Snow Clearing – Egos Disappearing…

Those of us who live in Canada know what to do when that snow comes down and life becomes a stand still. Of course, this is not just in Canada, it happens anywhere that snow is inevitable. After I turned 50, on November 18, 2017, believe it or not, I became more interested in using the snow blower to help clear snow off our driveway and house entry then ever before. Maybe it’s because a few women around me have turned 80 and demonstrate how an active life can make us more agile and alert. After a good two-week deep-freeze, … Read more

Epiphany 2018

                    Sunday, January 6, 1980, my father, Vramchabouh, has been in a coma since January 1. It has been six days of darkness and gloom; even now, when I look back, in my mind and heart, I barely see any sun. Was it because the winters of Beirut are dark and gloomy naturally, or was it the fear of losing my father that did not allow me to see the sun shine? We will never know. During this six-day ordeal, my mother, Nevart, barely came home, but whenever she did, it was late at night for a few hours of … Read more

Because of Traffic, I Found a New Song…

This year, one of the highlights was our family trip to California. My husband, Gary, and I had not been there since April 2008 – That is a long while, especially when you have beloved family and friends there. My Father-in-law, who turned 86 on October 18, had never been to California and only took his very first flight ever, in April of 2013. So, imagine what an impact this trip was going to have on all of us, seeing loved ones, going to Palm Springs (thanks to my sister Ruth and her husband Donald for the beautiful accommodations at … Read more

Christmas Talk before Remembrance Day

There are always people complaining that no one should talk about Christmas before Remembrance Day.  This is what I believe. I do not think, Christmas disrespects the Veterans who fought for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love; because the essence of the Original Christmas was exactly that, to bring Hope to those in darkness; Peace to those in war; Joy to those who were oppressed; and most of all Love to All. And that is what the Veterans fought for and put their lives on the line. However, many parts of the world has evolved so much, and ingrained in us … Read more

All Saints Sunday – 2017

On All Saints Sunday, we remember those who have passed into eternity from our immediate community and are somehow connected to the community of Faith that I serve. Keeping in mind that all who have gone before us have left us LOVE that no one can steal. This year it was more poignant than ever before. On November 1, 2017, which is All Saints Day in the life of the Church, our community lost a community pillar who was a colleague and a friend – David Scotland. During the worship service when I was serving Communion (by Intinction), as each … Read more

Still Learning…

Have you ever predetermined or prejudged an outcome of something, before you have discovered all the facts? On Sunday, September 3, 2017, on our 17th wedding anniversary, I got to Portland Church around 8:45 a.m. and I saw a #10 envelope with a return address adorned with gold color fonts, in my mailbox. I picked it up with excitement and wondered if it was from the Prime Minister of Canada, as the address was 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON. But a few minutes later, it dawned on me that this might be a standard thank you note from the Governor … Read more

Thought #3

“A Life of Spirituality begins with Communication, Relationships. Entering a relationship with the One, the self and the other.” Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro

Loving the Other…

Today, August 21, 2017 marks the 31st Anniversary of my entry to Canada. What a journey it has been. I do not recall knowing much about Canada; however, circumstances and obstacles brought us here. We came to Canada because one of my sisters was unable to obtain a tourist visa to enter the U.S.A. So, two of my sisters from Lebanon, Ruth and Choughik, came to Canada with hopes to cross the border to the U.S.A. In the meantime, a miracle broke through. While still in Lebanon, they heard that the Canadian Government opened the doors for Lebanese citizens to … Read more

Let it Be – A Prayer of Hope and Healing

Today at both worship celebrations, (Portland and Elgin) this prayer was spoken after  “Let it Be” by The Beatles, was sung…. Prayers of Hope and Healing…. God of favor and purpose, You have clothed us with a robe of righteousness. And journey with us wherever we go – even in the midst of the pit of darkness… You are with us in our deepest pain, fear, and bewilderment. Help us to Let it be, Lord, let it be. You hear our cry when others turn a deaf ear and a cold heart. You lift us from the depths of discouragement … Read more

We Are ALL Part of the Universe

Light in Darkness

It is the Sunday morning worship celebration at Portland United Church – August 6, 2017. While I was sitting on one of the chairs at the pulpit, I sensed a presence that was unexpected – or was it expected? I sensed that the late Councillor of our town, Mr. Doug Good, was present. I know he tragically passed away with his buddy, Mike Carty, this March 10, while I was in El Salvador; and I was not sure why was I having these feelings. I wondered and asked myself, “What is it that has me feeling this way?”. A few … Read more

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