Today is the 3rd Sunday of Advent, which is known as the Sunday of "Joy". From our Advent service today in church:
"Our joy is in God and in His son Jesus Christ. Like peace, joy is a gift from God. It overtakes us and fills us when we remember what God has done and what He has promised to do.
We light this candle today to remind us that Christ came, and is coming, so that all people might have a rich and abundant life. We thank God for the hope He gives us, for the peace He bestows, and for the joy He pours into our hearts."
Let us pray: "O God of Joy, Emmanuel, send Your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the time of Christ's appearing. Fix our hearts and our minds upon those things You have done and those You have promised to do that we may have the joy You have promised. As we worship You, strengthen us so that we may always do Your will and so bless You and the world You have made. Amen.
Then we sang this little chorus to the tune of "Away In The Manger":
"A candle is burning, a candle of joy. A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy.
Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow."
For those of you who have been a part of "blogland" for a while, many of you will know our dear friend Toni Taddeo, from her blog "Treasures by Toni". We were very saddened to learn that Toni passed on to her heavenly home this weekend. But she left us with a wonderful legacy to follow. Toni's "treasures" were many poems written from her heart, and many positive, inspiring, and encouraging words shared with us both in her blog and on Facebook. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. We know Toni loved the Lord and was looking forward to being with Him. Here is her last post written on Facebook on 12/13/19, just one day before she took that "walk home" with the Lord:
What's It Like?
"What's it like you ask me about the new changes in my life?
I answer it's hard to explain as my mind still sees no difference
My body is broken and the pain tends to take over at times
But I'm a person with a strong mind and beliefs and resilience
I can cope and accept what life has thrown my very way
For I am blessed with a love so great from my family
Most of all My Lord who walks by my side and holds my hand
Each step of the way and will walk me home personally."
Toni Taddeo 12-13-2019
R.I.P., Toni Taddeo.
Funny, we sang that hymn in church today. Beautiful words!!
ReplyDeleteI did not know Toni, but I've seen other bloggers post about her today. Thank God for his promise of Heaven and eternal life with our loved ones!!
I love that old hymn. We don't hear it sung very often! Glad you did! Yes, Toni truly loved the Lord and I know she is rejoicing in heaven today. But she will be missed by so many here. Thank you.
DeleteI did Toni's Tuesday 4 Meme but was not connected to her blog so I did not know her well. I understand she has been ill for awhile and that this was expected. I am sure she is with our Savior, even now. Rest in Peace, Toni.
ReplyDeleteWe missed church today because of my obnoxious coughing and blowing. No one needs to hear me doing that every 10 minutes.
Oh, I hope your cough will go away soon. I know exactly what you mean. So many have had this cough/cold/sinus thing this year, us included. Praying you will soon be well. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteJOY...I had an encounter with that word today. In today Luke 15 reading was this scripture, Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a powerful verse...Joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents! They must be paying close attention to every detail! Praise God for those rejoicing angels...and for Jesus who made it all possible.
DeleteTONI'S WORDS ARE BEAUTIFUL. I DID NOT FOLLOW HER BLOG, BUT I KNOW SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. She was a wonderful person to know. Yes, she will be missed by many.
DeleteSorry to hear about Toni's passing, but also happy for her that she is home now and free of pain.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am sure the pain was becoming unbearable, and it was time to call her "home". What a joyous homecoming that must have been for her.
DeletePamela, dear sister in Christ, thank you for letting us know about Toni otherwise I would not have known. She will be missed but is going to be enjoying her eternal reward. I think it's so fitting that your rose from the Memorial Garden has bloomed right in time for the Christmas season. God bless you. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much...Yes, we are going to miss Toni, but we are happy for her to be in the presence of Jesus right now! What a marvelous way to see the real beauty of Christmas. And thank you for recognizing the significance of the rose blooming. It is very special to me, and I am thankful for every rose that blossoms! Special little gifts from God. Have a blessed Christmas!
DeleteShe is with her sons and parents. And one day soon we all will be together as the Christmas song says. But this has hit me harder than I can say.
ReplyDeleteI understand, Ann. I know that you and Toni seemed to have a close bond. I know you will miss her greatly. But Toni would want you to keep pressing forward, doing the things you love to do and what you feel led to do. Yes, one day we will all be together again in heaven, where we never have to say "good-bye". We are all looking forward to that day. (((hugs))) to you today dear friend.
DeleteI did not know Toni but have seen so many nice posts about her. Her poem is beautiful and I am thankful she is rejoicing in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteYes, we can rejoice when we know our loved ones are safe in the arms of Jesus. There are still so many here on earth who do not know Jesus as their personal Savior...so we still have work to do until it is our time to go "home". So thankful for this opportunity we have here. What a blessing!!
DeleteAlthough, it was expected, Toni's death did hit pretty hard. She was my biggest cheerleader in going back to school. I shall miss her.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a lovely week, my friend.
I am so sorry, Linda. I know you were very close to her. You can comfort yourself with the knowledge that she did encourage you, and now you are almost to the finish line. I think she will be watching from the grandstands of heaven and still cheering you on as you cross that finish line! She is now one of the "Great cloud of witnesses" that is spoken of in Hebrews 12:1-2. Yes, we are all missing Toni here...such a voice of wisdom and encouragement.
DeleteSuch a beautiful and special rose. That hymn is an old favorite of mine from the days when I was church pianist at the early services. I did not know Toni but know she is missed by so many friends. So thankful she is whole again in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI pray you both are feeling better this week.
Thank you, Mildred. I wish I could hear you play the piano. I can imagine that you are very talented. Yes, Toni is with the Lord, and I love the thought that she is "whole again in Heaven". That is our greatest hope for all of those who have gone "home" with diseased and/or broken bodies. Jesus makes them whole again for eternity. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
DeleteIts a lovely song. Toni is with the son of God, the Prince of Peace..as a song says of departed loved ones.
ReplyDeleteAmen, and that is a great comfort to all of us.
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