My reflection today comes from Give Us This Day:

“ The story of the Transfiguration is a fantastic Gospel. It always cheered me up in my poverty, in my loneliness. It is my companion. Without it I don’t think I would have survived.  In this scene of the transfiguration, one line stands out for me: ‘Jesus then came up to them, touched them and said, ‘Stand up, do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but Jesus.’
That, to me, is the only thing that matters. In the terrible, horrendous, awful, lonely days of my life, it seemed as if he touched me and I opened my eyes filled with tears and despair. Suddenly, I saw Jesus, and I got up and washed my face and went on about the duty of the moment. It gives me courage. It gives me food, nourishment, strength, and the ability to keep plugging along against every opposition.”  – Catherine de Hueck Doherty

 I thought that this particular passage would be helpful for those who are struggling today.
In the gospel, I was struck by the phrase, “But Jesus came and touched them, saying,’Rise, and do not be afraid.’ And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.”
Whether we are doing well or we are going through difficult times we need to keep our eyes on Jesus.

My reflection today:

“ Knowing God has a plan for your life is very important. When things happen that are out of your control, it can be very discouraging. It’s easy to become frustrated, to feel afraid, and to question what the future holds. Putting your faith in God‘s plan allows you to trust that the events in your life are meant to be. It helps you to make choices that must be made and realize things are not really out of control – they are under His control.

There is a peace that can be found knowing that His plan is playing out in your life. When things are confusing for you, remember that God is in control and He loves you. Trust Him and His plans.”  – Rick Norman

My reflection today:

“ Love your life. Believe in your own power, your own potential, and your own innate goodness. Every morning, wake with the awe of just being alive. Each day, discover the magnificent, awesome beauty in the world. Explore and embrace life in yourself and in everyone you see each day. Reach within to find your own specialness. Amaze yourself, and rouse those around you to the potential of each new day. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect; this is the essence of your humanity. Let those who love you help you. Trust enough to be able to take. Look with hope to the horizon of today, for today is all we truly have. Live this day well. Let a little sunshine out as well as in. Create your own rainbows. Be open to all your possibilities; possibilities can be miracles. Believe in miracles!” – Vickie M. Worsham

My reflection today:

“ Life can make choices for us. Sometimes these choices seem unhappy or unfair, but in the end we control our own destiny because we can decide how people and events affect us.
So much of our happiness lies within the choices we make. We can accept that life isn’t the way we want it to be, or we can change it so that it will be.
We can walk through the shadows, or we can choose to smile and seek out the sunlight.
We can create grand dreams that never leave the ground, or we can be builders of dreams that come true.
We can look at only the negative aspects of ourselves, or we can lift ourselves up by being our own best friend.
We can live in the past or dream about the future, or we can live for today.
We can give up when the road becomes difficult, or we can keep on going until the view is much better.
The choices in life are endless, and so is the potential for happiness.“ – Nancy Sims

My reflection today comes from our Mercy Prayer Book:
Psalm 96
“A new song for the Lord! Sing it and bless God’s name, everyone, everywhere! Tell the whole world God’s triumph day to day, God’s glory, God’s wonder.

A noble God deserving praise, the dread of other gods, the puny gods of pagans; for our God made the heavens – the Lord of majestic light who fills the temple with beauty.