Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for sacrifices.
On this Good Friday, I am thinking about sacrifices. Not just the one commemorated this day - Jesus' death and it's significance to Christians.
I'm thinking about sacrifices made by my grandparents and parents so that I could have a good life.
I'm thinking about the sacrifices made by people who have given more than I to humanitarian causes that attempt to give the world's poorest citizens a chance to live a full life.
I'm thinking about those serving in the military or in local police and fire departments - the ones who help ensure that I can walk down the street without fear.
I'm thinking about the sacrifices made by our neighbors, Dennis and Debbie, for their sons (I hope Everett and Hayden realize how lucky they are).
My own heart is generous but my wallet is usually empty. Still, I know I can do more. I know I can contribute my fair share and then some.
For these blessings, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Thursday, 13 April 2006 - A bar of soap
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a bar of soap.
I know it's homemade by its rough texture and "safe" ingredient list that includes organically grown oils. Its exotic scent nearly matches the Cinnabar fragrance I used to wear. The spiciness reminds me of my favorite hot beverage, chai tea blended with soy milk.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a bar of soap.
I know it's homemade by its rough texture and "safe" ingredient list that includes organically grown oils. Its exotic scent nearly matches the Cinnabar fragrance I used to wear. The spiciness reminds me of my favorite hot beverage, chai tea blended with soy milk.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Wednesday, 12 April 2006 - A better day to live
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a better day to live.
In my dream, I decided that today would be a good day to die. My gardens are in good shape - just need maintenance feeding and watering. The goji berry bushes seem to be taking root in the pots so they'll survive the summer. My house still needs cleaning and decluttering, but people do that after you die so what's the use.
T goes about his business regardless of my presence. S is busy with his work and doesn't particularly cherish me these days.
I won't miss much of this ordinary, boring life. I don't think others will miss me either. Maybe for a while. But in ensuing weeks and months, they'll forget that I ever walked the earth, laughed out loud or wrote poetry.
My footprints, gone. My dreams, gone. My hopes and desires, gone. All that I am or was or could ever be, gone.
Yes, today is a good day to die. But, it's an even better day to live. I choose the latter.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a better day to live.
In my dream, I decided that today would be a good day to die. My gardens are in good shape - just need maintenance feeding and watering. The goji berry bushes seem to be taking root in the pots so they'll survive the summer. My house still needs cleaning and decluttering, but people do that after you die so what's the use.
T goes about his business regardless of my presence. S is busy with his work and doesn't particularly cherish me these days.
I won't miss much of this ordinary, boring life. I don't think others will miss me either. Maybe for a while. But in ensuing weeks and months, they'll forget that I ever walked the earth, laughed out loud or wrote poetry.
My footprints, gone. My dreams, gone. My hopes and desires, gone. All that I am or was or could ever be, gone.
Yes, today is a good day to die. But, it's an even better day to live. I choose the latter.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Tuesday, 11 April 2006 - Prayer of Jabez
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for the Prayer of Jabez (because it's working).
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for the Prayer of Jabez (because it's working).
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,
“Oh, that You would bless me indeed,
and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil,
that I may not cause pain!”
So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10 NKJV
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Monday, 10 April 2006 - Simple solutions
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for simple solutions.
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. ~Albert Einstein
I finally understood this quote when I began my writing and editing career. I soon discovered my forte: translating complex ideas into simple sentences that most people could understand. The work wasn't easy (it was extremely challenging at times) but the results were rewarding: simple and elegant word solutions. Now, if only I could apply my writing rules to my life. Easier said than done.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for simple solutions.
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. ~Albert Einstein
I finally understood this quote when I began my writing and editing career. I soon discovered my forte: translating complex ideas into simple sentences that most people could understand. The work wasn't easy (it was extremely challenging at times) but the results were rewarding: simple and elegant word solutions. Now, if only I could apply my writing rules to my life. Easier said than done.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Sunday, 09 April 2006 - Butternut squash soup
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a bowl of homemade butternut squash soup.
The temperature is in the 70s and the bright sunshine feels wonderful on my winter weary body. I've already worked in the garden and tidied the garage.
Lucky for my house, my spring cleaning mood perseveres. Right now, I'm cleaning the kitchen counter. For the umpteenth time, I lift the large butternut squash I bought a few months ago so I can wipe underneath it. I note that its still in perfect shape with no signs of rot - yet.
Silly, silly me. What am I saving it for? I bought this squash for a very good reason ... to make my soon-to-be famous soup.
So, that's exactly what I will do - make soup. Cut and peel the squash. Steam it for 20 minutes. Saute one chopped onion. Puree the squash and onions with chicken stock. Heat the mixture. Add powdered ginger, black pepper and Celtic salt. Simmer on low until heated through.
Yum. Butternut squash soup. Tastes as good on a warm spring day as it does on a cold winter evening. Thick, savory, creamy. I think I deserve a second helping.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a bowl of homemade butternut squash soup.
The temperature is in the 70s and the bright sunshine feels wonderful on my winter weary body. I've already worked in the garden and tidied the garage.
Lucky for my house, my spring cleaning mood perseveres. Right now, I'm cleaning the kitchen counter. For the umpteenth time, I lift the large butternut squash I bought a few months ago so I can wipe underneath it. I note that its still in perfect shape with no signs of rot - yet.
Silly, silly me. What am I saving it for? I bought this squash for a very good reason ... to make my soon-to-be famous soup.
So, that's exactly what I will do - make soup. Cut and peel the squash. Steam it for 20 minutes. Saute one chopped onion. Puree the squash and onions with chicken stock. Heat the mixture. Add powdered ginger, black pepper and Celtic salt. Simmer on low until heated through.
Yum. Butternut squash soup. Tastes as good on a warm spring day as it does on a cold winter evening. Thick, savory, creamy. I think I deserve a second helping.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Saturday, 08 April 2006 - Seeds for sowing
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for seeds for sowing.
In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban
One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.
~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show
The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.
~George Bernard Shaw
I spent the morning hoeing the beds in the backyard garden to breakup the mulch, aerate the soil and prepare the ground for seeds, hundreds and hundreds of flower seeds. I chose special wildflower and perennial mixes designed to attract the hummingbirds and butterflies that I love.
Seeds sown. Garden watered. Now I must wait for Mother Nature to take over.
The "recipe" calls for rain and warm sunshine. If all goes well, in a month or so, I'll see hundreds of tiny green plants breaking through the dirt and mulch.
The beginnings of a beautiful garden. The promises of life and beauty.
Indeed, I shall reap what I have sown.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for seeds for sowing.
In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful. ~Abram L. Urban
One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.
~W.E. Johns, The Passing Show
The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there.
~George Bernard Shaw
I spent the morning hoeing the beds in the backyard garden to breakup the mulch, aerate the soil and prepare the ground for seeds, hundreds and hundreds of flower seeds. I chose special wildflower and perennial mixes designed to attract the hummingbirds and butterflies that I love.
Seeds sown. Garden watered. Now I must wait for Mother Nature to take over.
The "recipe" calls for rain and warm sunshine. If all goes well, in a month or so, I'll see hundreds of tiny green plants breaking through the dirt and mulch.
The beginnings of a beautiful garden. The promises of life and beauty.
Indeed, I shall reap what I have sown.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Friday, 07 April 2006 - Goji berry plants
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for three Goji berry plants.
They arrived yesterday in good condition. I planted them right away in clay pots. They'll have to acclimate in the pots while I determine the ideal planting site in the backyard. The plants are suppose to do well in the Rocky Mountain region since the terrain resembles that of Tibet (high altitude, lots of direct sunshine and arid conditions).
I'm hopeful that I'll be able to cultivate these shrubs. I'm already dreaming of eating the fresh berries ...
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for three Goji berry plants.
They arrived yesterday in good condition. I planted them right away in clay pots. They'll have to acclimate in the pots while I determine the ideal planting site in the backyard. The plants are suppose to do well in the Rocky Mountain region since the terrain resembles that of Tibet (high altitude, lots of direct sunshine and arid conditions).
I'm hopeful that I'll be able to cultivate these shrubs. I'm already dreaming of eating the fresh berries ...
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Thursday, 06 April 2006 - A plan
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a plan to help clean our neighborhood.
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anyone could have. ~Author Unknown
I've decided to pick up at least three pieces of trash each day - one for each of us (my husband, T and me). That way, I'll be able to clean the alley, the park and other green spaces bit by bit. Recyclable items like aluminum cans, plastic, glass and corrugated cardboard have top priority since I will simply add them to our various recycling bins. Today, I picked up three soft drink cans from the gutter. Oh, how I hate litterbugs!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a plan to help clean our neighborhood.
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anyone could have. ~Author Unknown
I've decided to pick up at least three pieces of trash each day - one for each of us (my husband, T and me). That way, I'll be able to clean the alley, the park and other green spaces bit by bit. Recyclable items like aluminum cans, plastic, glass and corrugated cardboard have top priority since I will simply add them to our various recycling bins. Today, I picked up three soft drink cans from the gutter. Oh, how I hate litterbugs!
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wednesday, 05 April 2006 - Rain
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for rain.
Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
~Langston Hughes
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. ~Rachel Carson
Finally, a spring rain storm. It's been so long since we had one that I forgot how wonderful it sounds and feels.
Time to celebrate.
Everyone's invited to the party - flora and fauna alike. We'll sing and dance to the rain's steady beat and primitive rhythm while the wind whistles an impromptu melody.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for rain.
Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.
~Langston Hughes
The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A rainy day is the perfect time for a walk in the woods. ~Rachel Carson
Finally, a spring rain storm. It's been so long since we had one that I forgot how wonderful it sounds and feels.
Time to celebrate.
Everyone's invited to the party - flora and fauna alike. We'll sing and dance to the rain's steady beat and primitive rhythm while the wind whistles an impromptu melody.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Tuesday, 04 April 2006 - Unselfish dog
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for one unselfish dog.
Our neighbors are vacationing this week in California, so we agreed to take care of their dog, Sage, during the day. She's spending afternoons at our house so she'll be tired after much physical activity and mental stimulation. At night, she stays with Rosemary and her dogs, Oakley and Beau (the puppy).
Sage, a border collie, is well-behaved and gets along famously with our chocolate Lab, T. They don't actually play together; rather, they coexist - T does his thing while Sage does hers. Neither has alpha traits. Both are very omega and submissive.
T willing shares his toys and water with her. She really likes one of the chicken toys, several of the chew bones and Snoopy (aka Snoop Dog). He also doesn't mind the attention we lavish on his guest as long as he gets a few kisses and treats.
T, however, is visibly relieved when I take Sage home. He's been the "only dog" for so long and relishes his privacy, solitude and "best dog ever" status.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for one unselfish dog.
Our neighbors are vacationing this week in California, so we agreed to take care of their dog, Sage, during the day. She's spending afternoons at our house so she'll be tired after much physical activity and mental stimulation. At night, she stays with Rosemary and her dogs, Oakley and Beau (the puppy).
Sage, a border collie, is well-behaved and gets along famously with our chocolate Lab, T. They don't actually play together; rather, they coexist - T does his thing while Sage does hers. Neither has alpha traits. Both are very omega and submissive.
T willing shares his toys and water with her. She really likes one of the chicken toys, several of the chew bones and Snoopy (aka Snoop Dog). He also doesn't mind the attention we lavish on his guest as long as he gets a few kisses and treats.
T, however, is visibly relieved when I take Sage home. He's been the "only dog" for so long and relishes his privacy, solitude and "best dog ever" status.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Monday, 03 April 2006 - Room in the closet
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for room in the closet.
Your clothes speak even before you do. ~Jacqueline Murray
Never wear anything that panics the cat. ~P. J. O'Rourke
Clothes never shut up. ~Susan Brownmiller
My entire wardrobe including coats now fits in one closet. This time, I'm not cheating. My jeans and jackets and tops are not squished together but actually have breathing space.
The purge isn't over. I need to eliminate more items but will wait a few more weeks to ensure that winter is officially over. I'm down to my last few looks at my wardrobe before I tackle my yarn stash and my personal snail-mail correspondence (boxes of letters and cards dating from my childhood).
(Sigh.) I love my eclectic collection of wool sweaters but don't need a dozen; I adore the Italian-made boots and slightly vintage Burberry rain coat but never wear them; I still like the red Coach handbag but prefer to use the felted bag I designed and knitted last fall. (Sigh.)
All my things deserve to be worn or carried. They also deserve to be worn out - an event that won't occur under my ownership.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for room in the closet.
Your clothes speak even before you do. ~Jacqueline Murray
Never wear anything that panics the cat. ~P. J. O'Rourke
Clothes never shut up. ~Susan Brownmiller
My entire wardrobe including coats now fits in one closet. This time, I'm not cheating. My jeans and jackets and tops are not squished together but actually have breathing space.
The purge isn't over. I need to eliminate more items but will wait a few more weeks to ensure that winter is officially over. I'm down to my last few looks at my wardrobe before I tackle my yarn stash and my personal snail-mail correspondence (boxes of letters and cards dating from my childhood).
(Sigh.) I love my eclectic collection of wool sweaters but don't need a dozen; I adore the Italian-made boots and slightly vintage Burberry rain coat but never wear them; I still like the red Coach handbag but prefer to use the felted bag I designed and knitted last fall. (Sigh.)
All my things deserve to be worn or carried. They also deserve to be worn out - an event that won't occur under my ownership.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Sunday, 02 April 2006 - A springtime prayer
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for a springtime prayer.
Lord of the springtime,
Father of flower, field and fruit,
smile on us in these earnest days when the work is heavy and the toil wearisome;
lift up our hearts, O God, to the things worthwhile--
sunshine and night,
the dripping rain,
the song of the birds,
books and music,
and the voices of our friends.
Lift up our hearts to these this night and grant us Thy peace.
Amen.
~W.E.B. Du Bois
I see that the Finch family is building a nest in the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door. I don't know if this is the same family that nested here in 2004 and 2005. The nest is still a very messy tangle of twigs and leaves, probably gathered from my garden.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for a springtime prayer.
Lord of the springtime,
Father of flower, field and fruit,
smile on us in these earnest days when the work is heavy and the toil wearisome;
lift up our hearts, O God, to the things worthwhile--
sunshine and night,
the dripping rain,
the song of the birds,
books and music,
and the voices of our friends.
Lift up our hearts to these this night and grant us Thy peace.
Amen.
~W.E.B. Du Bois
I see that the Finch family is building a nest in the Christmas wreath that hangs on our front door. I don't know if this is the same family that nested here in 2004 and 2005. The nest is still a very messy tangle of twigs and leaves, probably gathered from my garden.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Saturday, 01 April 2006 - Cesar Chavez
Dear God:
Today, I am thankful for real heroes like Cesar Chavez.
Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that I can work with other workers. Bring forth song and celebration, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. ~Cesar Chavez, activist and advocate for farm workers
I knew the name, Cesar Chavez, very well while growing up in Southern California. His work and cause hit some nerves in our household. My mother grew up on a truck farm in Sacramento so she knew the hard work required to manually harvest fruits and vegetables. My dad, on the other hand, was in the produce business so he understood the dollars and cents of the situation and favored the growers and grocery stores over the migrant farm workers' plight.
I respected Cesar Chavez because he stood firmly for his beliefs and and acted on his vision. For me, he set a real-life example of what one person can do if his heart is in the right place and his passion and commitment are unwavering.
When my dad exhorted, "Never say can't," I know he wasn't thinking of Mr. Chavez. But, I know that Cesar Chavez also knew these words intimately. And, he took the next step - the one that most of us never take - he believed them with all his heart.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
Today, I am thankful for real heroes like Cesar Chavez.
Grant me courage to serve others, for in service there is true life. Give me honesty and patience, so that I can work with other workers. Bring forth song and celebration, so that the Spirit will be alive among us. Let the Spirit flourish and grow, so that we will never tire of the struggle. Let us remember those who have died for justice, for they have given us life. ~Cesar Chavez, activist and advocate for farm workers
I knew the name, Cesar Chavez, very well while growing up in Southern California. His work and cause hit some nerves in our household. My mother grew up on a truck farm in Sacramento so she knew the hard work required to manually harvest fruits and vegetables. My dad, on the other hand, was in the produce business so he understood the dollars and cents of the situation and favored the growers and grocery stores over the migrant farm workers' plight.
I respected Cesar Chavez because he stood firmly for his beliefs and and acted on his vision. For me, he set a real-life example of what one person can do if his heart is in the right place and his passion and commitment are unwavering.
When my dad exhorted, "Never say can't," I know he wasn't thinking of Mr. Chavez. But, I know that Cesar Chavez also knew these words intimately. And, he took the next step - the one that most of us never take - he believed them with all his heart.
For this blessing, I am grateful.
Amen.
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