Open to Receive

Something to Ponder from Reverend Mary White

Life comes with its struggles and pain, and also joys and peace.  We cannot have the joys and peace in life without something to compare it which means that we must experience struggles and pain. Life is a balancing of ups and downs. Recognizing that “we are not alone” for “we live in God’s world”, acknowledges that we have a resource where strength, hope and love are given. We only must be open to receive.  

Stay safe. Stay connected. 

Blessings and the strength of Love be with you. 

Rev. Mary
revmjwhite@hotmail.ca 


Reading • 23RD by Thom M. Shuman 

Sinking in a sea of stress and success, 

you buoy me with your living waters 

until I am at peace; 

running down endless corridors 

to never-ending meetings, 

you detour me to the pathways 

leading to your joy; stumbling through 

the thorn bushes of a culture which seeks 

to tear my soul to shreds, you prepare a picnic 

in the garden of grace; famished and peckish 

from wandering the shadows of guilt and death, 

you fill me with sweet-tasting hope; 

fleeing the very life 

I convince myself I am seeking, 

you slow me down so goodness and mercy 

can catch up with me and push me 

into your heart. 


 Prayer Excerpt from “Iona Abby Worship Book” 

Creator of all, Saviour of all, Spirit in all, 

One in perfect community, stay with us now. 

Where there is apathy, kindle the flame of your love. 

Where there is deceit, confront every lie with your truth. Where there is hopelessness, reveal deep wells of compassion. Where there is joy, let your kindly protection be known. Where we hesitate to serve you, make us restless until we change.

For yours is the kin-dom, the power, and the glory for ever.

Amen