Some Sound Advice


Each day of our lives advice comes our way; some of it sound…some of it not so.

I may have blogged about this in the past, but believe it is sound enough to repeat.

“Each of us has to decide how much nonsense we can take in life and from whom we’re willing to take it. It depends of course on the situation and the people involved.” Vernon E. Jordan.

His mother offered this gem: “As you move ahead in life pass on your optimism and faith to the next generation.”

To me, that is some sound advice.

Happy Saturday.

Life is Precious


When I wrote my book “My Precious Life” in 2014 I had heard this expression many times but didn’t pay much attention to its meaning. Now, as I watch what’s happening the world over, millions of people dying of the coronavirus, others succumbing to life’s natural cycle, it is hitting home just how precious life is.

Are we really living on a daily basis? Are we making the most of our days? Are we looking out for our friends, family, neighbor? Are we saying, “I love you” and then showing that love?

There is more to life than eating, sleeping, working and playing, and because life is precious we need to make sure we are truly living.

Today I am going to make a concentrated effort to really live. I don’t know what that will look like but will let God handle the details. Carpe diem!

Dying With Dignity


Sadly, another one of our church members has died after a very long illness.

It never ceases to amaze me how these dear people deal with end of life issues when they get their prognosis.

Diana told me, “I am supposed to be dying but I don’t know what dying feels like.”

Recently Sue told one of our Pastors that she realized that she had to wait in line in order to “go home!”

These ladies have been an inspiration to many, many people as they courageously met life’s final task of dying.

We will miss their courage and inspiring ways along with their presence in our midst over years gone by and in years to come.

It will always stay with me how, after living full, rich lives, the way that both of these ladies accepted their end days and their final accomplishment was dying with dignity.

A Garden Not Forgotten


It’s time to put a poem on the page. This was written for a gentleman in long term care in 2005. His name was Mr. Flowers and learning that I wrote poetry, he asked if I would write a poem for him. Hence A Garden Not Forgotten. This was first posted in 2014. Happy Saturday.

A garden full of flowers

tended in the mind with care

or tended not at all

if wildflower seed is planted there

will reap its keeper plenitude

in fragrant showy splendor

and bring the memory of spring

come blustery December.

Blooms spring forth upon the mind,

deep wine rose and purple phlox,

daffodils of yellow,

multicolored hollyhocks

replace the snow and blizzards

in the darkened winter hours

and keep alive in mind’s great eye

that garden full of flowers.

Mind’s garden keeps on growing;

wild winds and winter snow

won’t whip the fragrant flowers

that mind has come to grow.

The seeds are firmly planted

in the fertile soil of thought

where that garden full of flowers

also blooms forget-me-nots.

2005

A Hymn for Health and Peace of Mind


All over the world people are coping one way or another with Covid-19. Some people have managed to escape it, some have a mild case and others have succumbed to it. The media is top heavy with this news, making life quite uncomfortable in many respects.  Today’s hymn is meant to bring some peace of mind. I pray it works for you. Happy Sunday.

A Time for Tears and Prayers


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

A Prayer for Pain


So many people I know are suffering from severe physical pain which is depriving them of the quality of life they are meant to have.

Will you please join me in a prayer for pain for all people who are afflicted.

Our Father in Heaven, we pray for your healing love to touch all who are suffering debilitating pain in different parts of their bodies. We thank you that as you hear our prayers, you will touch each one with your healing power and set them free from back pain, neck pain, knee pain…any pain that is limiting your people in their daily activities. We thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you to all who will participate in this prayer for pain.

Fear No Evil


There was a recent incident in my life which could have caused me fear and the need for protection. I felt neither. Instead, I made a conscious decision to support the person involved and later prayed for confirmation that the right decision had been made. Within minutes a flock of five blue jays appeared in my yard. That seemed strange because I rarely see a blue jay. I googled that bird and read:

This bird may symbolize protection and fearlessness. If blue jays appear in your life you will feel safe and protected.

Confirmation received with thanks. Happy Sunday.

Image result for flock of blue jays pictures