Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for daydreams.
As T and I circle the park, I slip into auto-pilot mode. Before I know it, we've completed four laps. Where did the time go?
I guess that's why I prefer simple, repetitive activities like walking and running that don't require my full attention. Instead, they free my mind, allowing me to devote my brainpower to more important things, like praying, writing a poem or simply daydreaming.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Wednesday, 13 April 2005 - Snow to feed a thirsty garden
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for snow to feed a thirsty garden.
Yesterday, I took one look at the melting snow drifts in the backyard and knew what I had to do. Since we live in a drought area, I hate to waste water - especially when it's a gift. So, taking my trusty shovel in hand, I carefully spread snow over my gardens and at the base of the trees and shrubs. My legs, arms and shoulders also got quite a workout, with each shovelful equalling one squat and one biceps curl. T, who prefers cooler weather, wandered in and out of the house in search of shade and a good stick to chew. The sun was warm, the breeze cool, and the work satisfying.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for snow to feed a thirsty garden.
Yesterday, I took one look at the melting snow drifts in the backyard and knew what I had to do. Since we live in a drought area, I hate to waste water - especially when it's a gift. So, taking my trusty shovel in hand, I carefully spread snow over my gardens and at the base of the trees and shrubs. My legs, arms and shoulders also got quite a workout, with each shovelful equalling one squat and one biceps curl. T, who prefers cooler weather, wandered in and out of the house in search of shade and a good stick to chew. The sun was warm, the breeze cool, and the work satisfying.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Tuesday, 12 April 2005 - A new haircut
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a fabulous new haircut.
Last fall, I decided to let my hair grow. With all of our outdoor pursuits during the summer, I thought it would be cooler and easier to deal with my hair by pulling it back into a ponytail. I usually wear it in a chin length bob.
But, this spring, with all the feminine clothes and floral prints appearing in the fashion magazines, I missed having a stylish coiffure. So, yesterday, I had my first haircut since September. I chose a new stylist, Michelle, who owns her own salon near the downtown shopping district. Using a comb and razor, she quickly shaped my sad looking locks into a modern look that suits my face, personality and lifestyle. I feel fifteen years younger (i.e., like a 35-something woman versus a 51-year old woman). Now, I wish the gray hair that's sprouting all over my scalp would change back to its original dark brown color!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a fabulous new haircut.
Last fall, I decided to let my hair grow. With all of our outdoor pursuits during the summer, I thought it would be cooler and easier to deal with my hair by pulling it back into a ponytail. I usually wear it in a chin length bob.
But, this spring, with all the feminine clothes and floral prints appearing in the fashion magazines, I missed having a stylish coiffure. So, yesterday, I had my first haircut since September. I chose a new stylist, Michelle, who owns her own salon near the downtown shopping district. Using a comb and razor, she quickly shaped my sad looking locks into a modern look that suits my face, personality and lifestyle. I feel fifteen years younger (i.e., like a 35-something woman versus a 51-year old woman). Now, I wish the gray hair that's sprouting all over my scalp would change back to its original dark brown color!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Monday, 11 April 2005 - The best spring day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the best spring day.
Welcome to springtime in the Rockies! The snow from Sunday's wild blizzard is melting quickly. In the backyard, the massive 5-foot drift that covers the entire southeast corner and the 3-foot drift near the southwest corner will soon be history if Ms. Sunshine has her way.
I spend nearly three hours shoveling snow - lots of heavy, wet snow - from the driveway, sidewalk and cul-de-sac. The drifts are nearly 18 inches deep in spots. A thick, slippery slush covers the asphalt - I guess the snowplows never made it to our street.
I work deliberately, careful to use the proper technique to lift each shovelful before tossing the snow onto the lawn and garden. Our neighbors are also clearing their properties. We pause in our labors to share blizzard stories and catch up on little league news and the week's weather predictions. School has been cancelled so the kids come over to play with T.
All in all, we're living a typical April day along the Colorado Front Range. As we recover from yet another storm, we revel in the beauty that surrounds us. Yes, today is the very best day of spring.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the best spring day.
Welcome to springtime in the Rockies! The snow from Sunday's wild blizzard is melting quickly. In the backyard, the massive 5-foot drift that covers the entire southeast corner and the 3-foot drift near the southwest corner will soon be history if Ms. Sunshine has her way.
I spend nearly three hours shoveling snow - lots of heavy, wet snow - from the driveway, sidewalk and cul-de-sac. The drifts are nearly 18 inches deep in spots. A thick, slippery slush covers the asphalt - I guess the snowplows never made it to our street.
I work deliberately, careful to use the proper technique to lift each shovelful before tossing the snow onto the lawn and garden. Our neighbors are also clearing their properties. We pause in our labors to share blizzard stories and catch up on little league news and the week's weather predictions. School has been cancelled so the kids come over to play with T.
All in all, we're living a typical April day along the Colorado Front Range. As we recover from yet another storm, we revel in the beauty that surrounds us. Yes, today is the very best day of spring.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Sunday, 10 April 2005 - A safe and warm shelter in a snowstorm
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a safe and warm shelter in the midst of a wild April snowstorm.
With a furious winter blizzard creating hazardous conditions outside, we're safe within our little house, warmed by the new furnace. We don't need a thing as long as we have power. We won't starve (note the full pantry, refrigerator and freezer), we won't be bored (note the cable television, Internet access, and stack of books and DVDs from the library), we won't miss a workout (note the exercise equipment in the home gym), and we won't be helpless in an emergency (note the cell phones and good neighbors). However, if the storm lasts for more than a day, I think I shall catch the dreaded cabin fever.
After we struggled to retrieve the Sunday newspapers, T wasn't too disappointed about missing his daily walks. I let him explore the backyard around mid-morning. He romped in the over 3-foot high snowdrifts near the fence before running to the side garden to do his business. The winds were too strong and the snow too deep to warrant more than a few minutes of exposure. Soon, T was back in the house, enjoying a vigorous rubdown (aka "heine wipe") and a delicious treat, very happy to be warm and dry and loved.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a safe and warm shelter in the midst of a wild April snowstorm.
With a furious winter blizzard creating hazardous conditions outside, we're safe within our little house, warmed by the new furnace. We don't need a thing as long as we have power. We won't starve (note the full pantry, refrigerator and freezer), we won't be bored (note the cable television, Internet access, and stack of books and DVDs from the library), we won't miss a workout (note the exercise equipment in the home gym), and we won't be helpless in an emergency (note the cell phones and good neighbors). However, if the storm lasts for more than a day, I think I shall catch the dreaded cabin fever.
After we struggled to retrieve the Sunday newspapers, T wasn't too disappointed about missing his daily walks. I let him explore the backyard around mid-morning. He romped in the over 3-foot high snowdrifts near the fence before running to the side garden to do his business. The winds were too strong and the snow too deep to warrant more than a few minutes of exposure. Soon, T was back in the house, enjoying a vigorous rubdown (aka "heine wipe") and a delicious treat, very happy to be warm and dry and loved.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Saturday, 9 April 2005 - A new prayer
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a new prayer.
During Pope John Paul II's funeral, I was deeply touched by the moving performance of the Litany of the Saints - a call and response prayer. I've decided to recite it in my daily prayers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Below is a version of the prayer I found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/litany19.htm. The response is italicized.
Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us.
Saint Michael,
Pray for us.
Holy angels of God,
Pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul,
Pray for us.
Saint Andrew,
Pray for us.
Saint John,
Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene,
Pray for us.
Saint Stephen,
Pray for us.
Saint Ignatius,
Pray for us.
Saint Lawrence,
Pray for us.
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,
Pray for us.
Saint Agnes,
Pray for us.
Saint Gregory,
Pray for us.
Saint Augustine,
Pray for us.
Saint Athanasius,
Pray for us.
Saint Basil,
Pray for us.
Saint Martin,
Pray for us.
Saint Benedict,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis and Saint Dominic,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis Xavier,
Pray for us.
Saint John Vianney,
Pray for us.
Saint Catherine,
Pray for us.
Saint Theresa,
Pray for us.
All you saints of God,
Pray for us.
Lord, be merciful,
Lord, save us.
From all harm,
Lord, save us.
From every sin,
Lord, save us.
From all temptations,
Lord, save us.
From everlasting death,
Lord, save us.
By Your coming among us,
Lord, save us.
By Your death and rising to new life,
Lord, save us.
By Your gift of the Holy Spirit,
Lord, save us.
Be merciful to us sinners,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Guide and protect Your Holy Church,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to Your Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring all people together in trust and peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen us in Your service.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a new prayer.
During Pope John Paul II's funeral, I was deeply touched by the moving performance of the Litany of the Saints - a call and response prayer. I've decided to recite it in my daily prayers.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Below is a version of the prayer I found at http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/litany19.htm. The response is italicized.
Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Pray for us.
Saint Michael,
Pray for us.
Holy angels of God,
Pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Pray for us.
Saint John the Baptist,
Pray for us.
Saint Peter and Saint Paul,
Pray for us.
Saint Andrew,
Pray for us.
Saint John,
Pray for us.
Saint Mary Magdalene,
Pray for us.
Saint Stephen,
Pray for us.
Saint Ignatius,
Pray for us.
Saint Lawrence,
Pray for us.
Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity,
Pray for us.
Saint Agnes,
Pray for us.
Saint Gregory,
Pray for us.
Saint Augustine,
Pray for us.
Saint Athanasius,
Pray for us.
Saint Basil,
Pray for us.
Saint Martin,
Pray for us.
Saint Benedict,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis and Saint Dominic,
Pray for us.
Saint Francis Xavier,
Pray for us.
Saint John Vianney,
Pray for us.
Saint Catherine,
Pray for us.
Saint Theresa,
Pray for us.
All you saints of God,
Pray for us.
Lord, be merciful,
Lord, save us.
From all harm,
Lord, save us.
From every sin,
Lord, save us.
From all temptations,
Lord, save us.
From everlasting death,
Lord, save us.
By Your coming among us,
Lord, save us.
By Your death and rising to new life,
Lord, save us.
By Your gift of the Holy Spirit,
Lord, save us.
Be merciful to us sinners,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Guide and protect Your Holy Church,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Keep our Pope and all the clergy in faithful service to Your Church.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Bring all people together in trust and peace.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Strengthen us in Your service.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Amen.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Friday, 8 April 2005 - Fresh sugar snap peas
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for fresh sugar snap peas.
I found these beauties at the natural foods store and bought a bagful. Tomorrow, for our main meal, I plan to grill the buffalo sirloin steak that's been marinating in my special teriyaki sauce. The peas, roasted with olive oil and shallots, will be a perfect side dish. I think I'll serve them with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for fresh sugar snap peas.
I found these beauties at the natural foods store and bought a bagful. Tomorrow, for our main meal, I plan to grill the buffalo sirloin steak that's been marinating in my special teriyaki sauce. The peas, roasted with olive oil and shallots, will be a perfect side dish. I think I'll serve them with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Thursday, 7 April 2005 - A busy day
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a busy day where I do a little bit of everything: walk T, exercise, write, cook, clean, garden, knit, read, shop, pray, do the crossword puzzles, visit with a neighbor, and watch a little TV.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a busy day where I do a little bit of everything: walk T, exercise, write, cook, clean, garden, knit, read, shop, pray, do the crossword puzzles, visit with a neighbor, and watch a little TV.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Wednesday, 6 April 2005 - The right to vote
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the right to vote.
Although I'm not as interested in politics as my husband, S, I believe in voting in every election open to me. Bottomline: If I don't vote, I feel that I don't have the right to complain about our elected officials or how the government spends tax dollars. I prefer to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Our city held a local election yesterday with city council seats up for grabs and several controversial initiatives on the ballot. When I voted around 11 AM, I was only the 19th person in the precinct to vote (out of a possible 2,000 or so registered voters). When S voted at 4 PM, he was number 35. Citywide, only a dismal 15% of all registered voters actually went to the polls (this includes absentee and early voters). What a sad day for democracy. I guess apathy won again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the right to vote.
Although I'm not as interested in politics as my husband, S, I believe in voting in every election open to me. Bottomline: If I don't vote, I feel that I don't have the right to complain about our elected officials or how the government spends tax dollars. I prefer to be part of the solution, not the problem.
Our city held a local election yesterday with city council seats up for grabs and several controversial initiatives on the ballot. When I voted around 11 AM, I was only the 19th person in the precinct to vote (out of a possible 2,000 or so registered voters). When S voted at 4 PM, he was number 35. Citywide, only a dismal 15% of all registered voters actually went to the polls (this includes absentee and early voters). What a sad day for democracy. I guess apathy won again.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Tuesday, 5 April 2005 - Poetic inspirations
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for poetic inspirations.
I am in a poetry writing mood. Here are the fruits of my labor: two new cinquains. Enjoy!
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for poetic inspirations.
I am in a poetry writing mood. Here are the fruits of my labor: two new cinquains. Enjoy!
Why Not?For these blessings, I am grateful.
Today,
I seek the answer
To the question, "Why should I?”
God’s simple reply:
"Why not?"
Dream Catcher
On a
Blustery spring day,
I took a chance and tried to
Catch a dream. I missed.
Sorry.
Amen.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Monday, 4 April 2005 - The color, green
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the color, green.
Daily, I inspect my garden for signs of life. I smile when I discover new iris or daffodil shoots and leaf buds emerging on the lilac bush. Yes, green indicates life, growth and prosperity. But, now, with Planet Earth's future in jeopardy, green signifies hope.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the color, green.
Daily, I inspect my garden for signs of life. I smile when I discover new iris or daffodil shoots and leaf buds emerging on the lilac bush. Yes, green indicates life, growth and prosperity. But, now, with Planet Earth's future in jeopardy, green signifies hope.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Sunday, 3 April 2005 - Gardener's soul and green thumb
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a gardener's soul and green thumb.
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
- Margaret Atwood
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a gardener's soul and green thumb.
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.
- Margaret Atwood
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Saturday, 2 April 2005 - Pope John Paul II
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the late Pope John Paul II, a world leader with tremendous integrity, compassion and humility. I believe he really cared for each of us with all his heart.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the late Pope John Paul II, a world leader with tremendous integrity, compassion and humility. I believe he really cared for each of us with all his heart.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Friday, 1 April 2005 - Fool-free hour or two
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a fool-free hour or two.
I need a break from the distressing news that continues to flood the airwaves, so I’m fasting the news for a few hours. I want to remember this perfect spring day as one on which I read a poem, hiked with T along the trail, laughed at S’s joke, and ate a really juicy blood orange.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
