May 18, 2013 NUGGETS OF WISDOM

May 12, 2013 was Mother's Day, a celebration for all women who have been esteemed "tools" for God's procreation of the human species. Like all mothers, I was exceptionally happy with my children and their families over a sumptuous lunch with a wide assortment of delicacies to suit any discriminating taste. The exchange of views centered on the recent happenings in the family specially among my grandchildren. There was Christina's hilariously marvelous performance in her school's musical comedy production, "Wedding Singer," where she was nominated Feature Actress in the county's school system. There was Joshua's commendable presentation of his Senior Volunteer Work Project teaching Hawaiian dancing to children and young adults and his athletic prowess in football. Michael's praiseworthy dedication to his acolyte services at Mass and his fascinating "split-second" moves in Volleyball was highlighted, too. There was Christian's remarkable skill on the ivory keys as to provide the musical score in a Retreat he recently attended. Much talk was on  Tiffany Anne's magnificent school awards - Achievement Award for her 4.0 GPA and Athletic Award on Soccer. There was Melanie Mary's wonderful singing and dancing renditions as Mermaid in the school play, "Peter Pan." My joy knew no bounds! And the added "elixir" of the day were the lovely gifts from my children of flowers, a Fodor book, a car raffle ticket and a "one-of-a-kind" exceptionally hand-crafted card with a message so touching to my heart. 

As a fitting finale to our Mothers' Day celebration, I gave each of my grandchildren, "Nuggets of Wisdom" which crystallize my advice to them. 

           NUGGETS  OF  WISDOM

Jesus said, "Be not afraid I am with you"
A promise spoken like an arrow hitting its mark
I claim His Word at all times and in all places, too
Endless praise and thanks I release from my heart.

To you, my Grandchildren, I share this message
God's unconditional love in this Biblical passage
Be assured that His promise is an everlasting sign
So true and precious like gold seven times refined.

Be not afraid to be a witness to His Word
Through your day-by-day activities of any sort
If you "live" the Bible and all your relationships feed
YOU may be the only "Gospel" people may read.

Be not afraid to speak the truth of God's teaching
To people ignorant of or indifferent to His preaching
Dare to be bold to proclaim Christ's Good News
Your Christian courage will enlighten lukewarm views.

Be not afraid to be consistent in your prayers
God is the source of your life and all that flows in
Confide your joys, pain, concerns to your Maker
If you do often to your friends, why not to Him?

Be not afraid to do work or walk the extra mile
In your school, office and home chores at hand
To give MORE than what is expected with a smile
Lifts your spirits up, an inspiration to others send.

Be not afraid if frustrations, ill-will come your way
Temptations, trials, heartaches thrown at bay
For a purpose God allows them to test your faith's gap
Trust Him for healing, strengths and insights it will tap.

Be not afraid to have many friends around you
They make life happier, your journey pleasant, too
But dare to lose them than compromise conviction
Of what is right according to God's truth and action.

Be not afraid to be a notch better than your friends
It may require hard work, more study, less play
Dream dreams, "hitch your wagon to a star"
Stay focused, do your best, with God, you'll soar!

Be not afraid to exercise your free will
God's gift to each one of His creation
What you will be at age 50 is the seal
Of choices YOU made- family's pride or its poison.

Be not afraid to defy society's trend
Of accepting loose morals as being "cool"
Stick to God's way though you be a loner to the end
Than let a brilliant mind go to waste like that of a fool.

Be not afraid to share time, talent and treasure
You were born to be a blessing for others
You, yourself will be mysteriously assured
Peace and joy by your bountiful gift of giving.

Be not afraid to follow your Grandma's advice
They are guidelines for young hearts to live by
Your life will have meaning and purpose, O, wise
If it always "burns" with fervor for Jesus on high.

What you are now, I once had been
What I am now, you will in the future be
Like me you will look back and see the unseen
"I have done my best to be what I can ever be!"


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