What’s in a Breath?

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One of the lessons I have learned in life is how to breathe in those anxious and painful times we all experience sooner or later.

This is what I have learned:

Sit quietly in a comfortable position

Place tongue behind top teeth and breathe in slowly through the nose to the count of seven.

Place tongue behind bottom teeth and breathe out slowly through pursed lips to the count of eight.

Repeat eight times.

I usually do this two or three times in one sitting, a few times a day, and at bed time.

What’s in a breath? Life.

What’s in a breathing exercise? A more relaxed life.

Happy Saturday.

 

Where There’s Doubt

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St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) is one of my favorite people of history mainly because of his “Channel of Peace” prayer which when sung or listened to can bring a semblance of peace to a weary soul. The prayer is also a wonderful way to embrace life on a daily basis. Happy Sunday.

Taken for Granted

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There is a fresh blanket of snow covering the ground and deck at the back of my house. This in itself is not surprising in winter. What’s different this morning is that there is neither bird nor squirrel in sight. Usually I wake up to squirrels chasing each other all over the place and birds flocking to the feeder. But there is not a single sign of these creatures. The snow is eerily undisturbed and the air is remarkably still. I slowly realize that I am missing what I have always taken for granted. I wonder where they are. Happy Saturday.

Image result for squirrels in the snowImage result for birds at a feeder

A Time for Tears and Prayers

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While the whole world watches Australia burn, we are moved to tears and prayers. Tears for the devastation of land and life; prayers for the preservation and safety of the firefighters and inhabitants; time to ponder what it is like to live through what must feel like hell on earth. Yes, it is a time for tears and prayers, and a time to give thanks that the tears will be dried and the prayers will be answered. And may the rains be on their way.

Australia Fires

Peace

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Sometimes we just have to conjure up a peaceful scene to experience a peaceful moment, or read a scripture that will bring the same result: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Wishing you a peaceful and happy Sunday

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A Picture of Thanks

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Today’s reading in “Our Daily Bread” was about a photograph taken by Eric Enstrom in 1918. The article described the photograph so vividly that I could see it in my mind’s eye and wanted to see it for real, and so I Googled the photographer and lo and behold…

Eric Enstrom Grace Man Praying Over Bread Wall Tapestry

It reminds me of “Give us this day our daily bread,”

Happy Wednesday.

Send Me

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One of the most meaningful hymns in my life at one time was “Here I Am, Lord.” It touched my heart and led me into a life of serving God’s people in a way I had never before experienced. When we say, “Send me” many doors open into a world in need of friendship and caring. Happy Sunday.

Is That True?

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While getting my hair cut yesterday, a stylist asked a gentleman across the way what kind of hair cut he would like. He answered, “I’m easy; I’m sixty-six and there comes a time in life when you get to take a vacation from always caring what you look like.”

Is that true? Happy Saturday.

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One More Pleasant Surprise

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I have written a few blogs about pleasant surprises and how I pray for one to come my way each day.

Yesterday’s was a whopper!

While preparing the dressing for a salad last night (oil, apple cider vinegar and honey) I was searching the Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar bottle for an expiry date. There was none, but at the bottom of one of the labels was this gem; 3 John 2. I immediately looked it up… Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

What makes this especially meaningful for me is that today I begin the first of two tests to determine the cause of a health problem.

God bless Patricia Bragg and Paul Bragg.

And I wish you, dear reader, a pleasant surprise today.