Thanks to Debi and MG for sharing their gifts…

MG and Debi are two names that are interwoven through out this reflection. A big thank you to their faithfulness in using all their gifts and being steadfast. 

“GOD CALLS US according to our unique aptitudes. But we often overlook our more “everyday” human attributes like having a strong back or being able to repair machines or grow flowers. Some of us can organize; some can do accounting; some can greet people warmly and make them feel welcome; some can make plants grow. Think about such natural abilities and how God might use them.”

– Understanding Spiritual Gifts Participant’s Book

MGHenry writes…

Today is appointed by our government to be a day of remembrance of those who never made it back from the wars.

It’s all been said and done by many organizations around our nation. Leaders have extolled the virtues of those who gave up their lives for the cause of our freedom. There are graveside events and families place wreaths, ministers and rabbis mention these things in their sermons and and flags are flown on this Remembrance Day of the those martyred for our national cause.

Rolling Thunder has “roared” through our community en route to the nation’s Capitol to remember the fallen and to support our surviving veterans.

But I also want to remember the families, the wives, mothers and fathers and the children who will never see their loved ones again. They are the ones that we must pray for. We can only hope that our loved ones, some buried at sea, others in Arlington Cemetery and cemeteries all over our nation and abroad….that these men and women called out to the Lord at the hour death.

And for the veterans who have survived in harm’s way…who have given a limb or who have emotional scars.,, I am thinking what a tragedy it would be to escape the horrors of war only to be in danger of the horrors and terrors of Hell. These also we lift up in prayer to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ that they may through our intercessions on their behalf, also receive Christ as their Lord and Savior to love and serve Him as they have valiently served their country.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will draw these heroes, men and women of the Armed Forces who have survived…that HE will bring the Spirit of Christ upon these people and draw them to Christ. Jesus said, ” If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto ME.”
Let us lift up Christ in our prayers for these people on the very special day of Remembrance…..Memorial Day.

MG Henry

Tales Magic Monastry by Theopane the Monk

“Here, the charming, mature stories from the internationallly beloved monk are accompanied by original art. Like the parables of Jesus, these tales repeatedly unfold new levels of meaning if we are willing to sit with them.” By Publisher

I agree. One tale that keeps me in a meditative state is: “I sat there in awe as the old monk answered our questions. Thought I am usually shy,…I found myself raising my hand. “Father, could you tell us something about yourself? He leaned back. “Myself?” he mused. There was a long pause.

“My name used to be Me. But, now it’s You. “

Spring Plant Sale 2014

After a long, cold winter and late spring, it is wonderful to see greenery, color and new life again! Come and join us at Monroe Technology Center’s annual Spring Plant Sale where you are sure to find a plant (or a cartload) you will love. Whether you’re looking for an herb, tomato or berry plant from our edible collection, a favorite perennial or annual, native plant or hanging basket…we want to help make your visit enjoyable. Look for students wearing bright yellow T-shirts that say CS Monroe Technology Center Spring Plant Sale designed and provided generously for us by world famous CustomInk! Or you may find a student or staff eager to help you in a green apron designed especially for Monroe also by the artists at CustomInk! We will have trees, shrubs, aquatic plants and over 600 hanging baskets to choose from so come early for best selection.

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Hours are Wednesday, April 30, 10am-8pm; Thursday, May 1, 10am-6pm and Friday, May 2, 10am-5pm. 715 Childrens Center Rd, Leesburg, VA.

Oh, and bring your appetite also as the Monroe Culinary Arts Department will be selling pizza rolls and lemonade to raise funds to send students to a national culinary competition.

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DAILY EPIPHANIES

Do you look for and expect surprises daily? I try to. I found one this am and it was a great epiphany for me.

Recently, I have been dealing with left knee pain. I had it checked and x-ray said, no cartilage! Oh, yes, I have a new focus now. I am having to babysit my knee. It’s been like this for a few months. Needless to say, kneeling must be a big problem for ones like me with a hurting knee. So, no kneeling have I done. Although, every once in awhile I felt like deep inside I wanted to kneel and pray but, my prayer ended up being about my knee.

This morning I was slowly painting my face with makeup when it occurred to me I wanted to pray ‘saving faith and saving grace’ for someone(s) I knew. I really wanted to kneel because I felt pain for them beyond my knee. I took off and threw myself down next to my bed. It was a cloud! The best kneeling ever. When I finished I looked down and my down comforter had fallen to the floor to catch me and my knee. I didn’t want to leave. What comfort for my knee. But, most importantly, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit moving with even more comfort to those that I felt to take my little nothing cosmetic time and my babysitting job and kneel and pray to meet a power beyond my imagination. I had an epiphany!

Look for and expect daily epiphanies! Yes, moments of sudden revelation or insight.

Noonan says, we are never alone and prays for us; “AWESOME CREATOR GOD, you made springs of water cascade between the mountains and rush to flood my heart with re-creation and gladness. I lift up my voice and sing praises to my Maker, from whom all blessings flow.”  And, I add, God said in Ezekiel, I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing…..Amen and Amen!