Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the refreshing chill in the air (must be autumn).
When the bold branches
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves -
Welcome wool sweaters.
~B. Cybrill
Fall has arrived a week or so early. I like the cooler weather and dressing in jeans and my beloved wool sweaters. I have more energy throughout the day and need less sleep. Even T is perking up. He's picked up the pace during our morning and evening hikes.
Brrrr. The nighttime temperatures have dipped into the mid-30s - perfect for sleeping. We keep the window open and sleep beneath warm blankets and quilts. I do hope, however, that the season's first hard frost delays its arrival. The flowers in all of my gardens are still quite lovely. And, I just planted a dwarf Barberry bush in the front yard (was a gift from our neighbor, Kathleen).
This weekend, if it doesn't rain, we plan to drive to the high country to view the aspens (they should be a glorious gold by now) and take T for a hike along a favorite trail.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Tuesday, 13 July 2005 - Fresh chili peppers
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for fresh chili peppers.
I know that chili pepper season is here when vendors set up shop on vacant lots to sell peppers by the pound or bushel. Some will even roast your peppers in large cages that rotate over hot fires.
Last week, I bought several pounds of fresh chilis at the natural foods store. This morning, I made my famous green chili enchilada casserole that features Anaheim and jalapeno peppers that I carefully roasted on a dry grill. It was the perfect dish to spice up this unseasonably cool Colorado day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for fresh chili peppers.
I know that chili pepper season is here when vendors set up shop on vacant lots to sell peppers by the pound or bushel. Some will even roast your peppers in large cages that rotate over hot fires.
Last week, I bought several pounds of fresh chilis at the natural foods store. This morning, I made my famous green chili enchilada casserole that features Anaheim and jalapeno peppers that I carefully roasted on a dry grill. It was the perfect dish to spice up this unseasonably cool Colorado day.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Monday, 12 September 2005 - Paycheck
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the paycheck that arrived in today's mail. With bills to pay, food to buy and dreams to finance, every dollar counts.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the paycheck that arrived in today's mail. With bills to pay, food to buy and dreams to finance, every dollar counts.
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Sunday, 11 September 2005 - Tears, hope
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for tears for the lost that nourish my hope for the living.
For Whom The Bell Tolls
John Donne
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for tears for the lost that nourish my hope for the living.
For Whom The Bell Tolls
John Donne
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manner of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Saturday, 10 September 2005 - The completion of an unpopular task
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the completion of an unpopular task.
I love to sew but I hate to alter store-bought clothes. During the past year, I've shopped the very best sales and bought eight pairs of pants and jeans that fit me perfectly except in length (I'm 5'2"). So yesterday and today, I bit the bullet and spent about 6 hours fitting, measuring, pinning and sewing. Yes, a reputable alterations shop could have done the job, but I am so picky about fit and quality that it was worth doing the work myself.
With 8 new pairs of perfectly-fitting pants joining my favorite jeans in the closet, my wardrobe is just about ready for fall. I am still looking for the perfect autumn sweater. I think I'll have better luck finding one in my knitting books. Custom made sweaters are better for me anyway since I am so picky!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the completion of an unpopular task.
I love to sew but I hate to alter store-bought clothes. During the past year, I've shopped the very best sales and bought eight pairs of pants and jeans that fit me perfectly except in length (I'm 5'2"). So yesterday and today, I bit the bullet and spent about 6 hours fitting, measuring, pinning and sewing. Yes, a reputable alterations shop could have done the job, but I am so picky about fit and quality that it was worth doing the work myself.
With 8 new pairs of perfectly-fitting pants joining my favorite jeans in the closet, my wardrobe is just about ready for fall. I am still looking for the perfect autumn sweater. I think I'll have better luck finding one in my knitting books. Custom made sweaters are better for me anyway since I am so picky!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Friday, 9 September 2005 - One grilled hot dog
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one grilled hot dog on a toasted bun, smothered in mustard and pickle relish (a tasty treat leftover from Monday's neighborhood block party - only eat it a couple of times each summer - had to eat this one before it spoiled!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one grilled hot dog on a toasted bun, smothered in mustard and pickle relish (a tasty treat leftover from Monday's neighborhood block party - only eat it a couple of times each summer - had to eat this one before it spoiled!)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Thursday, 8 September 2005 - A very good year for peaches
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a very good year for peaches.
This summer, my husband, S, and I ate about 50 pounds of organic Colorado peaches. I originally intended to preserve at least 25 pounds for winter, but decided it was better to eat the peaches in season. After all, winter brings fresh apples and citrus fruit to our table.
I've never eaten so many peaches in a single season. I preferred to eat them raw or mixed into smoothies. S sliced them over cereal. And lucky T, our chocolate Lab - I gave him a few choice slices whenever he caught me at the kitchen sink eating a juicy specimen or slicing several for baking. And, of course, we ate peach crisps and cobblers. I must have baked about a dozen this summer. Very yummy from the first bite to the last.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a very good year for peaches.
This summer, my husband, S, and I ate about 50 pounds of organic Colorado peaches. I originally intended to preserve at least 25 pounds for winter, but decided it was better to eat the peaches in season. After all, winter brings fresh apples and citrus fruit to our table.
I've never eaten so many peaches in a single season. I preferred to eat them raw or mixed into smoothies. S sliced them over cereal. And lucky T, our chocolate Lab - I gave him a few choice slices whenever he caught me at the kitchen sink eating a juicy specimen or slicing several for baking. And, of course, we ate peach crisps and cobblers. I must have baked about a dozen this summer. Very yummy from the first bite to the last.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Wednesday, 7 September 2005 - Letting go, letting God
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for "letting go and letting God."
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway.
~Mary C. Crowley
While sorting through some papers, I found an old note from a friend in which she encouraged me to "let go and let God." Now, for someone like me with a controlling nature, letting go is a struggle.
Although I've "let go" publicly and privately, the gesture is still not automatic. I have to think about it before doing it. So, to faciliate my surrender, I've started a new list entitled, "Things for God." Whenever I encounter a "letting go" situation, I add the issue to the list. I've discovered that the mere act of writing down the concern eases my anxiety. I also sleep better at night knowing that my most powerful ally is working on my behalf, 24x7x365.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for "letting go and letting God."
Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway.
~Mary C. Crowley
While sorting through some papers, I found an old note from a friend in which she encouraged me to "let go and let God." Now, for someone like me with a controlling nature, letting go is a struggle.
Although I've "let go" publicly and privately, the gesture is still not automatic. I have to think about it before doing it. So, to faciliate my surrender, I've started a new list entitled, "Things for God." Whenever I encounter a "letting go" situation, I add the issue to the list. I've discovered that the mere act of writing down the concern eases my anxiety. I also sleep better at night knowing that my most powerful ally is working on my behalf, 24x7x365.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Tuesday, 6 September 2005 - The change of seasons
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the change of seasons as I bid adieu to summer and welcome autumn.
falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~ John Bailey, a haiku year, 2001
Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.
~ Yoko Ono
Evidence of autumn's early arrival:
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the change of seasons as I bid adieu to summer and welcome autumn.
falling leaves
hide the path
so quietly
~ John Bailey, a haiku year, 2001
Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.
~ Yoko Ono
Evidence of autumn's early arrival:
- Cool, crisp mornings.
- Daily rain showers punctuated by thunder and lightening.
- Air that no longer holds the sun's heat in the evening.
- Faded flowers decorating the garden.
- A few yellow leaves on the Aspen trees.
- I sip hot green tea in the afternoon.
- I wear a sweater to keep warm at night.
- I begin to knit wool scarves and sweaters.
- I crave homemade chicken soup, baked butternut squash and garlic mashed potatoes.
Amen.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Monday, 5 September 2005 - Meaningful work
Dear God:
Today, Labor Day, I am thankful for meaningful work.
God give me work, till my life shall end
And life, till my work is done.
~Epitaph of Winifred Holtby
Without labor nothing prospers. ~Sophocles
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~Ovid
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, Labor Day, I am thankful for meaningful work.
God give me work, till my life shall end
And life, till my work is done.
~Epitaph of Winifred Holtby
Without labor nothing prospers. ~Sophocles
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~Ovid
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Sunday, 4 September 2005 - Sunrise
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for this morning's beautiful sunrise (and the fact that I arose early enough to witness it).
Upon the sadness of the sea
The sunset broods regretfully;
From the far lonely spaces, slow
Withdraws the wistful afterglow.
So out of life the splendor dies;
So darken all the happy skies;
So gathers twilight, cold and stern;
But overhead the planets burn;
And up the east another day
Shall chase the bitter dark away;
What though our eyes with tears be wet?
The sunrise never failed us yet.
The blush of dawn may yet restore
Our light and hope and joy once more.
Sad soul, take comfort, nor forget
That sunrise never failed us yet!!
~ Celia Thaxter, "The Sunrise Never Failed Us Yet"
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for this morning's beautiful sunrise (and the fact that I arose early enough to witness it).
Upon the sadness of the sea
The sunset broods regretfully;
From the far lonely spaces, slow
Withdraws the wistful afterglow.
So out of life the splendor dies;
So darken all the happy skies;
So gathers twilight, cold and stern;
But overhead the planets burn;
And up the east another day
Shall chase the bitter dark away;
What though our eyes with tears be wet?
The sunrise never failed us yet.
The blush of dawn may yet restore
Our light and hope and joy once more.
Sad soul, take comfort, nor forget
That sunrise never failed us yet!!
~ Celia Thaxter, "The Sunrise Never Failed Us Yet"
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, September 03, 2005
Saturday, 3 September 2005 - Basic necessities for a decent life
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the basic necessities of a decent life.
I am troubled by the human suffering wrought by Hurricane Katrina. I am also humbled by the displaced people, who, after losing their homes and possessions, are so grateful for the mundane provisions I take for granted.
One woman, after taking her first shower in days, expressed her gratitude to the people of Houston for their generosity. In my mind, it's the least we can do - to help our neighbors regardless of the distance between our homes. This is one of those times when the golden rule should prevail.
The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.
~ Hubert H. Humphrey
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."
~ Author Unknown
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the basic necessities of a decent life.
I am troubled by the human suffering wrought by Hurricane Katrina. I am also humbled by the displaced people, who, after losing their homes and possessions, are so grateful for the mundane provisions I take for granted.
One woman, after taking her first shower in days, expressed her gratitude to the people of Houston for their generosity. In my mind, it's the least we can do - to help our neighbors regardless of the distance between our homes. This is one of those times when the golden rule should prevail.
The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.
~ Hubert H. Humphrey
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done."
~ Author Unknown
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Friday, 2 September 2005 - A strong back
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a strong back so I can bear my share of the responsibility to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a strong back so I can bear my share of the responsibility to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Thursday, 1 September 2005 - My own troubles
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for my own troubles.
"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore.
"However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."
~A.A. Milne
I will take my own troubles over anyone else's today. My worries and needs seem to pale in comparison to the devastation facing my fellow citizens in New Orleans and other cities hit by Hurricane Katrina. We are giving what we can to the relief effort. And, I am praying for restoration of lives, rejuvenated spirits and miracles.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for my own troubles.
"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.
"So it is."
"And freezing."
"Is it?"
"Yes," said Eeyore.
"However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."
~A.A. Milne
I will take my own troubles over anyone else's today. My worries and needs seem to pale in comparison to the devastation facing my fellow citizens in New Orleans and other cities hit by Hurricane Katrina. We are giving what we can to the relief effort. And, I am praying for restoration of lives, rejuvenated spirits and miracles.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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