My Darling Angels,

         This coming Christmas and New year will no doubt be more meaningful to me then many others in the past. I am blessed to live yet another year with my husband Joe who soon after Christmas last year suffered a near fatal bout of pneumonia, a heart attack, kidney failure and a stroke. Joe is in good health today, and it is all so wonderful to have last year behind me. Through it all, I have grown in spirit; expanded my faith in prayer; strengthened my confidence in my work; and I have greater appreciation for my family and for you as my family of WAVES! My experience with Joe brought back to mind that losing a loved one can be just a breath away. We now celebrate each day more as though it were our last; we hold every moment together as a precious gift from our Heavenly Father.  I could count my blessings as I know them so well, but to share them all would take much more room than my note here to you. So instead, I wish for you the same love, hope and peace that I feel, and I pray that you will be continually blessed this coming year, and always! And may we always praise God our Heavenly Father for the richness of life that he so freely gives.  May we praise him for our ever growing knowledge of him, and for his everlasting love. May we praise him for sending his unconditional love to earth through Jesus at his birth! We don’t know what holds tomorrow, but with God and his promises through Jesus Christ we are free to enjoy every single moment of life as we choose. Let’s choose well and enjoy what we have to its fullest.

         My favorite Christmas song speaks from my heart to you:

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father, brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.

Words and Music by Jill Jackson and Sy Miller, 1955

I love you and wish you a Very Merry Christmas!
      Betty

The Spirit of God in Action
by Rose Addington with an Introduction by Dawn Moreno

Introduction by Dawn Moreno: A few weeks ago, I received an E-mail from WAVES Rose Addington. It touched my heart and spirit so much, and it states everything that I would want to say to all of you this holiday season. Rose gave me permission to print this here for you. I’ve entitled it, “The Spirit of God in Action.”

I was on the way to the Post Office when I heard the Lord tell me to turn around and go home, get the book that I had been reading, and take it to a woman at a particular address.  "Traveling Light" by Max Lucado is about laying all one's burdens at the feet of Jesus with faith that he can handle them. The woman God told me to give the book to certainly didn't know me, nor I her, but I clearly heard God tell me to “get that book” and take it to “that woman.”

I knew that some people in that part of town will turn their dogs on you, or shoot you if they wanted to. It is that violent there.  But I was sure of what I heard the Lord tell me to do, so I got the book from home, drove there and cautiously approached her door. The wooden porch was old and run down, and I heard dogs barking like crazy.

I knocked.  A gruff voice from the other side of the door said, "Who is it!?” 

“My name is Rose, can you open the door?” 

A woman just slightly older than me with unkempt looking hair opened the door and stood glaring at me. She was obviously very poor judging by her physical appearance and surroundings.

"I know this will sound crazy," I said.  "I was headed to the post office, and I heard the Lord tell me to bring you this book - I've never done anything like this before in my life!"

The woman started to weep and was obviously touched by the gift and my visit. She invited me in, and we sat side by side on her old ragged couch.  She told me about the poverty and hopelessness of her life and how she couldn't take any more. She had thoughts to take her own life and was about to kill herself just before I had knocked on her door! I stayed with her and we talked a long while that day; becoming friends. Later, I drove her and her son to a church where they were given groceries to eat, and the pastor of the church also gave her an old car. The last I saw of the woman, she and her son drove off in that old car to Colorado to be with family.

Who do you suppose was more blessed that day?  (I'm smiling)  I know my faith intensified, as I believe that hers sprouted! I also learned that the smallest things we do in life are not always the smallest or the simplest, but in the long run they can be the greatest.

Our Call to W.A.V.E.S
by Sonia R. Rogers

One of my favorite ways to find that spirit of peace and love is to visit the EBTL Study Forums. I love to read the comments people leave. Very often I find the exact guidance I need for that day. Recently, I read the comments left by a new WAVE responding to a quote of Betty’s and was moved to tears of gratitude for the light and connection I felt. In the forums, we are able to be open with each other, trusting and supportive of one another, and to just plain love each other in a place that is a bit more private. Betty has specifically honed the forums for our learning and growth.

During the recent teleconference, I felt so blessed to listen to Betty’s soothing and comforting voice; to feel her love knowing she could feel mine—even all of our love for her! How thankful I felt to my Heavenly Father for guiding me to read Betty’s books, join WAVES; and now to be able to listen to her just talk to us! She mentioned the challenges that lie ahead, how important our call is to WAVES, and the power of our prayers—especially when we pray together. She wants us to each to be a conduit of service to others. She helped me feel the great responsibility and importance of our work together as WAVES.

How do we live up to this great call?

When I joined WAVES I was no mighty prayer warrior! I had a lot to learn through my own study and experience. Betty had specific intentions in mind when she created the forums: to provide us with a place we can learn, ready ourselves for the times ahead and grow spiritually together.  

I have been touched so many times watching another grow, and I know how much healing and growth I have found for myself through my own participation. I’ve had WAVES love me through heartache, the healing of old wounds and even mistakes. Nearly everything I understand about prayer, I learned in the forums. Through it all I have felt my own limits and restrictions begin to slip away and an opening in my own heart and soul that has led me to a greater understanding of God’s laws and purposes—opened my heart to greater love.

And there always is that special treat when Betty is able to visit the forums and leaves a comment! I love to read her words!

The holidays are a tough time for many; they are for me. The forums give me a way to work through the sadness and loneliness that hit me this time of year. Christmas time is such a perfect time to focus on the Savior and study his teachings. The forums are a wealth of information that help me follow Christ’s path for me...and they are open 24/7!

It is my hope and prayer that we each will take full advantage of all that has been so freely offered for our spiritual growth and edification. Thank you, Betty, for our EBTL Study Forums!

Sincerely and with love,
Sonia Rae
Director's Assistant

About WAVES Compassionate Service
By Renee Lynch and Bonnie Gamborski

Hi, my name is Renee' Lynch and I am the WAVES Compassionate Service Coordinator.  

Bonnie, Compassionate Service Assistant, and I work closely with each other and under the guidance of the WAVES Board Coordinator Vicki Kathleen.  We are prayerful and mindful of the individual WAVES needs.  When we are aware of a special need we collaborate our efforts and resources and work together in an effort to help.  Sometimes we collect donations of money from other WAVES, Other times we show our compassion by encouraging others and supporting them prayerfully and lovingly through their difficult time.  

I encourage all of us to be more prayerful and mindful of others in our daily efforts.  Perhaps there is a person who is suffering that you can hold a  prayer in your heart for during the day while you go about your daily activities.  Maybe there is someone you know that would appreciate a ready made-meal dropped off to them one evening so they don't have to worry about preparing a meal for that one day and possibly be able to take time to refresh.  There are so many ways we can ripple out and show compassion to others, even sacrificing something from ourselves—like not eating between meals for a day or two, and offering it to the Lord for someone in need.  Every effort counts.  Search your heart and pray for God to guide and inspire you.  

Please visit the WAVES board and share your inspirations and ideas with us and join us in prayer for each other and our world.  Together, we can make a difference.

Love to you All,   
Renee Lynch
WAVES Compassionate Service Coordinator.

Who would have thought that going to the 2007 WAVES Gathering would have brought me to where I am today?  It made me want to visit the WAVES message board. There I reacquainted myself with some wonderful friends and have enjoyed starting to get to know others.  Now it has given me the opportunity to work with my dear friend Renee as her Compassionate Service Assistant.  For those of you who don't know, Renee was one of many great individuals I met at the 2007 WAVES Gathering.  It feels so right to be working along side her in this fantastic endeavor.  It is an honor and privilege to serve in this meaningful way.

Part of what we do is be aware of those around us who are struggling. We share happy times along with grieving times.  To be compassionate is to feel for one another.  It is to say,  “we care what you are going through and want to help.”  We want those who are struggling to feel that their difficulties have meaning and that they are not alone.  Together we stand as one, which gives everyone strength and dignity.

Let us all find ways of sharing in a compassionate way.  We could visit a nursing home or someone at a hospital with no family, or even volunteer to serve hot meals. If we are short on time we could donate to a homeless shelter, the local food bank or sponsor a child/family in a poor country. I always love to give or suggest Embraced by the Light to anyone who has lost a loved one.

Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way.  When in a long line we can be extra nice to the cashier knowing they have had their share of grumpy customers.  Holding a door open, giving a simple smile or nice comment can turn someone's day around.  It is all about choices, may we all choose to serve in a compassionate way.

Best Regards,
Bonnie Gamborski
WAVES Compassionate Service Assistant 

What is Light Cards?
By Eri

Light Cards is a list of WAVES' friends and family who especially need cards and letters of hope and encouragement. Some of them may be facing chronic illness, are recently bereaved, have been battling addiction, and some are in prison. They all could use a little love and encouragement.

But Light Cards is more than that ... it is also a secret campaign to send light into the darkness! Let me explain the spiritual principles that I believe makes this possible.

More than a few years ago, I noticed that Christmas cards from a spiritual friend of mine had an unusual amount of energy attached to them. After a couple of these, I guessed he was secretly blessing the cards (only much later did I find out I was right). I tried this out for myself, praying over and blessing bill payments, even (or especially) when I was unemployed and deeply worried about finances. I discovered three things: even a total prayer novice could bless the checks and envelopes, with God's help, if the prayers were approved by God, the bill payments were bringing God's will to everyone from postal employees to people at huge financial institutions, and the act of blessing bills also blessed me and helped keep my worrying under control! (That's a lot of bang for a little buck ... if you have not tried this yet on your bills, give it a whirl!)

More than the above, personal, caring cards and letters really do brighten people's days. This is especially true for anyone who is isolated, sick, or otherwise feeling alone. Years ago, I surveyed my life and was feeling completely alone and discouraged. How I longed for a little encouragement and support! When I joined WAVES, a few people offered me words that I needed ... here and there, drop by drop, little bits of focus and new ways of thinking about things. How much it has helped I cannot adequately describe, but yes - there is real power in positive words!  So, knowing all that, and knowing there are those who desperately need encouragement, Light Cards was started.

Who are recipients of Light Cards? Here are a few:

* J. is the son of a WAVE. He is in prison for having committed a number of petty crimes, quite probably in large part due to some brain injury from a car accident. (If you know anyone with brain trauma, you may know just how much it can affect people's self-control!) The prison system is not well set up for handling people like him; the harsh situations have often been very hard and unfair for him. Despite all this, according to his mother, J. wanted to say "thank you for your prayers and support... he knows that God loves him and that he says his prayers every night... [H]e prays for everyone and doesn't say Amen so that he can still be praying when he falls asleep." His mother has written in the past that she believes that prayers and Light Cards have really helped make a difference for J., and possibly even for some of the inmates around him!

* D. is a WAVE's aunt. She is very kind, loving, and caring, described as having "not ONE mean bone in her body" (which is far more than you could say about me!). Her beloved husband just passed away in October of this year, on top off her difficult struggle with cancer. Her husband's death was a crushing blow. Her niece wrote: "...now more than ever, a card or word of love would help her tremendously."

* B. is the son of a WAVE. He has had many years of struggle with alcoholism. When he first was added to Light Cards, he apparently could not believe that people he hardly knew might care enough to write to him. It has been over a year since he was on Light Cards. In that time, he has gone through many severe trials and relapses, but somehow he keeps going with the help of his family and friends and many little miracles. As of this writing, he has been sober for some months and is doing a lot of design work for "spiritual/prayer sites, AA, rehabs, children charities, etc." He and his family are really an inspiration!

* N. is a young woman, the friend and neighbor of a WAVE. Despite having seizures, her own mother apparently won't take her for testing, or even visit her in the hospital. This young woman "isn't used to anyone caring." This just breaks my heart.

When I send cards, I write a few words of caring. For some, such as those in prison, I send printed copies of inspirational true stories, along with a personal note and maybe some funny kitty cat pictures. There's so much that can be done, and it can be simple or complex... whatever God inspires.

How often do I write? I don't have time to write to everyone on the list - no one really does. So aside from a commitment to write monthly to those in prison, I send cards as I feel inspired, and I believe others do the same. But hey, it's a start ... I believe it's SO much better than nothing. It only takes one candle to push back a lot of darkness, and that one candle can then light a hundred more.
 
If you are a WAVE and are interested in Light Cards and would like to learn more, please come by the WAVES board and drop me a note, or click on the Light Cards icon in my board posts!

Love Letter to Jesus
by DeeDee Valdez

 

I have so much to tell you, Jesus, but you already know my every thought.  Where do I begin to thank you for all you have done in my life?  You are all things to all people, some call you by different names, but I call you Lord.  Even though you are my Lord, you call me friend.  I imagine sitting at your feet with admiration in my heart for you…but instead, you ask me to come and put my head on your shoulder while you wrap your strong capable arms around me, hugging me, and letting me know not to be afraid.  You have picked me up, and carry me, or I walk next to you, and hold your hand.  I enjoy skipping and dancing before you showing you, while I sing…how happy you make me.  I could be with you all day long just having fun while being in your presence.

My favorite place to dwell is within a dream you gave me: 
Here we sit next to my favorite spot in the mountains you created, the stream next to us flowing from the snow melting off those majestic peaks above us.  When we have our ‘picnic’ together I lie down and look up into your loving face and behind you is the tree of life!  Those leaves shed crystal rainbows full of promise all over and when the wind blows and the leaves ‘shiver’ they send sounds like wind chimes into my spirit lifting me into perfect love.  The love you freely give while being in your presence fills me with your amazing grace …it is enough for ever!  Thank you for sustaining me.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving the world, for being born on this earth and living life.  Thank you for completing your mission here to be all things to all people.  Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and for loving us enough to come here and experience life for yourself.  When you died and declared, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” You understood, and will always welcome each of us back when we get home.

Love Deeply, Forgive Often,
Laugh Out Loud, Consider Your Words.
by Sharon Robbins

I think if Betty's teachings were summed up into one word, it would be the word “Love.” Above all else, love is also Jesus’ most important and challenging teachings. The disciples of Jesus knew this, for they too were as flawed as we ourselves can be. In scripture, many times we are referred to as God's children. And like children, we should approach God and the scriptures by taking baby steps as we retrain ourselves to walk like Jesus. Don't let the big picture scare you. Take baby steps and learn to love. No one expects you to be the next Saint Francis. Just take small tiny steps in the right direction.

When you pray, pray from your heart. Picture in your mind who you are praying for. Imagine yourself lifting them up to the Light and being transformed. Your imagination is a gift from God as well. When you pray, use the gift of imagination and visualize that person you're praying for being healed. You're going to be amazed how well this type of visualization works. When you pray for the world see yourself lifting the Earth up and it being filled with a golden light, transforming all the violence and making the earth a peaceful place.

When you find that you are stuck and not growing, find something to laugh about. Laughter is a great medicine for moving and changing energy. When you are sad or sick, lock yourself in a room and watch every silly, funny DVD you can find. Laugh out loud and watch the negative energy move out and the positive energy move in.
That's one way to overcome darkness. --LAUGH at it.

"I saw different energies surround different people. I saw how a person's words actually affect the energy field around him. The very words themselves --the vibrations in the air -- attract one type of energy or another . . .If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths." Embraced By The Light, Page 58

A Holiday Wreath
By Lotus

A holiday wreath is a traditional part of Christmas in most homes. It's a simple wreath, usually of fresh greens in which you can place four candles. The wreath may be placed on any table or fireplace mantel. As you light each candle this year, you may create a new ritual which will become a lasting tradition for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hope this memorial will help you include your loved one in celebration.

As we light these four candles in honor of you, we light one for our grief, one for our courage, one for our memories and one for our love.

This first candle represents our grief ... the pain of losing you is intense. It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.

The second candle represents our courage to confront our sorrow, to comfort each other, to change our lives.

The third candle is in your memory. The times we laughed, the times we cried, the times we were angry with each other, the silly things you did, the caring and joy you gave us.

The fourth candle is the light of love. As we enter this holiday season, day by day we cherish the special place in our hearts that will always be reserved for you. We thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us. We love you.

I offer this reading for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We used this at our Christmas Memorial Service last night. It is one way to honor the memory of a loved one.

Love ... Lotus

Winter Preparedness
By Eri

Brrr, up here in the Northern Hemisphere, it's fast approaching winter. Although I currently live in an area where some people run around in T-shirts during the winter, I still remember the instant "frozen nose" syndrome of the American Midwest. It's nothing to sneeze at!

So, as a quick refresher, here are some quick preparedness tips for winter. You may not be able to afford some of them, but with Tip #1 and some inspiration, you should be good to go!

1. Pre-prayeration: Be pre-prayered! Remember to seek God's advice both for what to stock up, as well as checking in with Him constantly.

2. Standard preparation: Have supplies ready in your house, too... you know the drill... a gallon of water per person per day (and for pets), emergency food (don't forget the animals), emergency lights, emergency radio, batteries, medicines, cash, your ID and papers ready to go.... And have your blankets ready. Have blankets for your pets ready, too!

3. Cars: Keep emergency winter supplies in your car, especially if you are in a cold climate. Have extra clothes (including hats, scarves, and gloves, and some waterproof wear!) and blankets ready, as well as a whole survival kit if you possibly can! These include tools, food, water, hand warmers, emergency radio, chains for your tires, and all the usual.

4. Home: Around the home, winterize and stock up. Insulate water pipes to help them avoid freezing and bursting. You can let water trickle from faucets to help keep pipes from freezing in extreme circumstances. Keep your smoke alarms fresh and ready. Try to close off rooms you don't need to heat - in an emergency, tape and tarp can help do the trick. On the plus side, cold climate areas can use the garage or the backyard as a freezer substitute in case of power outage!

5. Home heat and light: An emergency generator can be really handy, as can a wood stove ... you will need plenty of fuel. Think about how you will heat food and water if your power goes out, or your heating oil supply runs out.

6. You: Carry basic tools and supplies with you whenever you leave your home and car - a pocketknife, flashlight, matches and/or lighter, and some food and water are fairly easy to just plain carry around with you. Having a cellphone can be extremely useful - but don't count on it during large-scale challenges like earthquakes.

7. Safety: Remember safety - never, ever, ever have generators, space heaters, or fireplaces going in a sealed-off room; keep that airflow going. If you are trapped in a car, run the motor occasionally to heat the air, but allow in fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. And of course, keep candles and other flames away from flammable objects. Have fire extinguishers ready just in case!!

8. Extra Caution: If you are ever stuck outdoors in cold conditions, always remember to STAY DRY. Being cold and wet can kill a person far faster than thirst or hunger. This means you should not travel in the dark, never travel where you can fall into water, wear water-proof and weather-proof clothing, and if you do get wet, immediately do everything you can to get warm and dry again.