Thank you for a powerful message this morning. My natural tendency has always been toward silence in solitude, not as a discipline but as a way of life. I guess my box, as a man, is sometimes a lot like that empty one you talk about. I fill it with music and audiobooks and a lot of time alone. While those things are good, they can definitely be done to excess. Like Nancy has done for you, my wife often reminds me, sometimes subtly, sometimes strongly, that connection is needed. Challenge accepted. I will start by giving my wife some extra time and attention today. We are both at home full time, and it is easy to go through the motions. I need to start planning for our 46th wedding anniversary, which is next week. Thank you for helping me take that step today.
So true that two people can be next to each other and not connect. I really need to be present with my loved ones and I want to be present with them. I realize I’m not doing to well at it. Thanks for helping me think about my life.
A wonderful start to Advent. I had forgotten the O. Henry story. It ties so well with the story of Luke, the Gospel giver. We can only give what we have from our hearts, and let God use it as he will. Real gifts always involve sacrifice.
I saw a movie depiction of that O.Henry story when I was 10 years old and it has stayed with me all these years. My mother was the widow who gave her last “ two coins.” When she moved into a Senior Housing Unit after she retired in San Francisco, I would visit her from New York. I would buy her a toaster oven and next time I visited, she would NOT have it. I would ask her and she would tell me that there was a woman who didn’t have one and no one to buy one for her. This would happen with clothes, vacuum cleaners, linens, etc. So at her funeral I chose that Gospel for the Mass. I try to be as generous as she was and I also took my children with me when distributing Christmas gifts. Now I do it with my granddaughters.
This was just what I needed to hear today. I've been passing on stress, anxiety, and controlling behavior. Today I will pass on surrender, trust, and reliance on the Prince of Peace. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart.
I have a beautifully illustrated version of The Gift of the Magi. I get it out every year and read it again. It's one of my favorite things of the Christmas season.
Thank you for these helpful thoughts. I have very recently retired after 38 years in the one job. So this is a season of transition and adjustment and learning and discovery. One thing I was able to achieve was leaving a legacy of the photo history of the school where I worked. Now I can choose to continue to leave a legacy. That part of my life needs not to be over. I can deposit into others and value them as I have valued that special workplace. Thank you so so much John for this context. May I be a life bringer and a joy bringer Today like a Magi
good morning ☀️ connecting = relationships, I often reflect on Jesus’ words on connecting with him in Matthew 7:23 on what I believe is a quality connection vs a quantity one~as in Mary vs Martha. I will enter this season of the hustle & bustle of the holidays focusing on not the tasks, but the heart of Jesus. 🙏🏻💕🍃
Recently my husband and I have been working on our wills. I have thought a lot about how much wealth I will have and who I want to leave it to (since I have no children). It occurred to me that I should be giving things/money away now. But really, my focus has been on the wrong "stuff" to pass on.
This is so good, Julie. So honest and so good. Thank you for sharing this with us. You comment already tells me that whatever you decide, and when, will honor Jesus with the gifts he's entrusted to you. - Brad
Johnnie Erickson Tada taught me that sometimes, what we can give to someone is an opportunity for them to reach out to us, to help us in some way. I'm not saying we should be selfish and practice our vocaleses (Mi Mi Mi Mi Mi.) But, she and/or John suggested that we humble ourselves and ask for help at least once per day. That, too, is connecting.
So good to have you back, John. What are you passing on? Great question to ponder and act on. Praying this season will provide opportunities for faith filled conversations that will draw others to Jesus.
Hi John, Another excellent interpretation of this timeless story that we have heard and read several times...The depth of the opening 2 verses of the Gospel of Luke is so profound...Looking forward to the next revelation....Peace and Good will to you all...Arnold from UK....
Thank you for a powerful message this morning. My natural tendency has always been toward silence in solitude, not as a discipline but as a way of life. I guess my box, as a man, is sometimes a lot like that empty one you talk about. I fill it with music and audiobooks and a lot of time alone. While those things are good, they can definitely be done to excess. Like Nancy has done for you, my wife often reminds me, sometimes subtly, sometimes strongly, that connection is needed.
Challenge accepted. I will start by giving my wife some extra time and attention today. We are both at home full time, and it is easy to go through the motions. I need to start planning for our 46th wedding anniversary, which is next week.
Thank you for helping me take that step today.
Bruce, so good and honest. Your wife and Nancy are right. Happy anniversary, Bruce! - Brad
So true that two people can be next to each other and not connect. I really need to be present with my loved ones and I want to be present with them. I realize I’m not doing to well at it.
Thanks for helping me think about my life.
It's so good for all of us. Have a nice day, Terri. - Brad
A wonderful start to Advent. I had forgotten the O. Henry story. It ties so well with the story of Luke, the Gospel giver. We can only give what we have from our hearts, and let God use it as he will. Real gifts always involve sacrifice.
Yes, so true. Happy you're watching along with us. - Brad
This is such a blessing. ❤. Thank you for sharing. 😊
You are so kind - thank you for sharing a part of your morning with us Bucky
I saw a movie depiction of that O.Henry story when I was 10 years old and it has stayed with me all these years.
My mother was the widow who gave her last “ two coins.” When she moved into a Senior Housing Unit after she retired in San Francisco, I would visit her from New York. I would buy her a toaster oven and next time I visited, she would NOT have it. I would ask her and she would tell me that there was a woman who didn’t have one and no one to buy one for her. This would happen with clothes, vacuum cleaners, linens, etc. So at her funeral I chose that Gospel for the Mass.
I try to be as generous as she was and I also took my children with me when distributing Christmas gifts. Now I do it with my granddaughters.
Thank you Elia for sharing a beautiful story of your mom's heart - truly a legacy she left behind. Bucky
This was just what I needed to hear today. I've been passing on stress, anxiety, and controlling behavior. Today I will pass on surrender, trust, and reliance on the Prince of Peace. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart.
So gratify for you Peggy - may you indeed pass on surrender, trust and reliance on the Prince of Peace - you got this! Bucky
Love the devotion. The speaker who spoke about the differences between male and female brains was Mark Gungor, a pastor from Green Bay.
Thank you for sharing this. I totally enjoyed watching it! Blessings on your day.
I love that video of men’s and women’s minds. It’s pretty spot on. 😊
I have a beautifully illustrated version of The Gift of the Magi. I get it out every year and read it again. It's one of my favorite things of the Christmas season.
So beautiful it is a magnificent heart warming story - enjoy Bucky
This is amazing stuff. Thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thank you for being us Bucky
Thank you for these helpful thoughts. I have very recently retired after 38 years in the one job. So this is a season of transition and adjustment and learning and discovery. One thing I was able to achieve was leaving a legacy of the photo history of the school where I worked. Now I can choose to continue to leave a legacy. That part of my life needs not to be over. I can deposit into others and value them as I have valued that special workplace. Thank you so so much John for this context. May I be a life bringer and a joy bringer Today like a Magi
Thank you Chris for sharing - and we believe your next chapter is living a life of bring joy. God Bless you Bucky
good morning ☀️ connecting = relationships, I often reflect on Jesus’ words on connecting with him in Matthew 7:23 on what I believe is a quality connection vs a quantity one~as in Mary vs Martha.
I will enter this season of the hustle & bustle of the holidays focusing on not the tasks, but the heart of Jesus. 🙏🏻💕🍃
Elaine - to focus on the heart of Jesus is a huge gift you can give yourself and blessing Bucky
oooh, love hearing that
Recently my husband and I have been working on our wills. I have thought a lot about how much wealth I will have and who I want to leave it to (since I have no children). It occurred to me that I should be giving things/money away now. But really, my focus has been on the wrong "stuff" to pass on.
This is so good, Julie. So honest and so good. Thank you for sharing this with us. You comment already tells me that whatever you decide, and when, will honor Jesus with the gifts he's entrusted to you. - Brad
Johnnie Erickson Tada taught me that sometimes, what we can give to someone is an opportunity for them to reach out to us, to help us in some way. I'm not saying we should be selfish and practice our vocaleses (Mi Mi Mi Mi Mi.) But, she and/or John suggested that we humble ourselves and ask for help at least once per day. That, too, is connecting.
Karen it is indeed a very special way of connecting - thank you for sharing Bucky
So good Thank you let me pass on love
So nice, Kelly. Happy early Christmas. - Brad
One of your best, John. This touched me deeply and was so timely in my life. I’ll be both sharing and saving this one.
So glad you enjoyed it - and thank you for sharing Bucky
So good to have you back, John. What are you passing on? Great question to ponder and act on. Praying this season will provide opportunities for faith filled conversations that will draw others to Jesus.
Indeed it is a great question to Ponder....hmmmmm🤔 Be Blessed Bucky
Hi John, Another excellent interpretation of this timeless story that we have heard and read several times...The depth of the opening 2 verses of the Gospel of Luke is so profound...Looking forward to the next revelation....Peace and Good will to you all...Arnold from UK....
Glad you enjoyed it Arnold - we appreciate you being with us Bucky
Love the "nothing box" - a guy friend told me about this years ago. It explains a lot!
"Neuro-sexist" - that's a new one for me.
So glad you enjoyed it -- it is quite the visual Bucky
Happy to do this series!❤️
Glad you are with us Tracy Bucky
❤
Welcome back to our Advent Series - so good to see you Bucky
Wow
Thank you Steve - so glad you enjoyed it - we appreciate you being with us.. Bucky
There was a great Book titled "Men are like waffles, women like spaghetti" By Bill & Pam Farrel.
Thanks Tom - I will check it out Bucky