Month: March 2023

Kisses are here and kisses are there, kisses are everywhere. We use them as expressions of greetings, friendship, appreciation, and as gratitude and love. Kisses are probably shared in every corner of the world. “Mercy and truth are met together;” we’re told in Scripture. Mercy and truth are needed in every situation. There are many people who do not operate in mercy while others do not function in truth. Some people lack both. They are needed to do things right. Jesus told the Pharisees of His day, “…I will have mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13).
Men love showing off their power and dominance; their control over others. Many enjoy doing what they want even if it’s wrong, and then want to offer sacrifices to God to atone for their ways. God wants us to be merciful to others. Jesus hung with the crowds the religious leaders ignored and despised. He wanted them to show compassion to the less fortunate, to the outcasts. Instead of offering sacrifices to God for their righteousness and showing off how good and obedient to the law they were, He wanted them to love their neighbors the way He loved them.
He expects the same from us. He would rather see less sacrifices, those long lists of all we’ve done or have gone through, but maybe haven’t loved anyone; and more obedience to His Word.
Have you read the book, Kisses from Katie (Davis): A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption? Great book on sacrifices made by a young girl to take the Gospel in the form of love to needy kids in Uganda by adopting 13 of them! It’s a must-read! Yes, kisses are everywhere!
But this happens mostly when we’re not self-righteous or pompously looking down on others. Real love cannot be measured! It goes beyond barriers of every type! God’s love, Agape love, is limitless! The religious leaders of Jesus’ day had love-all to themselves. In todays’ terms, they were looking out for number 1. They only loved “me” (themselves) and despised/belittled the poor and needy. Jesus told them off, put them in their place. Of course, they hated Him for it.
Psalm 2:12 reads, “Kiss the Son.” Meaning, be submissive to Him. However, the religious leaders failed to recognize God in their midst. So, whereas they could have kissed the author of love, that is, love personified, they instead, killed Him.
God Bless,
Sam

I was about 15 when for some reason Pauly, one of the sons of the local diner’s owner, was terribly upset with me. He was about 5 inches taller than me and began to chase me. After going around the block the second time, my friends told him he might as well call it quits. When he asked why they told him that I was the fastest on the block and that he wasn’t going to catch me. In his anger, he disregarded them and chased away. He was about ½ a block behind me and never caught me after 5 laps. Endurance: persevering in an event, not giving up.
Many of us enjoy stories of persevering feats such as cycling 205.65 miles daily for 365 days and completing 75,065 in a year (Thomas Godwin of Great Britain) in 1939, and continuing until completing 100,000 miles in 500 days up to May 14, 1940. Or, imagine cycling 1216.8 miles behind pace in only 24 hours (Michael Secrest) April, 1990!
Others, like participating in mountain-climbing, or the scaling of mountain peaks like Mt. Everest. Some people enjoy reading their stories. Me, I enjoy the movies like Everest or Vertical Limit. However endurance may come, it is not only important in our lives, but essential. Look around you at what’s going on. Life has become even more difficult than it was. Don’t quit! Read:
“For many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matthew 24:6- NIV).
Endurance is for the long haul. It entails giving one’s all. It’s usually painful and long-lasting. Through thick and thin, we have to hang on. Jesus said,
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:14 KJV).
God Bless,
Sam

I wrote this today for a special friend of over thirty years.
My Name is Magda and I’m in my low sixties. For several decades it’s been just my mom and me living and chasing dreams here and there. We’ve split our decades between New York and Puerto Rico. We’ve visited several states and have had fun on our journeys. From flea markets to farmers’ markets, and estate sales to closeout sales, we’ve enjoyed our treasures as well as our travels.
But the real treasures haven’t been the special finds and great deals. No, it’s been the special times and memorable moments my mom and I built together. We’ve been there for each other every step of the way. We’ve laughed along trails and cried at hardships on recovery roads. We’ve managed to triumph over obstacles of every type. We’ve weathered snow storms, hail storms, pouring rains, unbearable cold, and plenty of hurricanes.
We’ve been there for each other when electric power has gone out for days, weeks, and seven months after our last serious hurricane (Maria). In floods or droughts, we’ve stuck together. We’ve eaten plenty, as well as have had to share meals. From Museums to parks, to shows and Bingo groups, we’ve been friends to the end. In the heat of summer, we’ve refreshed ourselves with the coolness of water, drinks, and ice cream or shakes. In the bitter cold, hot chocolate or brewing coffee or tea, warmed our hearts. In the good times and tough ones, we’ve held each other up.
When she became ill and dropped over 80 pounds, I was by her side. The next several years brought unforeseen hardships, but we faced them as always-side by side in the warmth of each other’s presence. Dialysis drained her body, but her spirit continued strong as ever. Changes brought challenges, but her will to persevere, did not wane. Shorter travels and shorter journeys kept us together through thick and thin.
Two weeks ago, we celebrated my mom’s 85th birthday with friends and family as Death hung in the air always lingering nearby. Several days later, she passed away. So, what will I do now that my mom has passed on? What will I do now that my best friend has moved beyond the curtains on the stage of life?
I’m not really sure, but one thing I know: I will walk through the rooms of my mind. I will visit the special moments we held. I will sit in each room and recall memories made. I will laugh at the things we said and at the things we did together. I will treasure her advice, her opinions. I will hold her hand as she did mine in the toughest of times. I will recall how she stood tall and proud of her heritage and character. I will recall her determination to triumph in life-and I will continue in her path. I will continue our dreams and journeys. I will hear our songs in the rain and feel her presence in the wind. My best friend isn’t with me anymore, not in this life; she’s moved on. I will continue holding the hand of God for this next journey. Life will not be the same, but I will find laughter during this difficult time and will treasure it and share it with others. For now, “I miss you mom.”
*Magda voluntarily and unselfishly chose to put her life on hold for decades to care for her mom. She led an admirable life. We’ll continue to lift her up before God’s throne room as she seeks direction from Him for the path ahead.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: But the LORD delivereth him out of them all” (Psalms 34:18-19).
Recommended song: Faithful Friend by Rebecca St. James & Dennis Jernigan
God Bless,
Sam