Tag Archives: love

The Proof is in Remembering

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Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To by Anthony DeStefano.

It’s a new book I’m reading and for the next ten days I will write a brief excerpt from each chapter, beginning today with the Introduction…or at least comment that upon looking back over my life, I can see where each of these ten prayers has been answered for me. The proof is in remembering.

Here is an excerpt from the author’s Introduction:

How would you like to have incredible, unshakable faith–the kind that could withstand any crisis and any amount of suffering? How would you like to have as much courage and strength as the bravest war hero? the wisdom to solve all the problems you’ll ever face in life? How would you like to have peace–the kind of deep, inner tranquility that can carry you safely and smoothly through all of life’s problems? to experience the most passionate feelings of love, intimacy, and connectedness–no matter how alone you may feel right now? How would you like to know your destiny–a unique destiny God has chosen for you from the beginning of time, a destiny so grand in scope and heroic in proportions that it dwarfs all your dreams–a destiny you can still have no matter what your age, job, or position in life? All these things can be yours, and all you have to do is ask.

Tomorrow: I Wish I Could Believe…God Show Me That You Exist

It’s Called Alzheimer’s

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Being in a pastoral care environment, dementia is one of the major issues we see. It has also touched my life personally, and inspired the following poem.

IT’S CALLED ALZHEIMER’S

My love, where did you go?

How many times were you warned

that you would make yourself sick with worry?

And you did.

Not that worry robbed you of memory,

but it left little room for enjoying your life

before it was claimed by dementia.

I look at the shell that is left of you and my heart hurts.

Your eyes are still sky blue,

but the twinkle is gone…replaced by a vacant stare.

When a hint of recognition breaks through,

my heart soars, only to plummet

as the flash of memory disappears once again

into the distance of the disease.

It’s called Alzheimer’s.

It has robbed you of your life, and me of my life partner.

©2006

To all whose partners have succumbed to this disease, and to those who are caring for loved ones while watching them disappear little by little, my heart and prayers go out to you.

Our World Within

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I have discovered Frederick Buechner, author of Telling the Truth and many other inspiring books. Today I want to share one of my favorite quotes of his:

You can kiss your family and friends goodbye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you.

This has profound meaning for me as some of my family live in other parts of the world. After every visit, when we kiss goodbye, they are still with me; in my heart, my mind, my stomach, because they are a large part of my world.

Those we love will always be a part of us no matter where they are.

 

Shadows in the Wind

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I haven’t posted a poem in a long while, and while reading other bloggers’ poetry, am sensing a struggle with love. Let me share one of my love poems:

SHADOWS IN THE WIND

Perfect love is fulfillment

in perpetual motion,

seeing with the heart’s eye

that which the mind cannot grasp,

acknowledging the human need

for closeness under all conditions,

realizing that aloofness is a

suit of armor worn by those

who fear perfect love

is beyond their realm,

understanding the merest

reaching out of a heart’s desire,

passion and compassion hand in hand,

longing and belonging heart to heart.

Will it ever be reality

or are we pursuing shadows in the wind?

©1982

This was originally posted on July 25/14. Sometimes a second helping can be a good thing.

A Prayer for the Lonely

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Dear God, because of death, there are those who are living their lives without their partners of many years. Their most voiced lament is, “I’m lonely.” They now live alone, eat alone, sleep alone, and venture out alone. Their heartbreak is keen; their grief tear-filled. Lord, may they come to know that when they feel most alone, you are with them. May they feel your presence as surely as they once felt the presence of their loved ones. May they know that although they are lonely, they are still loved. Help us to realize our neighbour’s plight and to reach out to those who need a tender touch. Amen.

Second Time Around

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This was originally posted on October 2, 2014. It’s a poem I wrote in 1979, and sometimes once is not enough.

A MEDITATION

Thirst a little

That you may appreciate water

Hunger more

That you may enjoy the feast

Suffer some

That you may earn tranquility

Die a little

That you may hunger for life

Love abundantly

That you may know you’re alive.

©Patricia Ann Boyes 1979

All work is protected by copyright.

 

Prayer for Peace

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Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, love;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)

A beautiful prayer for a troubled world.

 

 

 

Oh Happy Day!

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There are people who despair when their birthday rolls around each year. They don’t want to be 40 or 50 or 65, whichever one of the “big” birthdays happens to be theirs in any given year.

Me? I L O V E my birthday every single year. January 6 is my favorite day on the calendar. Why? I always say, “This is the day the Lord has made (for me, I will) rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24) And I always do. Why would I not? Each year, if not each day, is a bonus when we consider the alternative.

On Sunday some of my family came to help me celebrate a couple of days early. It was a wonderful day with lots of food, hugs, well wishes, love and laughter.

Today I look forward to lunch with some friends, and another visit with one of my daughters.

More companionship, more food, and more hugs.

Oh happy day! TYG!

The Year That Was

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My Precious Life, the book was the highlight of my year. It came to fruition on June 26, 2014, the day it was published by Westbow Press. It is  available on many online book stores; Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, etc. and can be ordered through any retail book store. It is a book of inspiration and life lessons.

My Precious Life, this blog, was another highlight. It began on April 5th and has just reached two-hundred and three posts, with nearly as many followers and almost seventy-five hundred views; not a huge number, I know, but not too bad for a beginner. However, the best part of this venture is the people I have met in the blogging world: very prolific and interesting people, from whom I have learned much. Thank you.

The year that was saw a granddaughter get married, another become engaged, two grandchildren realize their modeling dreams, and others seeing their dreams coming closer to fruition. My family, has and always will, be the best highlight of all my years.

The year had its ups and downs, but the ups were definitely the winners.

In the world there was, and is, sadness and despair but there is also hope.

“…In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

And on that note I extend heartfelt wishes for happiness, comfort, peace, prosperity (both spiritual and monetary), healing, health and well-being.

Happy New Year.

Patricia Ann Boyes

 

 

The Wonder of Christmas

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Wishing peace, comfort, love, joy, and all the blessings of Christmas to each and every one.

THE WONDER OF CHRISTMAS

The wonder of Christmas,

The birth of a Child,

The angels are singing His praises,

The people rejoice

At the sound of His voice

Echoing down through the ages.

Hope, love and laughter,

Peace and goodwill,

The message resounds loud and clear,

The birth of God’s Son,

His gift to us all,

This is the wonder of Christmas.

©1995