIPLES – Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon. Judas betrayed Jesus.)
On the eleventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING
MEANING – The ‘ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING’ are the 11 disciples who remained faithful to Jesus. They were chosen personally by Jesus. They were humans with flaws and strengths. They did what God wanted done, despite their own shortcomings. Sound familiar? There is still hope for us.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – How many of the 11 disciples can you name? Who betrayed Jesus? Name two ‘disciples or followers of Jesus’ who had an influence on your life? Give thanks for them.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com(FAITHFUL DISCIPLES – Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, Thaddeus, Simon. Judas betrayed Jesus.)
DAY 10 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 10 – January 3 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the tenth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TEN LORDS A-LEAPING.
MEANING – The ‘TEN LORDS A-LEAPING’ are the 10 Commandments delivered to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). As a young person, I learned that they can be divided into ‘my duty towards God and my duty towards my neighbour’. Many centuries later, on another mountain, Jesus/God, the new Moses, would deliver the 2 Great Commandments directly to people… no longer was an intermediary needed. Today, the 2 Great Commandments are the foundation stones upon which the worship and action of the Christian Church is built.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – repeat 3 times Jesus’ Two Great Commandments … ‘The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these two’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the tenth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … TEN LORDS A-LEAPING.
MEANING – The ‘TEN LORDS A-LEAPING’ are the 10 Commandments delivered to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17). As a young person, I learned that they can be divided into ‘my duty towards God and my duty towards my neighbour’. Many centuries later, on another mountain, Jesus/God, the new Moses, would deliver the 2 Great Commandments directly to people… no longer was an intermediary needed. Today, the 2 Great Commandments are the foundation stones upon which the worship and action of the Christian Church is built.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – repeat 3 times Jesus’ Two Great Commandments … ‘The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first and the great commandment.
The second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.
There is no commandment greater than these two’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 9 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 9 – January 2 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the ninth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … NINE LADIES DANCING.
MEANING – The ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ refer to the results or outcomes in our lives, if we let God’s spirit be part of our lives. They are, according to Paul in his letter to the people of the Church in Galatia, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL (Galatians 5:22)
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), rate yourself on the ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ in your own life.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets the of Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the ninth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … NINE LADIES DANCING.
MEANING – The ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ refer to the results or outcomes in our lives, if we let God’s spirit be part of our lives. They are, according to Paul in his letter to the people of the Church in Galatia, LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF CONTROL (Galatians 5:22)
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), rate yourself on the ‘NINE LADIES DANCING’ in your own life.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets the of Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 8 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 8 – January 1 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the eighth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME …EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING.
MEANING – The ‘EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING’ are the 8 beatitudes as outlined by Jesus in His great sermon preached to people who came to the mountain where he was sitting. Jesus said, blessed are -- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the humble people, those who do what God wants them to do, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for following God’s ways. (Matthew 5:3-10).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – pick one of the beatitudes and make a new year’s resolution to keep it in the coming year. Say this prayer for peace, ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the eighth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME …EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING.
MEANING – The ‘EIGHT MAIDS A-MILKING’ are the 8 beatitudes as outlined by Jesus in His great sermon preached to people who came to the mountain where he was sitting. Jesus said, blessed are -- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the humble people, those who do what God wants them to do, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for following God’s ways. (Matthew 5:3-10).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – pick one of the beatitudes and make a new year’s resolution to keep it in the coming year. Say this prayer for peace, ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me’.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Monday, December 27, 2010
DAY 5 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 5 – DECEMBER 29 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the fifth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FIVE GOLD RINGS.
MEANING – The ‘FIVE GOLD RINGS’ are the first five books of the Bible - GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, DEUTERONOMY. These books speak of creation, and the rules and regulations, including the 10 Commandments, to be employed in the relationship between God and people, as well as people with people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – telephone some person with whom you have not spoken for a long time.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the fifth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FIVE GOLD RINGS.
MEANING – The ‘FIVE GOLD RINGS’ are the first five books of the Bible - GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, DEUTERONOMY. These books speak of creation, and the rules and regulations, including the 10 Commandments, to be employed in the relationship between God and people, as well as people with people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – telephone some person with whom you have not spoken for a long time.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 7 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 7 – DECEMBER 31 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the seventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMIMG.
MEANING – The ‘SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING’ remind us that God gives different skills or talents to each of us, so we can use them to build up the world as well as our local community. Paul calls them ‘gifts of the spirit’, and they are … Faith, Healing, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Leading and Helping people in need (Romans 12:6-8).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Which of these gifts do you have? Reflect upon the past year and identify how you used your gifts from God to make your community a better place in which to live.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the seventh day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMIMG.
MEANING – The ‘SEVEN SWANS A-SWIMMING’ remind us that God gives different skills or talents to each of us, so we can use them to build up the world as well as our local community. Paul calls them ‘gifts of the spirit’, and they are … Faith, Healing, Serving, Teaching, Encouraging, Leading and Helping people in need (Romans 12:6-8).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Which of these gifts do you have? Reflect upon the past year and identify how you used your gifts from God to make your community a better place in which to live.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 6 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 6 – DECEMBER 30 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the sixth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SIX GEESE A-LAYING.
MEANING – The ‘SIX GEESE A-LAYING’ refer to the story of creation in Genesis, chapter one, where God created the universe in ‘six days’ and rested on the seventh. Having times of rest and relaxation mixed with work is still a good model for a balanced life. Actually there are 2 creation stories in the opening chapters of the first book in the Bible, Genesis.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Read Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Note the similarities and differences of the two creation stories, and ask how scientific research disputes or confirms the Genesis stories of how the universe came into being.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the sixth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … SIX GEESE A-LAYING.
MEANING – The ‘SIX GEESE A-LAYING’ refer to the story of creation in Genesis, chapter one, where God created the universe in ‘six days’ and rested on the seventh. Having times of rest and relaxation mixed with work is still a good model for a balanced life. Actually there are 2 creation stories in the opening chapters of the first book in the Bible, Genesis.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – Read Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Note the similarities and differences of the two creation stories, and ask how scientific research disputes or confirms the Genesis stories of how the universe came into being.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Friday, December 24, 2010
DAY 4 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 4 – DECEMBER 28 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the fourth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FOUR CALLING BIRDS.
MEANING – The ‘FOUR CALLING BIRDS’ are the four Gospels – MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN - which give an account of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as His teachings through the parable stories he told and miracles He performed.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – At the end of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked His listeners, ‘who was the good neighbour to the man who was robbed?’. He replied, ‘the one who was kind’. Jesus said, ‘you go and do the same’. TODAY, DO AN ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS FOR A STRANGER.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the fourth day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … FOUR CALLING BIRDS.
MEANING – The ‘FOUR CALLING BIRDS’ are the four Gospels – MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN - which give an account of the life of Jesus Christ, as well as His teachings through the parable stories he told and miracles He performed.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – At the end of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus asked His listeners, ‘who was the good neighbour to the man who was robbed?’. He replied, ‘the one who was kind’. Jesus said, ‘you go and do the same’. TODAY, DO AN ACT OF RANDOM KINDNESS FOR A STRANGER.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 3 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 3 – DECEMBER 27 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the third day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … THREE FRENCH HENS.
MEANING – The ‘THREE FRENCH HENS’ refer to the foundation upon which, according to St. Paul, we should build our lives – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE (1 Corinthians 13:13).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – take a loonie or toonie, leave it in a public place (restaurant, shop, library, subway, etc) … have FAITH that your act of LOVE will bring HOPE to another human being.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the third day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME … THREE FRENCH HENS.
MEANING – The ‘THREE FRENCH HENS’ refer to the foundation upon which, according to St. Paul, we should build our lives – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE (1 Corinthians 13:13).
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – take a loonie or toonie, leave it in a public place (restaurant, shop, library, subway, etc) … have FAITH that your act of LOVE will bring HOPE to another human being.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 23, 2010
DAY 2 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
DAY 2 – DECEMBER 26 -- THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the second day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME…TWO TURTLE DOVES.
MEANING – ‘TWO TURTLE DOVES’ are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which records God’s journey of love and salvation for all people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – there are 39 books in the Old Testament and 21 books in the New Testament -- how many can you name? Open randomly to one of the books you named, select a verse, read it and ask what meaning it has in your life. Download a copy of the Bible to your computer or iphone.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
On the second day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE (GOD) gave to ME…TWO TURTLE DOVES.
MEANING – ‘TWO TURTLE DOVES’ are the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which records God’s journey of love and salvation for all people.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – there are 39 books in the Old Testament and 21 books in the New Testament -- how many can you name? Open randomly to one of the books you named, select a verse, read it and ask what meaning it has in your life. Download a copy of the Bible to your computer or iphone.
(The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
DAY 1 of THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Merry Christmas.
I hope that we can reclaim the 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day to the Eve of the Epiphany.
So I have taken the song THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and added the CHRISTIAN MEANING for each day with a SOMETHING TO DO.
I will post one each day until Jan. 5, next year.
If you like it, forward it to other people.
May the JOY of Christmas and the HOPE of the New Year fill your life.
Hollis Hiscock
DAY 1 – DECEMBER 25 - THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE gave to ME … a PARTRIDGE in a PEAR TREE.
MEANING – ‘TRUE LOVE’ is GOD, the Creator of all we are and have. God’s greatest gift to each of us is JESUS CHRIST (PARTRIDGE), who loved us so much that He died on a cross (PEAR TREE), to save us from sin and death.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
I hope that we can reclaim the 12 days of Christmas from Christmas Day to the Eve of the Epiphany.
So I have taken the song THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS and added the CHRISTIAN MEANING for each day with a SOMETHING TO DO.
I will post one each day until Jan. 5, next year.
If you like it, forward it to other people.
May the JOY of Christmas and the HOPE of the New Year fill your life.
Hollis Hiscock
DAY 1 – DECEMBER 25 - THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
On the first day of Christmas my TRUE LOVE gave to ME … a PARTRIDGE in a PEAR TREE.
MEANING – ‘TRUE LOVE’ is GOD, the Creator of all we are and have. God’s greatest gift to each of us is JESUS CHRIST (PARTRIDGE), who loved us so much that He died on a cross (PEAR TREE), to save us from sin and death.
SOMETHING TO DO TODAY – wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS.
The song THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS was written in the 16th century to teach the basic tenets of the Christian Faith to children. It is Christianity 101 wrapped in a song. Feel free to forward this to a friend. You can watch the whole 12 days of Christmas grow on my blog. http://mossfromarollingstone.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 16, 2010
HER FIRST CHRISTMAS AS A CHRISTIAN
In 1985, I was writing a regular column in a city newspaper.
I called my Christmas column – ‘Cutting through the Tinsel’. It was a letter to an imaginary friend who was celebrating her first Christmas as a Christian.
After describing the Gospel accounts (Matthew and Luke) surrounding the Birth of Jesus, I attempted to answer her question, ‘What does it all mean?’.
I wrote …
An event is only an incident unless we look behind it for its meaning. On Christmas day, God entered the human sphere in a unique manner. God became human to make humanity divine. It sounds difficult and it is, and that is why some of your friends refuse to go beyond the tinsel of Christmas. They have lost the mystique, the aura which surrounds the birth of Jesus.
What it really means is that God entered human life to show us true love. For the next 30 years or so, Jesus, the name given to the Christ Child, would not only teach people about God, but would also provide a model life for people to follow. Most of His days, like ours, would be happy and carefree, but dark days would appear and He would suffer, die and return to life.
Jesus also showed us what people are. He said that they combine, in a startling manner, the human and the divine. It is almost as if in being human we are also partly godly. Frightening, is it not, especially when you think about how some of us behave towards each other? Jesus, however, demonstrated by example, how we can become full human persons made in the image of God.
In our relationships with each other, He dropped a bombshell. He said that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. A tall order! It is not easy, but Jesus never promised to make life easy. However, He did promise to be with us each day in every situation. He encouraged us to live at peace with ourselves and with others, to be kind to those who are unkind to us, and even to forgive the person who commits a wrong against us. Powerful words which become even more powerful when put into action.
As you enjoy the festivities of your first Christian Christmas, and as Christians generally we should enjoy Christmas, we need to remember the season is also a good opportunity to get right with God, as well as to establish better relations with other human beings. It is a time when hatred can be changed to love, war to peace, enemies to friends and deprivation to prosperity.
Christmas is the season of change when we can be transformed by cradling the Christ child in our hearts and lives.
My Christ present to you is the gladness of Christmas which is Hope, the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace and the Blessing of Christmas which is Love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy-Days.
I called my Christmas column – ‘Cutting through the Tinsel’. It was a letter to an imaginary friend who was celebrating her first Christmas as a Christian.
After describing the Gospel accounts (Matthew and Luke) surrounding the Birth of Jesus, I attempted to answer her question, ‘What does it all mean?’.
I wrote …
An event is only an incident unless we look behind it for its meaning. On Christmas day, God entered the human sphere in a unique manner. God became human to make humanity divine. It sounds difficult and it is, and that is why some of your friends refuse to go beyond the tinsel of Christmas. They have lost the mystique, the aura which surrounds the birth of Jesus.
What it really means is that God entered human life to show us true love. For the next 30 years or so, Jesus, the name given to the Christ Child, would not only teach people about God, but would also provide a model life for people to follow. Most of His days, like ours, would be happy and carefree, but dark days would appear and He would suffer, die and return to life.
Jesus also showed us what people are. He said that they combine, in a startling manner, the human and the divine. It is almost as if in being human we are also partly godly. Frightening, is it not, especially when you think about how some of us behave towards each other? Jesus, however, demonstrated by example, how we can become full human persons made in the image of God.
In our relationships with each other, He dropped a bombshell. He said that we should treat others as we want them to treat us. A tall order! It is not easy, but Jesus never promised to make life easy. However, He did promise to be with us each day in every situation. He encouraged us to live at peace with ourselves and with others, to be kind to those who are unkind to us, and even to forgive the person who commits a wrong against us. Powerful words which become even more powerful when put into action.
As you enjoy the festivities of your first Christian Christmas, and as Christians generally we should enjoy Christmas, we need to remember the season is also a good opportunity to get right with God, as well as to establish better relations with other human beings. It is a time when hatred can be changed to love, war to peace, enemies to friends and deprivation to prosperity.
Christmas is the season of change when we can be transformed by cradling the Christ child in our hearts and lives.
My Christ present to you is the gladness of Christmas which is Hope, the Spirit of Christmas which is Peace and the Blessing of Christmas which is Love.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy-Days.
Monday, November 29, 2010
CHRISTMAS CAROL SUNG AT WAR MEMORIAL
People of St. John’s Church, Rockwood gathered around the town’s War Memorial on Sunday, November 7 and sang ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’. An array of wreaths provided an appropriate symbolic background. The wreaths were laid at the area Remembrance Day ceremony held on Saturday.
It is part of a Canada wide happening in the Anglican Church of Canada, where all parishes are asked to videotape the singing of ‘Silent Night’, which will be made into a documentary, to be shared online.
On Christmas Eve 1914, during the First World War, soldiers on both sides of the conflict called a truce, laid down their weapons and met in ‘no man’s land’. They exchanged greetings and gifts and sang the one Christmas carol known by all – ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’.
The organ in St. Nicholas Church in the Austrian Alps was silent in 1818; some say mice had chewed through the bellows, so the prospect of music at the Christmas worship was indeed bleak. Joseph Mohr, the assistant priest, accepted the challenge and wrote the lyrics to ‘Silent Night’. He asked his friend, Franz Gruber, to set his words to music. Later at the Christmas Midnight Mass, the people sang ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’, accompanied by a guitar, for the first time.
It has been translated into more than 140 languages.
People participating in singing ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’ in Rockwood donated a ‘toonie’ to support the work of the Military Chaplains in the Canadian Forces.
To view our SILENT NIGHT video, and the many others from across Canada, go to http://www.anglican.ca/ and follow the link.
Monday, November 15, 2010
I REMEMBER HER ADVICE .. NOT HER
Ann Sibbit lived on this earth for 102 years.
She died in 1994.
I do not remember ever meeting this woman, who traversed geography and time for more than a century, yet I referred to her in my sermon on October 30, 1994
So she left many footprints for others to see and follow.
Her grand-daughter listed Ann's advice to equip people in 'loving your neighbour as yourself'.
Here is Ann's list ...
A. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
B. Start each day with a smile.
C. Believe in yourself and be strong.
D. Don't look for the flaws in others as you go through life, and even if you find them, it is always wise to be somewhat blind and look for the virtues behind the flaws.
E. Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
With these principles to guide her life, I think Ann gathered a massive amount of moss as she rolled through more than ten decades.
A philosphy of applied wisdom surpasses the importance of recalling physical characteristics.
She died in 1994.
I do not remember ever meeting this woman, who traversed geography and time for more than a century, yet I referred to her in my sermon on October 30, 1994
So she left many footprints for others to see and follow.
Her grand-daughter listed Ann's advice to equip people in 'loving your neighbour as yourself'.
Here is Ann's list ...
A. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
B. Start each day with a smile.
C. Believe in yourself and be strong.
D. Don't look for the flaws in others as you go through life, and even if you find them, it is always wise to be somewhat blind and look for the virtues behind the flaws.
E. Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
With these principles to guide her life, I think Ann gathered a massive amount of moss as she rolled through more than ten decades.
A philosphy of applied wisdom surpasses the importance of recalling physical characteristics.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
LET'S REMEMBER - LEST WE FORGET
Three Boy Scouts walked tall across the green expanse, leading from the sidewalk to the cenotaph. They struggled a little... it's awkward for six short arms to grasp a wreath and carry it in sync without tripping.
But they did. They placed their symbol of remembrance, next to others brought by soldiers, politicians, seniors, community leaders, etc.
They stood in silence, as if they recognized a name carved into the granite monument, erected nearly a century before they were born.
They moved slightly left in unison, removed poppies from their lapels and pinned them on a makeshift cushion to remember unknown soldiers.
Pleased that they had accomplished their orders, they retreated to the safety of the Scouting pack.
A different uniform approached the podium. A medal adorned his chest as he stood at attention and told the waiting minds what it was like to be a veteran of Afghanistan. Veterans are supposed to be much older, not young like this Corporal. His age, no more than double the ages of the Boy Scouts, yet his countenance portrayed a face that had experienced and witnessed more of the horrors of war than some people three times his age.
His voice quavered as he recounted how he and others had 'caught the torch' described by John McCrae in his poem 'In Flanders Fields'. McCrae had challenged future generations of soldiers to 'take up our quarrel with the foe; to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high'.
We caught the torch and held it high, he pledged.
But at a high price, I thought.
He told about one friend who died in battle, and another who died because he could not cope with what the battle had done to him.
Yet, he declared, 'I am proud to be a Canadian, and I do remember them'.
He urged the nearly 500 listening ears to remember all soldiers, living and dead.
Across the nation, similar scenes are played out in cities and villages, on national stages and lonely outposts, in outdoor venues and hospital wards as Canadians commemorate those who died in service to their country for the causes of 'liberty, justice and peace'.
The paths of the young corporal and the Boy Scouts may never cross again, but they may forever remember this meeting and why they interfaced on a cold November morning in front of a granite monument, surrounded by hundreds of people who gathered together to remember those who sacrificed their lives for them.
Let's hope they remember, lest we all forget.
But they did. They placed their symbol of remembrance, next to others brought by soldiers, politicians, seniors, community leaders, etc.
They stood in silence, as if they recognized a name carved into the granite monument, erected nearly a century before they were born.
They moved slightly left in unison, removed poppies from their lapels and pinned them on a makeshift cushion to remember unknown soldiers.
Pleased that they had accomplished their orders, they retreated to the safety of the Scouting pack.
A different uniform approached the podium. A medal adorned his chest as he stood at attention and told the waiting minds what it was like to be a veteran of Afghanistan. Veterans are supposed to be much older, not young like this Corporal. His age, no more than double the ages of the Boy Scouts, yet his countenance portrayed a face that had experienced and witnessed more of the horrors of war than some people three times his age.
His voice quavered as he recounted how he and others had 'caught the torch' described by John McCrae in his poem 'In Flanders Fields'. McCrae had challenged future generations of soldiers to 'take up our quarrel with the foe; to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high'.
We caught the torch and held it high, he pledged.
But at a high price, I thought.
He told about one friend who died in battle, and another who died because he could not cope with what the battle had done to him.
Yet, he declared, 'I am proud to be a Canadian, and I do remember them'.
He urged the nearly 500 listening ears to remember all soldiers, living and dead.
Across the nation, similar scenes are played out in cities and villages, on national stages and lonely outposts, in outdoor venues and hospital wards as Canadians commemorate those who died in service to their country for the causes of 'liberty, justice and peace'.
The paths of the young corporal and the Boy Scouts may never cross again, but they may forever remember this meeting and why they interfaced on a cold November morning in front of a granite monument, surrounded by hundreds of people who gathered together to remember those who sacrificed their lives for them.
Let's hope they remember, lest we all forget.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
HALL0W-EVEN
When costumed characters wandered to my dwelling entrance on October 31st, seeking blessings of candies, chips and other non-Canadian Food Guide recommendations, I wondered, 'do they realize they are following a historical trend reaching back into the antiquity of human history?'.
Maybe ... maybe not ... but ...
'Halloween' started its journey as 'All Hallows Even', sometime around the 3rd century when the Christians designated a day to remember 'martyrs' (those courageous souls who died rather than recant their belief in Jesus Christ).
In the 9th century, November 1st was declared 'All Hallows Day' or 'All Saints Day".
If 'All Hallows Day' was November 1st, presto... October 31 was the natural choice for 'All Hallows Eve' or 'Even'.
Slowly, over the decades, October 31st took on a life of its own. A world filled with tricks, treats, dress-ups, etc, until the 16th century, when 'All Hallows Eve' gave up the ghost (so to speak) and became 'Halloween'. And the rest, as they say, is history.
In modern times, thanks to entrepreneurial creative minds, with an eye to marketing and profit making, Halloween has become a smashing success.
Movies, popular songs, advertizers and institutions have jumped on the goblin band wagon to ride into that unknown space where 'things go bump in the night'.
Staunch realists put aside their principles of believing only what can be scientifically proven, abandoned their realism, donned unimaginable garments and acted out dramas that normally they would never, never perform or condone.
Why???
Only the shadow of every individual Halloween psyche knows for sure.
But after Halloween's energy spurts and sugar highs have subsided, slide into November 1st thinking about a 'saint' you know or have known.
Can't remember any? MMMMMMMMM
A SAINT, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a 'very virtuous person', and 'virtuous' means a person possessing or showing moral rectitude, and 'rectitude' is defined as 'moral uprightness'.
Does that help?
No?
Then...
Think of people who have been positive models for you.
On November 1st, say words of appreciation for their existence on this earth, whether the day be called 'All Hallows' or 'All Saints'.
Maybe ... maybe not ... but ...
'Halloween' started its journey as 'All Hallows Even', sometime around the 3rd century when the Christians designated a day to remember 'martyrs' (those courageous souls who died rather than recant their belief in Jesus Christ).
In the 9th century, November 1st was declared 'All Hallows Day' or 'All Saints Day".
If 'All Hallows Day' was November 1st, presto... October 31 was the natural choice for 'All Hallows Eve' or 'Even'.
Slowly, over the decades, October 31st took on a life of its own. A world filled with tricks, treats, dress-ups, etc, until the 16th century, when 'All Hallows Eve' gave up the ghost (so to speak) and became 'Halloween'. And the rest, as they say, is history.
In modern times, thanks to entrepreneurial creative minds, with an eye to marketing and profit making, Halloween has become a smashing success.
Movies, popular songs, advertizers and institutions have jumped on the goblin band wagon to ride into that unknown space where 'things go bump in the night'.
Staunch realists put aside their principles of believing only what can be scientifically proven, abandoned their realism, donned unimaginable garments and acted out dramas that normally they would never, never perform or condone.
Why???
Only the shadow of every individual Halloween psyche knows for sure.
But after Halloween's energy spurts and sugar highs have subsided, slide into November 1st thinking about a 'saint' you know or have known.
Can't remember any? MMMMMMMMM
A SAINT, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a 'very virtuous person', and 'virtuous' means a person possessing or showing moral rectitude, and 'rectitude' is defined as 'moral uprightness'.
Does that help?
No?
Then...
Think of people who have been positive models for you.
On November 1st, say words of appreciation for their existence on this earth, whether the day be called 'All Hallows' or 'All Saints'.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
LIVING A CHILDHOOD DREAM
As the evening drew late, I would become bored and often fall asleep.
After all I was only about 10 or 11 years of age.
Adults would be in the other room, counting small pieces of paper.
'The numbers have to match', they would echo to each other, 'we have to be right'.
'We are electing the Government', they reiterated, trumping the magnitude of their task.
My father was the Returning Officer for several Provincial elections shortly after 1949 when Newfoundland became a Province in the Dominion of Canada.
Supervising the election process, ensuring its authenticity and reporting the results accurately was an awesome responsibility. My father did his job to the utmost degree.
Somewhere in my adult life, I recalled these 'election experiences' and decided that eventually, when time permitted, I would follow in my father's footsteps.
Two days ago, on October 25, 2010, I participated as a Polling Clerk in the Municipal Election for Burlington, Ontario, our home and adopted city. Now I have completed the circle, after working as a Deputy Polling Clerk at both the Provincial and Federal levels.
In our high school civics class, we were encouraged to be good citizens, locally, nationally and internationally. My father taught the class.
While working at each election, I think about my father and the civic duty he taught me, even though I was none too happy to have to wait many hours for him to finish up the election counting so we could go home and sleep.
His lesson on participatory citizenship stuck to me like moss on a rolling stone
After all I was only about 10 or 11 years of age.
Adults would be in the other room, counting small pieces of paper.
'The numbers have to match', they would echo to each other, 'we have to be right'.
'We are electing the Government', they reiterated, trumping the magnitude of their task.
My father was the Returning Officer for several Provincial elections shortly after 1949 when Newfoundland became a Province in the Dominion of Canada.
Supervising the election process, ensuring its authenticity and reporting the results accurately was an awesome responsibility. My father did his job to the utmost degree.
Somewhere in my adult life, I recalled these 'election experiences' and decided that eventually, when time permitted, I would follow in my father's footsteps.
Two days ago, on October 25, 2010, I participated as a Polling Clerk in the Municipal Election for Burlington, Ontario, our home and adopted city. Now I have completed the circle, after working as a Deputy Polling Clerk at both the Provincial and Federal levels.
In our high school civics class, we were encouraged to be good citizens, locally, nationally and internationally. My father taught the class.
While working at each election, I think about my father and the civic duty he taught me, even though I was none too happy to have to wait many hours for him to finish up the election counting so we could go home and sleep.
His lesson on participatory citizenship stuck to me like moss on a rolling stone
Thursday, October 21, 2010
WORDS RETURN TO REMIND ME OF WHO I AM.
This week I found a written speech I had given following my ordination as a deacon in 1964.
Here are some excerpts.
After thanking my family and home parish (St. Nicholas', Torbay, Newfoundland), I wrote ...
'I am looking forward to my work as an ordained person in God's Church. I look forward to this work with mixed feelings. Happy, that to a small degree, I may be able to forward the work of God's Kingdom; fearful, because of my many shortcomings as a human being; joyful, because I can help people when they are in need, yet cautious because mine may not always be the correct solution to their problem; content, with the many things I have and will have; uneasy about future unknowns; and, honoured that God called me to this holy work, yet conscious of my unworthiness to perform such sacred acts'.
'I begin with the firm conviction that a strong faith in God will, in the end, turn unworthiness into acceptance, fears into hopes and sadness into joy. I ask for your prayers'.
'There are two types of ministries within the Church - the ministry of the laity and the ministry of the clergy. Every Christian is a member of a ministry. The laity, as well as the clergy, have to present Christianity to the world. All Christians are responsible for making Christ known to all people, everywhere. When this work is left only to the clergy, the laity are not performing their true function. If we forget the duty we have to teach the world about Jesus Christ, by word and deed, the Church will fail, and it will be the fault of all who call themselves Christians'.
I was 23 years old when I wrote these words.
I could have written similar words 42 years later when I retired.
I can espouse the same message today.
I believe what I wrote then and these words became the foundation upon which I built my philosophy of ministry - faith in God, a strong commitment to lay ministry and being a people person.
That MOSS sure stuck to this ROLLING STONE.
Here are some excerpts.
After thanking my family and home parish (St. Nicholas', Torbay, Newfoundland), I wrote ...
'I am looking forward to my work as an ordained person in God's Church. I look forward to this work with mixed feelings. Happy, that to a small degree, I may be able to forward the work of God's Kingdom; fearful, because of my many shortcomings as a human being; joyful, because I can help people when they are in need, yet cautious because mine may not always be the correct solution to their problem; content, with the many things I have and will have; uneasy about future unknowns; and, honoured that God called me to this holy work, yet conscious of my unworthiness to perform such sacred acts'.
'I begin with the firm conviction that a strong faith in God will, in the end, turn unworthiness into acceptance, fears into hopes and sadness into joy. I ask for your prayers'.
'There are two types of ministries within the Church - the ministry of the laity and the ministry of the clergy. Every Christian is a member of a ministry. The laity, as well as the clergy, have to present Christianity to the world. All Christians are responsible for making Christ known to all people, everywhere. When this work is left only to the clergy, the laity are not performing their true function. If we forget the duty we have to teach the world about Jesus Christ, by word and deed, the Church will fail, and it will be the fault of all who call themselves Christians'.
I was 23 years old when I wrote these words.
I could have written similar words 42 years later when I retired.
I can espouse the same message today.
I believe what I wrote then and these words became the foundation upon which I built my philosophy of ministry - faith in God, a strong commitment to lay ministry and being a people person.
That MOSS sure stuck to this ROLLING STONE.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
'HARVEST' - A MANY SPLENDORED THING
A woman plants carrot seeds in the spring, tends their growth and plucks them from the ground in the autumn -- HARVEST -- then she grates the carrots, adds other ingredients (flour, spices, etc), bakes the mixture in the oven and produces a carrot cake -- HARVEST.The Oxford dictionary defines HARVEST as both the gathering in of crops, and the product or result of a given action.
Most modern individuals can identify with the latter, since our harvests occur frequently in our everyday living at work, at home, with our hobbies, in our institutions or in our communities.
At St. John's Rockwood Church, I invited people to bring a 'symbol of their harvest' to worship on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday.
Their tradition is also to decorate their Church windows for Harvest Thanksgiving.
I was overjoyed when I entered the Church early on Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday to see that the windows displayed BOTH kinds of harvest. The photograph above has crops from the ground as well as music symbols and photos of family members to show that our harvests are expressed in many forms and shapes.
People brought other harvest symbols to the worship, for example, a home made quilt, a tatting kit with completed items, a book collection, part of a wooden owl collection, pumpkins, jam, etc. One person spoke of a shed he is building in his backyard as his harvest.
Jesus spoke of both kinds of harvest when He told His followers, 'the HARVEST is plentiful, but the workers are few'. Some things, it seems, never change. Today, the harvest is still plentiful in the lives of people, and we need more workers. As Jesus suggested, 'pray to the Lord of the harvest for more people to step up to the plate'.
A HARVEST EXERCISE - Ask yourself, 'what are 3-5 examples of HARVEST in my life?'.
Then follow the advice on the sign displayed outside a Church by which I drive frequently, 'COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS ...... GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Gathering moss from prayer
‘If you walk with Christ in the sunshine, He will walk with you in the shadows’
These words graced my bedroom wall in 1964.
I do not remember it being there. I was reminded when I read a really old sermon.
Back then, many people purchased plaques, blue background and gold lettering, with meaningful and inspiring messages to encourage themselves and others as they travelled along the bumpy road of life.
Today, twitter, facebook, email, etc can scan the world in seconds, faster than having to walk into an unknown room with the expectation that a message may be written there for you.
Anyway, these words inspired me back then to the extent that I used the phrase to introduce a homily I delivered in October 1964.
I went on to speak about the frequency and effectiveness of constant prayer.
When His followers asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he did not say ‘read a book’ or ‘attend a workshop’; He gave them a concrete example ... we call it THE LORD’ PRAYER.
If we used His prayer as our pattern for daily meditations, we would basically follow 5 steps:
Step 1 – PRAISE – say 1 good thing about God;
Step 2 – THANKSGIVING – say 1 thing for which you are thankful;
Step 3 – FORGIVENESS – say you are sorry for 1 thing in your life;
Step 4 – PRAY FOR OTHERS – say 1 thing for some one else;
Step 5 – PRAY FOR YOURSELVES – say 1 thing you need.
Take this pattern of prayer out for a test drive today, and see if it’s for you.
A GENTLE REMINDER – the answer to our prayers may be yes, no, maybe, wait a while, keep trying, you are not ready, etc.
Moss prayers are the ones that stick with you.
These words graced my bedroom wall in 1964.
I do not remember it being there. I was reminded when I read a really old sermon.
Back then, many people purchased plaques, blue background and gold lettering, with meaningful and inspiring messages to encourage themselves and others as they travelled along the bumpy road of life.
Today, twitter, facebook, email, etc can scan the world in seconds, faster than having to walk into an unknown room with the expectation that a message may be written there for you.
Anyway, these words inspired me back then to the extent that I used the phrase to introduce a homily I delivered in October 1964.
I went on to speak about the frequency and effectiveness of constant prayer.
When His followers asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he did not say ‘read a book’ or ‘attend a workshop’; He gave them a concrete example ... we call it THE LORD’ PRAYER.
If we used His prayer as our pattern for daily meditations, we would basically follow 5 steps:
Step 1 – PRAISE – say 1 good thing about God;
Step 2 – THANKSGIVING – say 1 thing for which you are thankful;
Step 3 – FORGIVENESS – say you are sorry for 1 thing in your life;
Step 4 – PRAY FOR OTHERS – say 1 thing for some one else;
Step 5 – PRAY FOR YOURSELVES – say 1 thing you need.
Take this pattern of prayer out for a test drive today, and see if it’s for you.
A GENTLE REMINDER – the answer to our prayers may be yes, no, maybe, wait a while, keep trying, you are not ready, etc.
Moss prayers are the ones that stick with you.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Moss From A Rolling Stone - Why The Push?
Welcome to my new blog.
I have decided to ‘slip the surly bonds of earth’ (High Flight by John Gillespie Magee ) and cascade into the limitless, unknown realm of ‘blogosphere’.
Searching for a name for my blog occupied hours of research and an equal amount of time rolling the title around my mind to test it out.
It should, I concluded, tell about me … where I came from … where I am … and where I may be going.
Eventually I baptized my blog – MOSS FROM A ROLLING STONE.
It’s a play on the well known maxim – ‘a rolling stone gathers no moss’.
I chose it because I disagree with its message. I believe a rolling stone or other objects, inanimate or living, does gather moss and other flotsam and jetsam as it gently meanders or ferociously tumbles through its progressing experience.
ME – this ‘rolling stone’ has churned through nearly seven decades of life on this earth, and I have collected ‘moss’ of many varieties.
So, if you wish, in the days ahead I would like to share some ‘moss’ with you. To do so, come back to this page frequently.
It’s ironic, in our vastly advanced era of technology, that I should select my blog’s name from a phrase coined 2100 years ago, by Publius Syrus, whose artistic talents enabled him to transform words into maxims to be remembered and passed along to future generations.
Maybe the past reflects the mirrored images of the present and future.
Thanks for reading my first blog; please return soon for more moss from a still rolling stone.
I have decided to ‘slip the surly bonds of earth’ (High Flight by John Gillespie Magee ) and cascade into the limitless, unknown realm of ‘blogosphere’.
Searching for a name for my blog occupied hours of research and an equal amount of time rolling the title around my mind to test it out.
It should, I concluded, tell about me … where I came from … where I am … and where I may be going.
Eventually I baptized my blog – MOSS FROM A ROLLING STONE.
It’s a play on the well known maxim – ‘a rolling stone gathers no moss’.
I chose it because I disagree with its message. I believe a rolling stone or other objects, inanimate or living, does gather moss and other flotsam and jetsam as it gently meanders or ferociously tumbles through its progressing experience.
ME – this ‘rolling stone’ has churned through nearly seven decades of life on this earth, and I have collected ‘moss’ of many varieties.
So, if you wish, in the days ahead I would like to share some ‘moss’ with you. To do so, come back to this page frequently.
It’s ironic, in our vastly advanced era of technology, that I should select my blog’s name from a phrase coined 2100 years ago, by Publius Syrus, whose artistic talents enabled him to transform words into maxims to be remembered and passed along to future generations.
Maybe the past reflects the mirrored images of the present and future.
Thanks for reading my first blog; please return soon for more moss from a still rolling stone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)