Faith and Joy
Marc Christensen • December 22, 2019
I think of Mary especially at this time of year as the best model of faith I can think of - complete trust.
This is Mary and Jesus taken in a small church in Monpazier, France. I think of Mary especially at this time of year as the best model of faith I can think of - complete trust. First, she's told that she will have the Son of God via virgin birth and when the time comes, she's hauled off from her home and can find lodging only in a cold cave used as a barn - no doctors, no mid wives, just her and Joseph. Through it all she never waivers - she's an inspiration to me daily.
Mary and Jesus, taken in a small church in Monpazier, France. Photo by Marc Christensen.
These are Christmas lights from a neighborhood in Plano, Tx. that goes over the top with Christmas decorations. The main theme is "joy." I like this definition of the word: a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated. This is a season of joy and a time to rejoice - for those people that indeed light our lives with keen pleasure and delight.
The main theme is "joy." I like this definition of the word: a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated.
All the best and Merry Christmas.
Most of all, she is crazy about her brood. She smiles more when she’s with them. Laughs more. Enjoys more. Relaxes more. Has more fun. She just loves her family.
“…there must be millions of aging males, now slipping into their anecdotage…” ~E.B. White 1
Author's Note: I originally posted this in the Profound Bartender on April 8, 2018, and then reposted it here at Profound Living on April 25, 2018. I thought it might be a good time to repost it again.
Author's Note: This is a repost of an essay I published in 2018. I thought it was a timely topic to revisit.
“In Celtic wisdom we remember that our soul, the very heart of our being, is sacred. What is deepest in us is of God. ” ~John Philip Newell 1
We may be lights under bushels, but we can shine brightly against the dark even if we are mere candles. Together, the light may shine bright.
Silence speaks to us Listening in deep quiet… Hear what you long for! ~Patricia Leyko Connelly 1
"Elegance is the harmonious integration of simplicity, refinement, and intentionality across diverse contexts, combining timeless beauty with functional sophistication." ~ChatGPT Synthesized Definition
