More “whoosh” of the Holy Spirit.

My gifts to bring to the world party have always been about having, keeping and appreciating my sense of humor despite all that happens; being a friend; hostility; and soaring optimism.

Practicing kindness; following the great commandments; staying home; practicing radical hospitality to those who come to my home; buying someone behind me their order at MacDonald’ when I go through for morning coffee. . LOL

It is craving soul food meaning a deep connection to the earth, the cosmos, the ground and sky and nature. It needs to be fed on sights and sounds and smells. It needs the nourishment of peace and tranquility of silence and respect.

Unmerited, continuous love from God. We cannot earn it, pay it back nor do we deserve it. Yet, there it is every single morning a gift just for us.

Anger, aggravation, disillusionment, weariness.

as a child, my father would often take my brother and I out into the evenings to lie on the grass and look at the constellations. He knew them all and would so poignantly try to allow me to see what he saw.

I used to have a framed picture entitled “Woman With A Cloud Hat” with an accompanying picture “Woman with Her Head in the Clouds”. I now wish I still had them. There is so much sky here on the lake shore of Michigan; clouds tell us what’s going on..

I have a walking meditative garden on the back 1/3 of our acre. The trees are 200-300 feet tall and sway so beautifully in the breezes and winds off Lake Michigan. They catch the last afternoon sun and glisten and glow. It’s truly a “dance” I welcome myself to join in on. I have had the sacred experience of trees “talking” to me. It took me to that Celtic “Thin Place”

Sitting in nature; making it to the top of the mountain trail to sit and grasp the vistas; watching the trees sway in the wind in my garden flickering with sunlight;; reading words off a page that were written just for me; absorbing the chords and fluidity of music in meditation; being overwhelmed by a special sense of peace that only comes form the Creator Wisdom Keeper of the world.

An understanding and acceptance of the pure joy of life; of the pure abundance of life; of waking up grateful every single day and taking nothing for granted; and that enough is enough.

That unconditional love exists; that “thank you” is everything; and never, ever forget the sprinkles. Thank you, Iris.

By being a “companion” and not necessarily a friend; to listen and to really hear and not to believe that I have to say anything in return; to be present with them in their moment.

The faith that I’ve been there before and the dark always becomes the light at some point. Anything in life is tolerable because it’s all only temporary. I fall back to memories of love and a good life.

Knowing that there ARE others who are in sync with the universe, feel a lighter load and unburden themselves.

ii was a kind and nice person; authentic; did what I could in the best way i knew how; was a good friend, daughter.

By taking the best care I can of my one and only body. Health is critical for me and a huge focus in my life. I workout everyday; eat as clean of foods as I can; appreciate all that I have achieved and look forward to the next adventure.

How can I not have been surprised by joy all my life? Each day is a gift right out of a big box with my name on it. I always RSVP.

Do little ordinary things- make him a cup of coffee; show up for the ladies at jail for ministry morning; smile and say thank you; do some laundry; get some healthy groceries.

Something new- a book, an idea, anew exercise routine, a place, music that touches deeply into my soul, a smile from a stranger.