Good Evening Dear Ones!
Happy Sabbath! Today is the 5th Sunday of Easter and the 5th year since my dad's death. Lots to ponder. When I look back on five years ago I was preparing for my port placement and first chemo. Not easy in the early stages of grief. I was wondering what I said to you five years ago in this blog on the 19th of May 2014. So that is what I am going to share with you this night.
Blog title:
I didn't expect this today! Sad news to share!
Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on our Journey,
I have sad news to share, my dad Leroy Fischer Macdonald Jr. entered eternal life this morning. He was sent back to the ER from the Extended Care Center at 5:30 a.m. this morning with shortness of breath and poor oxygenation. As deaths go his was a very peaceful one and he wasn't in any pain. Most of the family had opportunities to say their goodbyes. I didn't expect this today! I had a lot to do to get ready for my surgery for the port placement tomorrow which will be going forward as will chemo on Wednesday. Today was supposed to be You Matter Monday not You Mourn Monday. Please keep the Macdonald family and all of those who will mourn Dad's loss. Tonight I would like to share photos of my dad and have you see what he looked like. I love you all. We will have written prayers tomorrow night.
Please hold each other close and tell everyone you love them. Don't take anything for granted you never know when your loved ones won't be there.
I love you, You Matter, and are all precious to me and I give God thanks for you this day and always!
Sara
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Let us ponder these quotes on remembrance:
"It is not length of life, but depth of life." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight." ~ Khalil Gibran
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." ~ Thomas Campbell
"I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are." ~ Henry Scott Holland
"No one is actually dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away." ~ Terry Pratchett
"Wherever you are, I am there also." ~ Ludwig van Beethoven
"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" ~ Maya Angelou
"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation." ~ Elie Wiesel
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John F. Kennedy
"It has been said, 'time heals all wounds.' I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone." ~ Rose Kennedy
"I've given my life to the principle and the ideal of memory, and remembrance." ~ Elie Wiesel
"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." ~ Maya Angelou
Come let us worship.
Call to remembrance, O Lord, your tender care
and the unfailing love
which you have shown from of old.
Do not remember the sins and offences of my youth:
but according to your mercy
remember me, Lord, in your goodness.
You O Lord are upright and good
therefore you show the path to those who go astray.
You guide the humble to do what is right,
and those who are gentle you teach your way.
All your ways are loving and sure
to those who keep your covenant
and your commandments. Psalm 25:5-9
The Lamb who is at the heart of the throne
will be their shepherd and will guide them
to the springs of the water of life;
and God will wipe all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17
Without having seen Christ you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. 1 Peter 1:8
"O, heavenly Father: we thank thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service,
That thy gifts to us may be used for others.
Amen." ~ Abigail Van Buren
"Lift up your hearts to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company; the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware." ~ Brother Lawrence
"Wherever you may go, the least plant may bring you clear remembrance of the Creator." ~ Saint Basil
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Hebrews 12:1,2
The righteous will be remembered for ever: the memory of the righteous is a blessing. Psalm 112:6; Proverbs 10:7
When anyone is united to Christ, there is a new world; the old order has gone, and a new order has already begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Because my dad was a hardware salesman we will be using the lessons for Commerce and Industry assigned for the Rogation days.
We light this candle in remembrance and in honor of all our family members living and departed.
THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES -Anonymous
Lest we forget the great traditions of freedom and faith which are the heritage of humanity; lest we forget the pioneers, the statesmen, the bridge builders, the artists; and lest we forget You, the God of our fore bears who is our God also:
We light this candle of remembrance.
For the hope of a better world, in which righteousness and peace shall prevail among the people of the earth, and to create which is the task of the generations in which we stand, as well as for the courage and faith we shall need if we are to carry on this unfinished work:
We light this candle of consecration.
May the flame upon the altar of free faith shine in our hearts al ways, reminding us of the dark places to which we may carry light and strengthening us in every moment of doubt and discouragement with unwavering faith in You whom we serve and whose we are.
O Gracious Light Phos hilaron
O gracious Light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
God of all power, love, mercy and radiant light, strengthen us we pray as we light our candles and be at prayer. We pray for your healing power among us who are ill. We pray that we may lovingly respond to our family members who are in need of loving comfort when they are going through any crisis. We pray this night for an end to all forms of weaponry and violence. We pray that we may have courage to lean on you when we feel our energy waning. We pray for all family members who are being robbed of power due to abuse, human trafficking, slavery, bullying, and people who make them feel insignificant and invisible. We pray for peace in this fragile and broken world and in our hearts and minds. We pray that we may listen to your call to serve and be empowered to carry your light, your love, your mercy, with listening ears and open hearts. We pray this night and as we remember this The Love and Light that God gave me, I give to you and to all of our family members. May we reflect God's love and light and feel God's holy power indwelling in us and calling us to pray and serve. May we know that there's power in our prayers and it comes from you O God. Amen.
Psalm 107
Part I Confitemini Domino
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, *
and his mercy endures for ever.
2 Let all those whom the Lord has redeemed proclaim *
that he redeemed them from the hand of the foe.
3 He gathered them out of the lands; *
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
4 Some wandered in desert wastes; *
they found no way to a city where they might dwell.
5 They were hungry and thirsty; *
their spirits languished within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, *
and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He put their feet on a straight path *
to go to a city where they might dwell.
8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy *
and the wonders he does for his children.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty *
and fills the hungry with good things.
Ecclesiasticus 38:27-32
27 So it is with every artisan and master artisan
who labours by night as well as by day;
those who cut the signets of seals,
each is diligent in making a great variety;
they set their heart on painting a lifelike image,
and they are careful to finish their work.
28 So it is with the smith, sitting by the anvil,
intent on his ironwork;
the breath of the fire melts his flesh,
and he struggles with the heat of the furnace;
the sound of the hammer deafens his ears,*
and his eyes are on the pattern of the object.
He sets his heart on finishing his handiwork,
and he is careful to complete its decoration.
29 So it is with is the potter sitting at his work
and turning the wheel with his feet;
he is always deeply concerned over his products,
and he produces them in quantity.
30 He moulds the clay with his arm
and makes it pliable with his feet;
he sets his heart on finishing the glazing,
and he takes care in firing* the kiln.
31 All these rely on their hands,
and all are skilful in their own work.
32 Without them no city can be inhabited,
and wherever they live, they will not go hungry.*
Yet they are not sought out for the council of the people,*
Sirach 44:1-7
Hymn in Honour of Our Ancestors *
44Let us now sing the praises of famous men,
our ancestors in their generations.
2 The Lord apportioned to them* great glory,
his majesty from the beginning.
3 There were those who ruled in their kingdoms,
and made a name for themselves by their valour;
those who gave counsel because they were intelligent;
those who spoke in prophetic oracles;
4 those who led the people by their counsels
and by their knowledge of the people’s lore;
they were wise in their words of instruction;
5 those who composed musical tunes,
or put verses in writing;
6 rich men endowed with resources,
living peacefully in their homes—
7 all these were honoured in their generations,
and were the pride of their times.
1 Corinthians 3:10-14
10 According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— 13the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. 14If what has been built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a reward.
Diann Neu: Blessed Be Our Hands
Blessed be the work of our hands.
Blessed be these hands that touch life.
Blessed be these hands that nurture creativity.
Blessed be these hands that hold pain.
Blessed be these hands that embrace with passion.
Blessed be these hands that tend gardens.
Blessed bed these hands that close in anger.
Blessed be these hands that plant new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that harvest ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that clean, wash, mop, scrub.
Blessed be these hands that become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that wrinkle and scar from doing justice.
Blessed are these hands that reach out and are received.
Blessed are these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of our hands and hearts.
Matthew 6:19-24
Concerning Treasures
19 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust* consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust* consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The Sound Eye
22 ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; 23but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
Serving Two Masters
24 ‘No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.*
Work as Vocation from Industrial Christian Fellowship.
A prayer which explores work as our worship
Living God
Creator of all things
The foundation and purpose of everything
Is ultimately to be found in You
Inspire us with that truth
When work is routine and repetitive
As well as exciting and innovative.
When tasks are difficult and frustrating As well as satisfying and fulfilling.
In a world that offers so many rewards
And fuels a multitude of ambitions
Help me to look to you
To define my purpose
And to offer my toil and endeavour in its pursuit.
May your presence within me
The faith that I cherish
And the values I pursue
Enrich the working lives of everyone I encounter
As I offer the whole of my life
In living sacrifice to You
AMEN
Collects from A New Zealand Prayer Book and the Book of Common Prayer.
Collects
Holy God, you feed us
with earthly and with spiritual food.
Deathless, unalterable, you have chosen us,
sinful as we are,
to hear your word and to proclaim your truth.
Alleluia! Make us salt of the earth;
make us yeast in the loaf.
Almighty God,
your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
ever lives to make intercession for us;
have pity on our weakness,
and in your mercy give us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask,
except through his merits,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Christ our great high priest,
you understand our weakness;
you pray for us while we are sinners.
Help us, through you,
to find a new and living way to God.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant
us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way,
the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his
steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Let us pray.
God we thank you for healing our broken hearts as we grieve any loss.
God help us we pray as we comfort our family members who mourn any loss and aid in binding up hearts that are broken.
God help us we pray for peace in our hearts and peace in this world. We pray that we may become peace makers and your living and beautiful children.
God we pray for everyone in our family who at one time or other will become the least of these. May we lovingly respond to their needs. We pray this night for our family members who lack safe shelter, nourishing food, warm clothing, and clean water.
God we pray for everyone in our family who are victims of violence, terror, abuse,and human trafficking. We remember also our family members who are political and economic refugees, asylum seekers, political prisoners, and captives.
God we pray for your Cathedral of Life that we may protect your animal kingdom, and conserve your natural resources. We pray for an end to global warming and that solutions may be found to heal your planet.
God we pray for all who are ill in body mind and spirit. May they feel your healing presence and may we step up and lovingly respond to their needs.
God we pray for an end to all forms of injustice and inequality that we may know that in your world the world in which we live we may know that you love all, include all, and respect and care for all and that all means all and not some. May we know that everyone is your beloved child and our family members.
God we pray for all who are dying and those who have died today. May we remember those who are on our hearts our family members by name whom we have lost_____________________
God we pray, celebrate, remember, and give thanks for___________________________
God we lay these our prayers in the arms and in the name of Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Or these:
Loving and life giving God, let celebrate life everyday and realize that every day that we live is a chance to life life in a new and exciting key.
Loving and life giving God ,we pray for peace in the world and that we may become your peacemakers.
Loving and life giving God, we pray for all who are suffering in body, mind, and spirit.
Loving and life giving God, we pray for all who are journeying through the grieving process.
Loving and life giving God ,we pray for all who are seeking employment and new life paths.
Loving and life giving God ,help us to give and show love on a daily basis.
Loving and life giving God, help us to live life courageously with light footsteps directed towards the future which is a heartbeat and breath away.
Loving and life giving God, we pray for all of our family members who fear living and who are the least of these. We pray that we may lovingly respond to their needs.
Loving and life giving God,we pray that we will be able to offer our lives as gifts to you as a musical and artistic masterpiece. We pray that you will guide our hands, voices, and words.
Loving and life giving God, we pray for restful and peaceful sleep that we may awaken refreshed and renewed.
Loving and life giving God, we offer our prayers and thanksgivings in the Name of your Son Jesus. Amen.
(Alternative form of the Lord's Prayer as found in the New Zealand Prayer Book.)
Eternal Spirit,
Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples
of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom
sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love,
now and for ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:1–10
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is
hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where
there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where
there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is
in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen.
The Wisdom of God
the Love of God
and the Grace of God
strengthen us
to be Christ’s hands and heart in this world,
in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.
(source: Celtic)
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in
believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Romans 15:13
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Good Night All! Thank you for sharing our family's remembrance day! I love you all.
Peace, Love, Prayers, and Blessings,
Sara
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