Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for business as usual.
This has been an emotionally charged week of funerals and grieving and remembering. And, we still have one more service to attend this weekend.
My heart is full and my spirit weary as I sit in my studio trying to finish a poem and start another chapter of my book. The words escape me. So, I stop for a few minutes to consider the day.
I close my eyes and focus on the sounds of our neighborhood - the rumbling of the gravel trucks as they climb the steep dirt road to the quarry, a metal bat hitting a baseball, a group of children whooping and hollering as they run through the park, dogs barking at their latest distraction, the wind's whistle as it swirls through the yard, the snap of curtains whipped by a sudden burst of wind, a lively finch quartet singing its heart out, T's quiet whimpers as he naps near my chair (I bet he's dreaming about chasing that elusive bunny we see each morning).
Business as usual. What else did I expect?
Life goes on and on and on.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Wednesday, 29 June 2005 - Ice cubes
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for ice cubes.
My husband says that I am the "Queen of Ice Cubes" since I never met an ice cube I didn't like. I can't argue with the truth, especially on a dry and very hot June day when a tall glass of cold water tastes marvelous (don't forget to add several ice cubes and a twist of lemon).
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for ice cubes.
My husband says that I am the "Queen of Ice Cubes" since I never met an ice cube I didn't like. I can't argue with the truth, especially on a dry and very hot June day when a tall glass of cold water tastes marvelous (don't forget to add several ice cubes and a twist of lemon).
For this blessing, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Tuesday, 28 June 2005 - Mrs. Jeep
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Jeep, my trusty Jeep Cherokee Laredo (vintage 1987).
I have never been nor will ever be a car person. When I lived and worked in Los Angeles, I either took the bus or walked to my destination. I've owned only two cars during my lifetime - a used brown Toyota Corolla hatchback that I bought after moving to Austin, TX in 1983 and my current silver Jeep Cherokee Laredo that we bought new after moving to Colorado in 1987.
Mrs. Jeep (as opposed to Mr. Jeep, my husband's 1985 CJ7) has taken me through the worst winter storms. I'm a California girl at heart and, despite enduring 18 winters, I still get a pit in my stomach whenever I drive on snow-packed or icy roads. She also kept me safe and sound during the 19 months I commuted to Denver - those trips are responsible for most of the mileage.
Nowadays, I work from home and run errands on Friday mornings. I'm lucky if I drive more than 50 miles a week. A 20 gallon tank of gas lasts a long time even though I only get 20 mpg - a good thing given gas prices and our tight budget.
In 2003, my husband retired Mr. Jeep and bought a new Ford Ranger truck. I'm holding out for an environmentally-friendlier hybrid or bio-diesel car. In the meantime, Mrs. Jeep (happily) remains my vehicle of choice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Mrs. Jeep, my trusty Jeep Cherokee Laredo (vintage 1987).
I have never been nor will ever be a car person. When I lived and worked in Los Angeles, I either took the bus or walked to my destination. I've owned only two cars during my lifetime - a used brown Toyota Corolla hatchback that I bought after moving to Austin, TX in 1983 and my current silver Jeep Cherokee Laredo that we bought new after moving to Colorado in 1987.
Mrs. Jeep (as opposed to Mr. Jeep, my husband's 1985 CJ7) has taken me through the worst winter storms. I'm a California girl at heart and, despite enduring 18 winters, I still get a pit in my stomach whenever I drive on snow-packed or icy roads. She also kept me safe and sound during the 19 months I commuted to Denver - those trips are responsible for most of the mileage.
Nowadays, I work from home and run errands on Friday mornings. I'm lucky if I drive more than 50 miles a week. A 20 gallon tank of gas lasts a long time even though I only get 20 mpg - a good thing given gas prices and our tight budget.
In 2003, my husband retired Mr. Jeep and bought a new Ford Ranger truck. I'm holding out for an environmentally-friendlier hybrid or bio-diesel car. In the meantime, Mrs. Jeep (happily) remains my vehicle of choice.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday, 27 June 2005 - Fond remembrances
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for fond remembrances.
Last night, I read the local obituaries and learned that two acquaintances had died. Tonight, our neighbor told us that his ex-wife's father died yesterday from cancer. All were special people who touched my life for only an hour here and there - just long enough to embrace a kindness, exchange a funny story, and inspire a dream or two. Thank you Merle, Sally and Stewart.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for fond remembrances.
Last night, I read the local obituaries and learned that two acquaintances had died. Tonight, our neighbor told us that his ex-wife's father died yesterday from cancer. All were special people who touched my life for only an hour here and there - just long enough to embrace a kindness, exchange a funny story, and inspire a dream or two. Thank you Merle, Sally and Stewart.
To everything there is a season,For this blessing, I am grateful.
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
-- Ecclesiastes 3 (NKJV)
Amen.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Sunday, 26 June 2005 - God's perfect timing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for Your perfect timing.
I'm still learning that not everything I do is a competition. During tough times, I have to wait for answers, guidance, opportunities and cures.
Patience, persistence and simply letting go.
Faith, hope and more faith.
Be generous, laugh out loud and bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
Take the dog for a walk twice a day.
Share a really funny anecdote.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
When the patient is ready, the healer appears.
Not one second sooner or later.
Just God's perfect timing.
When the heart is ready, anything is possible.
Behold, I make all things new. (Revelations 21:5 NKJV)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for Your perfect timing.
I'm still learning that not everything I do is a competition. During tough times, I have to wait for answers, guidance, opportunities and cures.
Patience, persistence and simply letting go.
Faith, hope and more faith.
Be generous, laugh out loud and bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
Take the dog for a walk twice a day.
Share a really funny anecdote.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
When the patient is ready, the healer appears.
Not one second sooner or later.
Just God's perfect timing.
When the heart is ready, anything is possible.
Behold, I make all things new. (Revelations 21:5 NKJV)
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Saturday, 25 June 2005 - A handful of ripe cherries
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a handful of ripe cherries.
They're perfect with glossy skins holding in the sweet and juicy meat. These beauties are the first crop from a short but very delicious season.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a handful of ripe cherries.
They're perfect with glossy skins holding in the sweet and juicy meat. These beauties are the first crop from a short but very delicious season.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Friday, 24 June 2005 - A refreshing evening rain shower
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a refreshing evening rain shower.
Just as S, T and I leave the house for our evening walk, the lightening and thunder concert begins. Lap number one around the park - huge rain drops pelt us, dark storm clouds gather overhead.
We opt for a second lap - T is very energetic after sunset. The rain falls steadily. Powerful lightening bolts provide the light show while loud thunder claps rule the airways. The three of us run-walk around the last straight away. T thinks we're playing a new game and gets tangled in his lead. We exit the park, running along the sidewalk towards home.
The rain feels good - washing away some of the dust my body collected this afternoon while spreading pine mulch on the garden. We reach the front porch just as the storm intensifies.
Rain, beautiful rain for my thirsty garden.
A cool breeze pushes the hot, muggy air from the house.
I think we'll all sleep well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a refreshing evening rain shower.
Just as S, T and I leave the house for our evening walk, the lightening and thunder concert begins. Lap number one around the park - huge rain drops pelt us, dark storm clouds gather overhead.
We opt for a second lap - T is very energetic after sunset. The rain falls steadily. Powerful lightening bolts provide the light show while loud thunder claps rule the airways. The three of us run-walk around the last straight away. T thinks we're playing a new game and gets tangled in his lead. We exit the park, running along the sidewalk towards home.
The rain feels good - washing away some of the dust my body collected this afternoon while spreading pine mulch on the garden. We reach the front porch just as the storm intensifies.
Rain, beautiful rain for my thirsty garden.
A cool breeze pushes the hot, muggy air from the house.
I think we'll all sleep well tonight.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Thursday, 23 June 2005 - Free pine mulch
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the free pine mulch that's available all summer. A local fire prevention program recycles "slash" cleared from wooded areas.
We picked up our first load of the year this evening. Tomorrow, I will mound the mulch carefully around the base of each perennial in my front yard xeriscape garden - the plants need extra protection from the heat. I hope to cut my watering to just 1-2 days a week.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the free pine mulch that's available all summer. A local fire prevention program recycles "slash" cleared from wooded areas.
We picked up our first load of the year this evening. Tomorrow, I will mound the mulch carefully around the base of each perennial in my front yard xeriscape garden - the plants need extra protection from the heat. I hope to cut my watering to just 1-2 days a week.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Wednesday, 22 June 2005 - Five things
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for:
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for:
- My upgraded laptop computer with its new 40 gigabyte hard drive (special thanks to our friend and neighborhood techie, MS, who did the work).
- Last night's rain shower. This morning, all the Rocky Mountain penstemons were in bloom, their spiky purple flowers competing with the blue bachelor buttoms for the sun's attention.
- Pleasant evenings punctuated by cool breezes, a welcome change from the weekend's oppressive heat wave.
- Fresh red peppers, apricots, raspberries, mangoes and red grapes. Yummy! I do love to eat summer's bounty of luscious fruits and veggies.
- The beautiful sunrise that T and I witnessed during our morning hike. I felt the sun's healing power on my face, refreshing and energizing my spirit.
Amen.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Tuesday, 21 June 2005 - T
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for T, our lively and lovable chocolate Lab who became our canine son eight years ago.
This morning, T passed his annual physical with flying colors. Yeah! To our delight, he weighed in at 75 pounds, down three from last year thanks to a controlled diet and daily exercise regimen.
We're also celebrating the eighth anniversary of T's adoption. From day one, he has brought joy and love to everyone he meets. The middle school boys consider him a member of the "in" group because of his athletic prowess. The girls claim to be his favorite as they vie for his affections and the chance to walk him around the cul-de-sac. He has even won over our not-so-animal-loving neighbors, coaxing a kind word and gentle pat from M and B.
We didn't expect a perfect puppy but that's exactly what we got when T entered our lives in 1997.
For these wonderful blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for T, our lively and lovable chocolate Lab who became our canine son eight years ago.
This morning, T passed his annual physical with flying colors. Yeah! To our delight, he weighed in at 75 pounds, down three from last year thanks to a controlled diet and daily exercise regimen.
We're also celebrating the eighth anniversary of T's adoption. From day one, he has brought joy and love to everyone he meets. The middle school boys consider him a member of the "in" group because of his athletic prowess. The girls claim to be his favorite as they vie for his affections and the chance to walk him around the cul-de-sac. He has even won over our not-so-animal-loving neighbors, coaxing a kind word and gentle pat from M and B.
We didn't expect a perfect puppy but that's exactly what we got when T entered our lives in 1997.
For these wonderful blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Monday, 20 June 2005 - An empty nest
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for an empty nest.
It's late Saturday morning. I peer through the front door peephole to spy on the Finch family. I smile as I watch Mama Finch feed her four hungry and growing children. I sense that this is one of the last times I will see the family together. I know in my heart that the fledglings are reaching maturity and anxious to test their wings.
I was right. By early evening, the nest is empty.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for an empty nest.
It's late Saturday morning. I peer through the front door peephole to spy on the Finch family. I smile as I watch Mama Finch feed her four hungry and growing children. I sense that this is one of the last times I will see the family together. I know in my heart that the fledglings are reaching maturity and anxious to test their wings.
I was right. By early evening, the nest is empty.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Sunday, 19 June 2005 - Men of influence
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the men who have greatly influenced my life:
For these blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the men who have greatly influenced my life:
- My dad
- My husband
- My brother-in-law, Bob
- My friends including Harlan P. (from childhood) and Doyle H. (from UCLA)
- My mentors including Ed C., Jeff R., Mr. T., Dr. Z, and Mr. H.
For these blessings, I am very grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Saturday, 18 June 2005 - A cool evening breeze
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a cool evening breeze.
Summer is here, bringing its signature hot, dry temperatures to the region. I give the houseplants an extra drink of water during the day and carefully watch my outdoor gardens for perennials in distress. Despite his constant shedding, T remains heat-intolerant and requests several "wet downs" with the garden hose. Because I also wilt in the heat, I work in the garden during the cooler early morning or evening hours.
After sunset, the air temperature drops to the pleasant or slightly chilly range. We open all the windows to let in fresh air, hoping to cure a stuffy house. Relief comes quickly as the cool evening breeze floods each room, refreshing our bodies and spirits with its comforting touch.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a cool evening breeze.
Summer is here, bringing its signature hot, dry temperatures to the region. I give the houseplants an extra drink of water during the day and carefully watch my outdoor gardens for perennials in distress. Despite his constant shedding, T remains heat-intolerant and requests several "wet downs" with the garden hose. Because I also wilt in the heat, I work in the garden during the cooler early morning or evening hours.
After sunset, the air temperature drops to the pleasant or slightly chilly range. We open all the windows to let in fresh air, hoping to cure a stuffy house. Relief comes quickly as the cool evening breeze floods each room, refreshing our bodies and spirits with its comforting touch.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Friday, 17 June 2005 - A prospering soul
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a prospering soul.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 NKJV
I've always claimed that the health of my houseplants and gardens accurately reflects my own physical, mental and spiritual well being. This year, all the plants are thriving - an indication of my very green thumb and, perhaps, of my personal growth and joy in living.
Oh my! How my cup runneth over.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a prospering soul.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 NKJV
I've always claimed that the health of my houseplants and gardens accurately reflects my own physical, mental and spiritual well being. This year, all the plants are thriving - an indication of my very green thumb and, perhaps, of my personal growth and joy in living.
Oh my! How my cup runneth over.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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