God, Love, Life, Repeat...

One of my family’s favorite cake recipes.
by Carolina Gutierrez

by Tonja Taylor
It reminds us that He is our God, and we are His people–and implies strongly (to me, at least), that He, our God, is the ultimate; without Him, what else is there? 

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. 
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” 

I appreciate you.  These are words that most people like to hear.  They can help us to feel seen, recognized, validated.  Recently, I said this to someone and got an unexpected response.  While my words were sincere and heartfelt, they triggered a negative reaction.  Why? 

It’s what we all want, don’t we?  Especially at Christmas, the words are everywhere.  But what do we mean?  Does that mean we don’t want war?  What if we aren’t at war, do we still want peace?