The Christmas holiday is my favorite time of the year, reminding me to be grateful for all that is given. It is also a time for reflection. I read an interesting verse from a man that I am becoming quite fond of, Mr. C.S. Lewis. I would like to share it with you, now.

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

Happiness and Peace have new feeling, depths without limits.

Photo by Steve Crocker.

Dear Friend & Reader,
I've looked for a quote better than Ms. Swain's below, but hers embodies my current thought and mission. I will refrain from further posts till i find another which draws my spirit. I hope hers does the same for you. God Bless.

Author Alice M. Swaim gives us today's quote.

Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.

Change comes from the inside. The blossom is the beauty that is seen by the world.

French novelist Gustave Flaubert is best known for his masterpiece, Madame Bovary. He said these words,

The artist must be in his work as God is in creation, invisible and all-powerful; one must sense him everywhere but never see him.

We are each artists. I must paint the world with my palette, trusting that He is guiding me to create a masterpiece that is beautiful and worthy to Him.

A wise person once said,

A friend is someone with whom I can reveal many parts of me, even those I am meeting for the first time.

I never really understood the meaning of a friend, until i called them out in times of need. They rushed and stood to my side. Listening, supporting, giving of themselves unconditionally because they want to express their love. I had no idea the true value of friendship, until right now. The sacrifice a person makes when they offer to become yours, and what that really means. I am grateful.

We turn to our old friend, 12th Century Japanese Buddhist monk, Dogen, for words of wisdom.

When we discover that the truth is already in us, we are all at once our original selves.

He has placed the answers within us, just need to ask how to find it.

Highly regarded in the Armed Forces, Navy Captain Gerald L. Coffee's military decorations include the Silver Star, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 13 stars. Through tremendous courage and resolve, Captin Coffee lived as a POW in the Communist prisons of North Vietnam for 7 years. After his repatriation in February, 1973, Jerry returned to operation duties, giving 28 years of service.

Our lives are a continuing journey - and we must learn and grow at every bend as we make our way, sometimes stumbling, but always moving toward the finest within us.

Sometimes we falter, but God does not let us fall. We become closer to the person we are supposed to be if we allow ourselves to learn, grow and love.