Ten Ways To Cultivate A Spirit Of Joy

A Few Kindly Chosen Words

Keep a child’s perspective on life – live in wide-eyed wonderment, anticipation and dependence

Take time out for a few quite moments with God every day – get to know well the one who created you

Throughout the day, come back to the center, where God dwells deep within your soul

Take a walk with God – spend time talkin’ with Him; even better, just stop an’ listen to what He has to say

Call to mind God’s mighty deeds in your life – give Him thanks!

Enjoy your children, your grandchildren – listen to them; help them picture their special future

Do random acts of kindness; senseless deeds of compassion

Take time to make a new pard – you never know when a man will be in a need

Encourage someone who is down, hurting

Show the woman you love true devotion and appreciation – you’ll never be able to measure the dividend

RWHollar April 30, 2011

Response to Spiritual Classics; John Henry, Newman; Corporate Disciplines, Celebration – Pg 332

The Magic of Christmas Is Holy

I have some dear friends who attend my church. Their names are James Milburn and his mom, Jean. James is a retired Air Force Staff Sergeant. His mom is as sweet and pleasant a lady as ever was born. James is always there to give me a pleasant greeting and an encouraging word. When Christmas rolls around he never forgets my family. I get a card from him every year.

This year he gave me a card and a special Christmas piece written by his mom. Since this blog is just a place for some ramblin’ it seemed fittin’ that I should share this beautiful writing by Jean Milburn.

The Magic Of Christmas
Is Holy

Why is Christmas so commercialized,

So covered with glitter and fantasized?

Well, it goes way back to one Wondrous night,

There was a star in the East that was awesome bright.

While shepherds guarding their sheep gazed with awe,

Our Precious Savior lay asleep in the straw.

With all the Wonders this birth brought about,

Faith and Hope and Charity no doubt.

There’s a desire to reach out amidst the glow,

Wish “Merry Christmas” to folks we don’t even know.

The Manger Scene is displayed on the mantle,

The flame from the candle so soft and gentle.

We think of old friends we love so much,

Send greeting cards to keep us in touch.

The first of the gifts were from there wise men.

And that’s how the gift of giving began.

There’s shopping to do in the Christmas rush,

Remembering those not as fortunate as us.

Little sleepy heads cannot sleep they’re so thrilled,

Santa’s bringing toys and their stockings will be filled.

Enjoy the music and the Christmas bells.

Give thanks for the glorious story it tells.

The magic is Holy that looms in the air.

And only God’s Christ Child can put it there.

When Christmas preparations are finally done,

Family and friends enjoy Holiday fun.

Embrace the Season that is Spiritually divine,

Because the Magic is Holy and it’s been there all the time.

Celebrate the season it will always hold true.

The Greatest of Gifts He has given to you.

The Best Sunday Service Of All

*In memory of Julius “Jay” Bruner

(March 30, 1931 – November 28, 2010)

Well, it was Sunday mornin’ early when I heard that distant call.
I’d been a’mendin’ fences since Thanksgiving; two, three days as I recall.
The alarm goin’ off seemed early, but I jumped right out of bed;
It was time to dress for worship, Sunday service, straight ahead.

Yes sir, it was Sunday mornin’ early when I heard that distant call;
Time to go to worship, givin’ thanks to God for all.
Seen Lucy fixin’ breakfast; gosh my Lord is good.
She’s my pardner and my sidekick; I let her know just where I stood.

Yep, it was Sunday mornin’ early when I heard that distant call.

Felt a strange sensation ’bout the service I’d attend;
Knew it would be special, spendin’ time with God and friends.
So I stepped on through that kitchen door; time to pray, and eat , and go.
But what came next, to my surprise, a feller could not know.

Music was a rignin’ out with sounds I’d never heard.
It was singin’ so angelic it caught my off my guard.
It was Sunday morn in heaven and a service to beat all;
Jesus high and lifted up said, “Jay, I sent that call.”

Yep, it was Sunday mornin’ early when I heard that distant call.
I’d exchanged a world of mendin’ fences to join…
“…the best Sunday service of all.”

(c) RWHollar
November 30, 2010

*Talked to my friend Kip, son of Julius, on November 30, 2010. We talked about how his dad was getting ready for church the day he went home to be with the Lord. We kidded a little about getting ready for church and waking up in heaven. Kip said, “Yea, that would be the best Sunday service of all.” Now, I don’t claim to be any great hand at cowboy poetry, but my friend’s words got me to thinking. So I sat down and wrote these few thoughts about a dad revered, remembered, and loved.