Finding Warmth on a Cold New York Christmas
Guideposts‘ editor-in-chief recalls a long-ago Christmas when the warmth and support of new friends sheltered him from the Manhattan chill and bolstered his fragile sobriety.
Guideposts‘ editor-in-chief recalls a long-ago Christmas when the warmth and support of new friends sheltered him from the Manhattan chill and bolstered his fragile sobriety.
Gratitude is the antidote to adversity. It may seem paradoxical to give thanks in times of want, yet what better time to count one’s blessings?
Like Millie, I can overreact to situations, become defensive and unreasonable and apprehensive. I shout occasionally when I should speak softly, snap at people I should be kind to.
I’m stuck in an airport on my way to the next Guideposts “mini” writers workshop, and I’m worried about the 10 or so workshoppers also traveling today, so say a prayer for them.
Life’s difficulties are always with us, but the holidays inspire a renewed sense that things will be all right, that someone is watching over us.
So much of this trip to the the holy lands has been about exploring the past. I was perhaps most amazed by the ruins of Masada, where in 66 A.D., a group of Jews fought and died for their faith, a sacrifice that many Christians of the early church would soon make as well.
I had heard the stories about the travels of Paul growing up but until I actually saw the places he traveled to, often repeatedly, how unforgiving the terrain is, I did not truly apprehend the fire that was in his soul.
As my travels through the Holy Lands continue, we visit the house where Mary is believed to have spent her final days—a fact that can only be accepted by the heart and taken on faith.
Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and Church of Hagia Sophia show the epic efforts undertaken by people honoring their faith in God.
I suppose it is actually being in a place—like Istanbul—and walking its ancient streets that finally gives you a sense of the difference between cultures, between history and people and geography and faith.
Nit-picking has its place, but in this preview from Daily Guideposts 2012, we’re reminded that the Christmas season is about faith, hope and love.
I hate colds, but my mom didn’t. She would say that she was not suffering anything that Jesus didn’t suffer. I think she was on to something.