Monkey Business

Epiphany

As I pondered the gifts of the Magi, rolling slightly 'pine' scented frankincense  and musty scented myrrh in my fingers, a richer meaning of these gift dawned.

Gold is a gift meant for Kings.  Royalty and those of special status adorn gold as a symbol that sets them aside. It is fitting the Christ, our King was given gold.

Frankincense, a resin, is used in the healing arts and in religious ceremonies. Christ as healer and Christ as priest are both honoured with this gift.

Myrrh, a resin and an oil used for anointing are given in foretelling of our Saviour's death and resurrection.

That the Magi, unnumbered in Matthew's account, would choose these gifts to a baby is both remarkable and prophetic.  My epiphany on the Feast of the Epiphany.

Roots

Roots are a wonderful thing. These are the silver white roots of a hyacinth bulb forced to grow in water.

Often hidden beneath the ground, roots are the foundation of life. Roots give stability, life-sustaining nutrition and life-giving water to a plant, just as parents give support, sustenance and life to their children.

In turn, our Father, God, gives us similar support, life and love. With God at our root, we can flourish and spread His love to the world.

Moving On

 Watson is growing up so quickly. Today he moved with my daughter to his new 'forever' home.

We will miss the cuddles, the purrs, playing fetch and playing catch.

But now we can look forward to his next visit.

Watson

 What is not to love?

He purrs almost constantly. He loves to cuddle. He loves to play. He is curious. He is cute.

And after a couple hours of activity - like any baby he needs his naps. 

Like I said...what's not to love?

We're Still Here

The morning began with a reminder alarm on our cell phone.

Our daughter, had programmed a special message.  Today is December 21, 2012, the date, according to the Mayan calendar that this world will come to an end.  The message simply read, "We're dead."

Sorry, sweetie, as this day draws to an end my return message to you is "I'm still here, I'm still alive."

Elvis was in the Building - Again

This evening, at a special skating event, I was privileged to watch Elvis take to the ice again.  Some twenty years ago, I watched him compete for his first time at the national level on this very surface.

Joining him tonight were other skating legends: Kurt, Jeff, Pat, Joannie and my favourites, two of my daughters and the little children I teach skating to. What a treat!