The First Noel - Pedro The Lion

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel!
Born is the King of Israel

They were trembling with fear, but the angel replied
I bring you glad tidings do not be afraid
With peace on earth, goodwill to men
The multitude left the night quiet again
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel!
Born is the King of Israel

In Bethlehem wrapped in swaddling clothes
They found Jesus just as the angel had told
They were broken by the thought, as the young Saviour nursed
That God sent a baby to break the curse
Noel! Noel! Noel! Noel!
Born is the King of Israel

Amen

Love's Breaking Me Down/Like Waves To Stone/Over And Over

Some conversations never leave you, even after the parties involved have since gone on their merry way, returning to their day-to-day routine. In life, we all need a kick every now and then to shake off the blinders or help us see something that has been in front of us for ages. There are different types of kicks. Some kicks are done with the intent of demeaning the one receiving it; to belittle them and to make the 'kicker' feel better about themselves. Other kicks are done with the 'kickees' interest at heart. The 'kicker' gets no thrill out of the exchange, other than the hope that the kick will be received in love. Regardless of how it is handed out, there is one thing that remains the same in both circumstances: the kick hurts.

A few weeks back, I was handed a kick of the 'swift' variety. She didn't even mean to do it. An encouragement was handed out, then the beating came. At first, she was hesitant, not desiring to cause pain. But when she realized how much I needed it, she continued without apology. I tried to fight it by saying it wasn't necessary, but I gave up the inner fight and said 'just take it'. At the end, I gave her my gratitude, and we parted ways.

The pain is all but gone, but her words continue to linger, interrupting my thoughts whenever things start to fall off the tracks cerebrally. The beating hurt, but maaaaaan . . . . . . . . SO glad I got it. These moments are supposed to make you stronger. I can testify to that claim.

December One

You know it's coming!

My Three Year Plan

On Sunday, I ventured to Dangerous Dan's, a greasy option on Queen and Broadview. I was invited by Dave to partake in a tradition six years strong. The tradition is the following:

Eat the Coronary: Two 8oz. patties topped with a fried egg and four strips of bacon (AND the fries. Can't forget those).

I wasn't ready. As a matter of fact, I completely wussed out of it.

I ended up having a regular burger (w/cheese and bacon) and even THAT sat funny afterwards. So here's the deal: Next year, I will take the weekend to prepare my body for what it will receive. I plan on having the coronary. In 2011, the 'ball buster': 24oz. If you happen to be in the area and have no regard for your physical health, I suggest you give it a go. Jared is my hero.

Timing

My watch keeps dying on me. Its a relatively new watch. Purchased it about four months ago. Sometimes its fast, and sometimes its off about 8 hours. Beforehand, I always used my phone to tell the time, but I missed having a weight on my wrist that I could simply rotate 80 degrees and know the hour.

I'm still joyous inside at the thought of my old friend picking up a Bible and going at it. I've been praying for about ten years for this event to occur. And yes, he might just say its all junk, but I'm hoping, and still praying, that he will see Jesus as I see him.

I keep hearing people quote Assisi: 'Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words'. Now hold on one second, if God didn't want me to speak his gospel, He would have made me a mute. In this faith journey, it has been mostly living by example which is primary, but after a while, you have to connect the dots. What is it that makes you different? Why is your outlook the way it is? What hope is there in this life?

Well, let me tell you . . .