My little dog, he lays at my feet and attentive to the least amount of movement I make. He is unabashedly devoted to me….which is very humbling for a person as flawed as I am. He reminds me, that I am loved, with an everlasting love, by my Creator. It is both humbling and awe-inspiring…I am a MIRACLE.

These things:
Quiet daily morning contemplation.
Time spent with my children/grandchildren
Nature
Snuggling with my Beloved
Prayer

Peace…be still.

After living for 20 years in the solitude of deep woods of the North, I relish the sounds of city life, here in my new home in the South. People come and go along the street, walking their dogs, chatting with one another, waving to a neighbor. I enjoy hearing the sounds of a lawnmower and the smell of the cut grass wafting through the neighborhood. I like that we look out for one another and share each others lives. I want to be a witness to the human drama called Life.

I am thankful to God, the Creator of the Universe and Author of the seasons…it is 64 degrees this morning after a sultry summer of triple digits. I relish the change because it reminds me that nothing lasts forever. Blessings to you, my Friends!

A grandmother’s love. My foster dad’s mother was very kind, loving and nurturing toward me. Even though we didn’t spend a lot of time together, she made an effort to stay in touch through letters and cards. Today I am a long-distant grandma to my two grandchildren and we have the gift of video chatting. I know that I can foster a loving relationship with my grandchildren, despite the 1000+ miles between us.

The opportunity to grow. I was set in my life and ways until we moved 15 mos ago. We lived in the rural Mid West and are now settling in the suburb of a sprawling southern city. The change is both exhilarating and overwhelming.

When I give myself to listening it is an intentional act of relinquishment. I let go of myself and open my heart and mind to receive what is being offered.

The act of listening is a gift, one that I give and receive at the same time.

I have several new opportunities for service coming this week in my life and I am nervous about them. I was invited to act as moderator of an online discussion group and have been accepted as a volunteer at our local library. Both of these are outside my comfort zone but I know I can’t continue to isolate at home. I NEED people in my life!

This is a challenge for me, I feel rather insignificant on the global stage…BUT I can do small things for the people around me that impact them for good. I will!

In honor of this day and it’s emphasis on peace and gratitude I offer this link, https://youtu.be/0_DxNpW1kHQ

I will practice intentional gratitude and invite peace into my own heart today. “Let there be peace on earth and may it begin with me”

I am in a relationship that is severed. I am estranged from my adult daughter and her husband and their two young children. My daughter has not spoken to us in five years. My grief over this estrangement has taught me how to pray for her, for her healing and happiness in life. Whether her life includes me or not, I only wish her well. This estrangement has been a gift, not one I would have chosen, but a gift nonetheless. It has deepened my powers of relinquishment.

I am passionate about creating. There’s something inside me that is not content with “being”, I must be actively involved in the creative process to be truly happy. Whether it’s cooking a meal, knitting a pair of socks, crocheting a blanket or writing a story, these are the things that give my life purpose and pleasure.

Thank you, for your service to your family members. What a challenge you have undertaken! I said a prayer for you just now. Peace.

“I am finally accepting my limits,”…thank you for that! Yes, we grow when we realize to accept ourselves as we are, and where we are. Good for you!