2025-08-24T12:25:11-04:00

🍪“Life Is Like a Fortune Cookie: Finding God’s Surprises”

August 24, 2025August 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

At the end of a meal, I sometimes smile when a fortune cookie arrives at the table. It looks ordinary, a folded little cookie, but what makes it fun is the slip of paper inside. You never know quite what it will say. Sometimes it’s silly, sometimes puzzling, and sometimes it’s just the word you needed to hear.

In many ways, life is like a fortune cookie. On the outside, our days can look plain and ordinary—wake up, work, chores, meals, repeat. But tucked inside each day are hidden messages of grace, hope, and wisdom from God.

Matthew 6:25–34

1. Do Not Worry About Daily Needs

Jesus teaches that life is more than food, drink, or clothing. God provides for the birds of the air. He also provides for the flowers of the field. We can trust that He will also care for us. Worry doesn’t add to our lives; instead, it drains us.

2. Trust God’s Provision

The passage emphasizes God’s care and provision. If He clothes the grass of the field with such beauty, He will certainly deliver for His children. This calls us to release anxiety and grow in faith that God knows what we need before we even ask.

3. Seek God’s Kingdom First

The conclusion is the central teaching. It states: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” All these things will be given to you as well. Do not be consumed by tomorrow’s uncertainties. We are called to live faithfully in the present. Prioritize God’s will with confidence. Trust that He will supply what is truly needed.

Let’s look at the fortune cookie. When we seek God first – what fortune is there waiting for us?

1. Ordinary Outside, Extraordinary Inside

A fortune cookie by itself isn’t much. But inside, there’s a message. Life is the same. God takes the ordinary—our routines, our to-do lists, our quiet moments—and hides within them extraordinary reminders of His love. The prophet Jeremiah shares insights. He says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

2. Unexpected Messages

Just like a fortune cookie, life’s messages often surprise us. We never know what the next day will bring—joys, struggles, opportunities, or challenges. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about tomorrow, because God provides for us today. Even in the unexpected, God’s voice whispers: “Fear not, I am with you.”

3. Sweet Cookie, Honest Message

The cookie is sweet, but the message inside isn’t always easy. Some are comforting; others are challenging. The same is true of God’s Word. We love verses that remind us of God’s care. We also need the ones that challenge us: “Love your enemies. Forgive those who hurt you.” Both the comfort and the challenge are gifts.

4. We Don’t Write the Message

We don’t write our own fortunes—someone else does. And we don’t write the ultimate story of our lives—God does. That can be humbling, but it’s also freeing. Even when we don’t understand what’s unfolding, we can trust that God’s message is good. “All things work together for good for those who love God.”

5. Messages Are Meant to Be Shared

When someone opens a fortune cookie, the first thing they usually do is share it around the table. That’s our call, too. God’s message of love isn’t meant to be folded up and kept inside. It’s meant to be shared—in words, in actions, in how we live each day.

The Sweetest Message of All

So yes, life is like a fortune cookie. It’s ordinary on the outside and surprising on the inside. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s challenging, but it is always filled with meaning. Here is the sweetest message: God loves you. God is with you. God has a plan for your life.

Crack open your day, look for the hidden message, and share it with someone else. You might just find it’s exactly what they needed, too.

Life Is Like a Library

August 17, 2025August 17, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Have you ever walked into a library and just stopped to take it all in?

Shelf upon shelf, filled with books of every kind. Some are worn and well-loved, others are crisp and new. There are stories of adventure, heartbreak, joy, mystery, and wisdom.

Life, I believe, is very much like that library. Each of us is a living book — and together we make up God’s great library of people.

Every Life Is a Story

The Psalmist reminds us. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). That means your life — every chapter, every paragraph — is known by God.

Some chapters are filled with laughter and celebration. Others may hold sorrow or pain. Some we’d rather skip over, while others we’d love to reread again and again. But together, they form your unique story. And here’s the best part: God is the Author, and He hasn’t finished writing yet.

Our Stories Are for Sharing

Libraries aren’t built to keep books locked away; they exist so stories can be shared. In the same way, our lives are not meant to stay closed off. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3:3. He says we are “letters from Christ… written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God.”

Your life may be the only “Bible” some people ever read. (Read that again) Every act of kindness is a page. Every word of encouragement is a page. Every choice to forgive or love is a page. These are pages others can “read” and be inspired by.

Learning From Other Books

In a library, you won’t love every book on the shelf. Some are difficult, some are strange, some just aren’t your taste. But each has value, each carries a lesson.

The same is true in God’s kingdom. We are surrounded by people whose stories are different from ours. When we take the time to listen, we discover wisdom, compassion, and insight that enrich our own story.

Adding Good Pages

Every day we live is like writing a new page. We can choose to fill our pages with bitterness or with grace, with anger or with kindness. Near the end of his life, Paul can say: “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). That’s the closing chapter we all want.

It’s never too late to start writing new pages filled with love, hope, and faith.

The Final Chapter Belongs to God

At the end of the Bible, in Revelation, we hear of the Book of Life. Through Jesus Christ, our names can be written there forever. Some of our chapters are messy. I know some of mine are. Yet, through God’s grace, our stories are redeemed. They are then bound into God’s eternal library.

Closing Thought

So yes, life is like a library. Each of us is a book, full of stories that matter. Together, we make up God’s collection — diverse, beautiful, and alive with wisdom.

The question is: what story are you writing today? And how will others read the pages of your life? Comment with your story ideas.

Blessings to all,

Rev. Barbara Creelman, Linden Park Community United Church, Hamilton, ON

Turner Park Branch, Hamilton Public Library

The Puzzle of Life

August 11, 2025August 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

by Doll Creelman

🧩 When Life Doesn’t Make Sense, You Are Still Known

August 10, 2025August 24, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

By Rev. Barbara Creelman | August Reflections

The puzzle on my table is still half-finished.

A bright splash of color here. A confusing blur of shapes there. Some pieces fit quickly, almost like they wanted to find each other. Others—well, they’ve been turned over a dozen times and still don’t belong anywhere I can see.

And I’ve come to realize: this puzzle is teaching me about life.

Because life doesn’t always make sense, does it?

Some seasons click into place with surprising ease. You fall into rhythms that nourish you. You know where you belong.
And other seasons? They feel scattered. Confusing. You can’t see how this piece—the pain, the waiting, the wondering—will ever fit.

Here’s the comfort for me. It feels like a prayer:
Even when life feels chaotic, it can feel like a mess of disconnected pieces. Yet, God still knows the picture. God knows the picture even when life is chaotic.

✨ You Are Fully Known

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me…”
(Psalm 139:1)

Before the world told you who to be, before life handed you the jagged pieces of grief or change or uncertainty—
God knew you.
God knows you.

Not just your best self, the one you show to others.
But the quiet parts. The scattered, tired, overwhelmed pieces.
The ones you’re still trying to figure out.

🧵 You Are Wonderfully Made

“You knit me together in my mother’s womb…”
(Psalm 139:13)

There’s such beauty in that word—knit. It means slow, careful, loving attention.
Not a rush. Not assembly-line.
You were made by a God who takes time with every stitch.

When you feel like you’re coming undone,
When you can’t see how your story will hold together,
Remember: You are still knit. You are still held. You stay part of a masterpiece.

🌈 When You Can’t See the Whole Picture

Sometimes I wish I could see what’s ahead. The whole puzzle. The finished image.
But then I remember this promise:

“Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.” (Psalm 139:4)

God is not surprised by your story.
Nothing is missing. Nothing is wasted.
Even this piece—this strange, uncertain, in-between piece—is part of the picture God is creating in you.

🕊 A Gentle Prayer

If you’re in a scattered season, may this be your prayer:

Holy One,
I’m holding the pieces of my life, unsure of where they fit.
But I trust You.
You see the whole. You hold the frame.
Knit me again with grace.
Place this day—this piece—where it belongs.
And help me rest in the beauty I can’t yet see.
Amen.

💬 Let’s Talk

Have you had a season when life didn’t make sense—but God surprised you with clarity later?
I’d love to hear your story. Share in the comments.

The Hand of Grace:

June 29, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

✋ A Five-Finger Prayer for a Faithful Life

(shared during worship at Linden Park Community United Church)

Have you ever looked at your own hand and seen a prayer?

I recently started praying with my fingers. No fancy words—just five simple requests that come from the heart. Each one is anchored in scripture and rooted in my deep longing to walk closer with God. I call it the Five-Finger Prayer, and it’s become a daily rhythm, a spiritual check-in, and a beautiful reminder of how God shapes us, one step (or finger) at a time.

Let me walk you through it.

👍 Take Me

Romans 12:1 – “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

It all begins here: surrender. I offer myself to God. All of me—my plans, my fears, my gifts, and even my broken pieces. I hold nothing back. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about saying, “Here I am, Lord. Take me.”

☝️ Love Me

Jeremiah 31:3 – “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

After surrender comes the hard part: receiving. Sometimes it’s easier to believe that God loves others than to believe He truly loves me. But He does—with a love that never lets go. Every day, I pray, “Love me, Lord.” Not because I doubt Him—but because I need to be reminded.

🖕 Wash Me

Psalm 51:2 – “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

This is the tallest finger. For me, it represents my need for God’s grace. We all carry things we wish we didn’t. Guilt. Shame. Regret. But the good news? God doesn’t just cover over our sin—He cleanses it. “Wash me, Lord,” I pray. “Make me new again.”

💍 Fill Me

Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit.”

The ring finger symbolizes union, covenant, and connection. It reminds me that I can’t do this alone. I need the Spirit to fill me—again and again. I ask for strength, wisdom, peace, and joy. “Fill me, Lord. Pour into me what I can’t find on my own.”

🤏 Use Me

Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

This is the pinky. It is the smallest finger, but it reminds me God can use even the smallest act. Even the simplest “yes.” I don’t need to be famous, perfect, or powerful. I just need to be willing. “Use me, Lord,” I whisper. “Wherever. However. I’m yours.”

👐 A Daily Practice

Sometimes when I don’t know what to pray, I just hold out my hand and go finger by finger:

Take me
Love me
Wash me
Fill me
Use me

Simple. Honest. Transformative.

🙏 Want to try it?

Take a moment. Look at your hand. And pray this with me:

“Take me, Lord. I surrender all that I am.
Love me. Let me receive the fullness of Your grace.
Wash me clean of anything that holds me back.
Fill me with Your Spirit and Your strength.
Use me to bring hope, peace, and love to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let this prayer shape your day. Let your hand remind you that you’re held, loved, and sent.

📌 If this blessed you, you are welcome to print the Five-Finger Prayer Card. You can also share it with someone who might need it.

Thank you for reading, commenting, and subscribing to receive my blog updates.

Come to Me:

June 22, 2025June 22, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

💛 Receiving Rest in Christ

There’s a tiredness that goes deeper than just needing a nap.

It’s the kind that settles in your chest. It makes your shoulders feel heavy. It leaves you wondering if you’ll ever truly feel rested again. It’s the tiredness of carrying too much for too long—grief, worry, responsibility, regret.

And into that tiredness, Jesus speaks these gentle words:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)

What a simple, beautiful invitation.

🌿 The Rest We Really Need

Jesus doesn’t say, “Come to me if you’ve got it all together.”
He doesn’t say, “Come to me after you’ve figured it out.”

He says: Come.

Right now.
Weary? Come.
Burdened? Come.
Confused, heartbroken, overwhelmed? Come.

You don’t have to carry it all. You were never meant to.

🛑 What Are You Carrying?

We all carry things that wear us out:

The pressure to do more
The weight of caring for others
The sting of past mistakes
The fear of not being enough

Jesus sees it all. And He offers something the world never can: rest for your soul.

“Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. You will find rest for your souls.”
(Matthew 11:29)

🤝 Walking With Jesus, Not Alone

A “yoke” sounds heavy, but in Jesus’ day, it was a symbol of partnership.

To take His yoke is to be linked with Him—to walk side by side. He’s not loading us down with expectations. He’s lifting the weight off our shoulders and carrying it with us.

Life won’t always be easy. But with Jesus, the burden is shared. The pace is kinder. The journey is gentler.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (v. 30)

💭 An Invitation for You Today

If your soul feels tired…
If you’ve been trying to hold everything together…
If you’ve been wondering if rest is even possible anymore…

Hear this: Jesus is still inviting you.

Come. Just as you are.
Lay down what you don’t need to carry.
Let Him teach you how to rest—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, deeply.

You don’t have to walk alone. You don’t have to be strong all the time.
You are loved. You are invited. You are held.

And there is rest waiting for you in Christ.

🕊 Reflection Questions

What burden do I need to lay down today?
What does rest in Christ look like for me this week?
How can I stay connected to Jesus, even in busy or anxious moments?

Come, Holy Spirit:

June 8, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

A Pentecost Reflection

(Recorded live during worship at LInden Park United Community Church, Hamilton)

Renewal, Unity, Sending

Pentecost has always been one of my favorite days in the church year. It’s often called the birthday of the church — a day of wind, fire, voices, and bold new beginnings. But as I’ve grown older, I see Pentecost as something more profound. It feels like a personal invitation to welcome the Holy Spirit’s work in my life again. This invitation stands regardless of my age, energy level, or stage of life.

This year, as I prepared to lead our worship, three simple words guided me.
Renewal. Unity. Sending.

Let me share a few reflections from my study.

1️⃣ The Spirit Renews Our Lives

Acts 2 tells us that the Holy Spirit came like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. In Ezekiel 37, we read of dry bones being brought back to life by God’s Spirit.

I don’t know about you, but there are times when my spirit feels tired or dry. Life brings seasons of grief, change, and uncertainty. But Pentecost reminds us: God is not finished with us! The Spirit still breathes new life into weary hearts. We can be renewed again — even in our later years.

2️⃣ The Spirit Brings Unity in Diversity

On that first Pentecost, people from many nations heard the Good News in their own language. The Spirit didn’t erase their differences — it brought understanding and unity.

In today’s world, we need this Pentecost Spirit more than ever. The church is called to be a place where all belong — across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. In our seniors’ group, we shared how each person’s gifts and life experience enriches the whole body of Christ.

3️⃣ The Spirit Sends Us to Witness

Pentecost was not just about gathering — it was about sending. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.”

Sometimes we think of witnessing as something for the young or the bold. But we realized in our group. Each of us, no matter our age, can share Christ’s love. We can do this through prayer, encouragement, kindness, and presence. The Spirit empowers us to shine His light right where we are.

A Prayer for Pentecost

Spirit of the Living God,
breathe new life in us again.
Unite us in your love.
Send us out — with courage and joy —
to be your witnesses in the world.
Amen.

Final Thought

Pentecost reminds me that I am never too old to be renewed. I am never too different to belong. I am never too small to be sent.

Come, Holy Spirit — fall afresh on us!

Why Does Jesus Love Me?

June 1, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

It’s a question that lingers in many hearts—especially in quiet moments when we’re honest with ourselves:

Why would Jesus love someone like me?

It’s not always easy to accept. Life has left its marks. We’ve made mistakes. We’ve doubted, fallen short, and wondered if we’re still worthy of love.

But Scripture answers this question, not with a list of qualifications, but with the cross.

“But God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Let’s break that open gently and see what it tells us.

1. Jesus Loves Me Because It’s Who He Is

Love isn’t something Jesus does.
Love is who He is.

“God is love.” – 1 John 4:8

Just like the sun doesn’t need a reason to shine, Jesus doesn’t need a reason to love you. He does it because it’s His very nature. It’s not about what you’ve done or failed to do. It’s about who He is—and whose you are.

2. Jesus Loves Me Because I Am Known and Created by Him

You are not an accident.
You were made by the hands of the Savior who now holds them out to you in love.

“I have called you by name. You are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1

Jesus doesn’t just love the idea of you. He loves the real you—your scars, your story, your soul.

3. Jesus Loves Me Enough to Redeem Me

The cross wasn’t a symbol. It was a sacrifice.
Not for a world in general—but for you in particular.

He didn’t wait for you to clean up your act.

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

He came into your mess, your grief, your shame—and He stayed.

So, What Can I Do Today to Draw Nearer to Christ?

Read a few verses. Let His Word speak to you.
Talk to Him honestly. Prayer doesn’t need polish—just presence.
Be still for a few minutes. Let your heart quiet down.
Love someone quietly. A kind word or gesture in His name is holy.
Thank Him. Gratitude draws your soul closer.
Whisper His name. Even a small, sincere “Jesus, help me,” is a sacred step.

Final Thought:

If you’re wondering why Jesus loves you, the answer is already written in nail-scarred hands.

You are His. That is enough.

The Call to Unity and Christlike Humility

May 25, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

🔹 Philippians 2:2–16

“Make my joy whole by being like-minded. Have the same love and be one in spirit and of one mind. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.”

Meaning for the Church Today:

Pursue Deep Unity
- Unity is more than agreement—it’s shared purpose rooted in Christ’s love.
- In a divided world, the church is called to model mutual care and shared mission.
Practice Humility
- We’re to “consider others better than ourselves,” which counters the culture of pride, self-promotion, and individualism.
- Church members should serve each other rather than compete for position or recognition.
Imitate Christ’s Mindset
- Jesus humbled Himself—so should we. His example is our pattern.
- The church thrives when it reflects the servant-hearted love of Jesus.

🔹 Philippians 2:12–16 – Working Out Salvation and Shining as Lights

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. You hold firmly to the word of life.”

Meaning for the Church Today:

Live Out Salvation Daily
- Paul isn’t saying we earn salvation, but that we live it out with seriousness.
- The church must be a community that actively reflects the grace it has received.
Cultivate Obedient Hearts
- Paul reminds the Philippians to obey not just when he’s here, but always.
- Faithfulness is not dependent on leadership watching—it flows from inward transformation.
Avoid Grumbling and Division
- Churches today often fall into cycles of complaint or internal strife.
- Paul says such behavior dims our witness. Joyful, united communities shine brightest.
Shine in a Dark World
- The church is called to be a beacon of light. This is not achieved through power or control. Instead, it relies on holding fast to the Word and embodying hope.
- In an anxious, fractured world, a loving, united church offers powerful testimony.

✨ Summary Takeaway for Today’s Church:

The church is at its best when it is unified in love.

It thrives when it is humble in spirit.

The church is obedient to Christ and radiant with hope.

We are not called to blend in with the world. We are called to stand out. We do this not through judgment or noise. We do this by living as a Christ-shaped community that shines like stars in the sky.

“Gracious Lord, thank You for showing us how to love and live like Jesus. Help us to be humble, united, and full of joy as we follow You. Let our lives show Your light, and others will be drawn to You through our witness. Amen.”

Anchored in the Storm:

May 18, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Holding Fast to Hope

Have you ever been in a boat when the waters turned rough?
Maybe on a lake or a river. You start off with a good weather report. The skies are clear. The breeze is calm. Then suddenly the wind picks up. The water grows choppy. Your boat rocks, and fear starts to rise in your chest.

Depending on the size of your boat—or your barge—you feel very small and very vulnerable.

But those who know the water? They don’t panic.
They head for a cove, a sheltered place, and they throw out the anchor. And they wait.

Because here’s what they know: every storm runs out of energy. Every storm ends.

Same Storm, Different Boats

During the pandemic, we heard over and over: “We’re all in the same boat.”
But let’s be honest—maybe we were all in the same storm, but not in the same boat.

Some had sturdy ships with full crews and plenty of support. Others were clinging to driftwood, barely staying afloat.
Some had tools, resources, coping strategies. Others felt overwhelmed and unsure of the outcome.

What Scripture Reminds Us

In Hebrews 6, we’re encouraged to press on—“to move beyond just the basic teachings of the Anointed One.” In other words: don’t stay stuck in the past.
We’re not meant to row backward. The captain of a ship doesn’t look behind to navigate. They look ahead—toward the open sea, toward hope, trusting that the anchor will hold.

We’re called to do the same.
Yes, we learn from our past, but we live in the now—and we look ahead, with certain hope.

Has the Church Drifted?

Let’s speak truth: the Church today—especially the wider Church—feels like it’s run aground.
We’re being battered by many rocks:

Fatigue – So many of us are burned out.
Bewilderment – How did we end up here?
Financial pressure – Too much going out, not enough coming in.
Indifference – “It doesn’t really matter to me.”

But Scripture speaks into this storm, too.

Paul urges us to pray without ceasing—with thanksgiving.
Jesus didn’t just tell us how to pray—He showed us how to live through the storms.

He showed us how to love—not based on how others live, or worship, or even believe—but simply to love.

Four Anchors in the Storm

Let’s not over complicate this.
When the storm rages and the Church feels adrift, here are four anchors to steady us:

Pray.
Turn to the Word—turn to Jesus.
Look ahead, not back.
And pray again.

When we shift our eyes from ourselves to Jesus, the next steps become clearer.
When we shift from inward focus to outward mission, we become more than just a building on the corner. We transform into the hands and feet of Christ.

A Covenant to Move Ahead

So let’s make a pact with one another.

Let’s stand together in the light of the living Christ, as we pass through the storm toward calm waters.

Because here’s a truth we need to remember:
No ship anchored at shore can fulfill its mission.
It can’t deliver goods, it can’t ferry people, it can’t grow or explore.

Comfort is easy—but faith is not about ease.
Faith is about action. Movement. Participation.

Maybe we don’t row like we used to.
Maybe we can’t run marathons or even drive across town.
But our smiles still matter.
A kind word. A phone call. A simple “thank you.”
Our hearts can still grow in Christ.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Remember when Jesus called Peter out of the boat?
Peter stepped out onto the water—but the moment he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink.

We must keep our eyes on Christ.
Because we do have an anchor—an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll.

Let’s look to the horizon, to the One who loves us.
Let’s move ahead—together. Amen.

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core