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[AKidsRight.Org] Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Action for Family Law Reform!
From: John Murtari (jmurtari@AKidsRight.org)
Good People and People of Faith, I just want to extend to everyone our best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season! Please understand that our group is not just about the Christian Faith, or that it is the ONLY faith -- but for most of us on this list these traditions have strong meanings. Many of us won't see our kids this Christmas and may not even be able to contact them (and wow can that be depressing!). In some cases our 'ex' has gone out of their way to make arranging a schedule difficult or impossible (enough to make anyone mad). Thats how we "feel" -- and in the words of a great counselor, when asked by someone how they were suppose to feel about something -- "you are suppose to feel, the way you feel." Right now I have my son Domenic (12), with me for the Christmas Holiday -- how fortunate I am compared to many of you. We usually seem more people register at the web site around the holidays -- parents suddenly finding themselves alone on Christmas day and wondering why? Some will find themselves overcome with such anger and bitterness -- that it will last a lifetime ... Our last message talked about a NonViolent Action (NVA) Campaign, maybe a solution: http://www.AKidsRight.Org/archive/archive2005/0059.html A Thought on Christmas ---------------------- I may not be sure about a lot of things, but the efforts I have made to walk quietly & lovingly with a picture of children have felt very, very good. I can't quite say how, but at the same time I began to take control of my life and take "action", I lost a lot of my anger and frustration. I encountered my own Faith more deeply than before and I saw people change their attitudes around me. Do I know if Jesus Christ was the Son of God? No, I really don't. But do I know he had strong beliefs and was not only willing to talk about them -- but die for them? Yes, I do. I find myself very, very thankful that he lived and was willing to do what he did. It's nice to remember him and celebrate his birthday! Where would I be without him and his lesson? Hanging on to Hatred? -------------------- There is some truth that sometimes you have to let go of hatred before you can be effective for change. Here is an old time reading from a book of Wisdom. Even if we don't believe, does it ring true? Can we still think of an 'ex', social worker, or judge -- as neighbor? --------------- Sirach 27:30 Wrath and anger are hateful things, but the sinner hugs them tight. The vengeful will suffer the Lord's vengeance for he remembers their sins in detail. Forgive your neighbor's injustice; then when you pray, your own sins will be forgiven. Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord? Could anyone refuse mercy to another like himself, can he seek pardon for his own sins? If one who is but flesh cherishes wrath, who will forgive your sins? Remember your last days, set enmity aside; remember death and decay, and cease from sin! Think of the commandments, hate not your neighbor; remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults. -------------- Give a Gift / Receive a Gift ---------------------------- I have struggled with understanding NonViolent Action and how it succeeds and why personal sacrifice is necessary. http://www.AKidsRight.org/civil_back.htm NonViolent Action allows you to demonstrate through "unambiguous physical action" the depth of your Faith and belief in your "cause." It is a positive demonstration of love given at sometimes tremendous personal cost. Words are not required. As many of us prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, I can't help but recall those famous words of his: "turn the other cheek, give him your coat as well, walk with him two miles..." Don't talk .... DO. NonViolent Action. The return gift, personal joy and peace. Here is a little something I found that may help put the focus where it belongs: "The MY Father" -- anonymous MY Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, On Earth as it is in heaven. Give ME this day, MY daily bread, And forgive me MY trespasses, as I forgive those Who trespass against ME. And lead ME not into temptation, but deliver ME from Evil. Amen. -------------- Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! -- John Murtari ____________________________________________________________________ Coordinator AKidsRight.Org jmurtari@AKidsRight.Org "A Kid's Right to BOTH parents" Toll Free (877) 635-1968(x-211) http://www.AKidsRight.Org/ ======================================= Newsletter mailing list Newsletter@kids-right.org subscribe/unsubscribe info below: http://kids-right.org/mailman/listinfo/newsletter
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