Tag Archives: Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection – Thankfulness Through It All

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My wife and I have been through a lot over the past 5 weeks. She had three surgeries to clear out an infection that was life-threatening. A one-week hospital stay followed by a two-week rehabilitation hospital convalescence has been a challenge for both of us.

Her care team in all three hospitals were true professionals and did a great job in getting her on the road to recovery. They were compassionate and competent. We are fortunate to live in a community with good hospitals, not everywhere has that.

I have had the honor of being her caregiver among other things. It’s in the husband manual in case you didn’t know. For better or for worse sort of thing. Due to her medical situation I have had a crash course in wound care and I think I am doing pretty good with it. We do have enough gauze to start on a mummy.

We have been blessed with gifts and help. From a furniture delivery to help with lawn care and a car battery and needed cash have been given to us. None of which we will ever be able to repay. This grace and generosity is because of our situation and for some reason I don’t feel worthy. Maybe it’s just my personality speaking but yeah, I can’t help but feel this way.

Our friends and fellow humans far-and-wide have been truly lovely. As I sit here on a Sunday thinking about everything, I am grateful, thankful, dare I say blessed. Yeah, all that and a bag of chips. Thank you, God, for making this all happen.

Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection – Taking A Break

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In scripture, God took a break after making the Heavens and Earth. God was on to something here. We all need a break from everyday people, places, and things. In this context, boundaries are important.

You can be so busy doing things that you just find yourself worn out, and stuff you find fun can be a burden.

When it comes to people, having a break is necessary. I think a break from those you love is good on both sides of a friendship.

Soon we will be going on vacation, and it will be good to see different and exciting things and have some new experiences. You can become weary from being in the same places over time.

It’s taken me a long time to set some boundaries. Even people who you like and love can take you for granted. It happens to everyone.

So, my friends. I encourage you to take a break. Get out of the routines that have you burdened and spend some time away. You will benefit from it. Peace and love to you all.

Tony's Posts

Sunday Reflection – Helping Our Friends and Neighbors

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There are so many people in need right now. With budget cuts to many social services and food banks, there are empty shelves and empty pockets these days. You would be surprised who you find in a food bank. Regardless, those are people who are our neighbors. Sometimes our friends have to seek help when things get tough. I believe that God wants all of us and especially those who follow him to help others in any way we can. That means giving time and talents and treasure. Things are going to be tough. We all have it in us to lend a helping hand.

Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection – Forgiveness In The World We Live

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Today at church, the sermon was about forgiveness and holding grudges. In the world in we live in today where there is much harm, lies, and fear, the notion of forgiving is very hard. But as in many things, mercy is a must.

Yes, there is temptation to villainize, but you know you can see evil done with your own eyes. What is going on right now is disheartening and sad and dangerous for many. I am in a place where I am trying to make sense of everything going on.

However, it will take lots of time, understanding, and grace for me to say it’s alright, don’t worry about it or something like that. I am a believer in God, but I am also human, and I have my feelings, and it’s OK. There is more to come and it will challenge all of us. Forgive when you feel it’s appropriate but try to forgive when you can.

Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection – Long Sleeves

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It finally got cool enough for me to put on long sleeves today. Fall should be cool and wet when the Earth needs it. I am hoping this is a trend that leads into Winter. Now some wear long sleeves because they have really cold workplaces or perhaps they need to cover their arms for various reasons. I am very glad the colder weather is here.

Sunday Reflection

Sunday Reflection – Haves and Have-Nots

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Simply said, there are haves and have-nots in the world. Each has a place and space in the world. Their impact on the lives of people is very personal and very communal.

For have-nots, it is a matter of survival day to day, while those who have seem to have more options in life. It’s also a matter of self-esteem and worth in both situations.

Haves and have-nots can share the same space, or they will find themselves separated by attitudes beyond their control. Interestingly, people can sometimes find themselves straddling the line between the two. Economics and culture can play a big role in every part of life.

No matter what, everyone needs to know they are valued and loved. The struggle is real and we must realize that. Everyone is a paycheck away from being on either side of the fence.