Hello to you. It’s evening as I write to you. I just finished watching a wonderful documentary on Amazon Prime Video called Mystic Iran The Unseen World:
Presents one woman’s amazing spiritual encounters with Muslim believers, Zoroastrians, and Sufi dervishes in the hinterlands of this country once known as Persia.
Zoroastrianism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, founded in ancient Persia by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra) around the 6th century BCE, focusing on the cosmic struggle between truth (Asha) and falsehood (Druj). Followers worship the creator god, Ahura Mazda, and emphasize “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” as their core ethical tenet.
I really enjoyed watching this and seeing a part of Iran that we don’t see right now. In the news we just see and hear negativity about Iran.
Hello and good evening to you. I’m writing to you after finishing off my Dairy Queen Peanut Parfait. It’s been on my mind for a month now and tonight I decided I was going to surrender to my desire. Like Joyce Meyers talks about with chocolate cake. Once you have it on your mind that you want it, you are going to figure out a way to get it! One way or another I was going to have that Parfait! Now that I’ve had it I can stop wanting it! Mind over matter – harumpf!
All that remains of my DQ Parfait
What we focus our minds on gains power. Thoughts precede action. We think of something and then develop a plan of action and then we carry out our plan. Even though I have been trying to lose weight and knew the Parfait wasn’t good for me, I still got in the car tonight and went and got it. I think the take away from this is not to make it a habit. I also wonder if the Resilia Oil of Oregano is working at curbing my sweet tooth. I have almost finished a bag of capsules and don’t feel any different. Did I get sold snake oil?! My gut bacteria still wants sweets and won’t let me rest about it. They claim within weeks of taking the oil you should stop craving sweets. Such hasn’t been the case for me. Sometimes it feels like my stomach is more powerful than my brain!
This isn’t working for me
Here is a short, effective prayer for strength and guidance:
“Dear Lord, I come before you needing your strength and guidance. When I feel weak, be my rock; when I am unsure, be my light. Please guide my decisions and grant me the courage to face this day with peace. Lead me on the right path. Amen.”
Hello to you on this Earth Day. Did you do anything special?
Earth Day
Celebration
DateWednesday, April 22, 2026
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries.
When I lived in Texas I had a grass yard and used to spend almost every day outside. I felt connected to everything- the sky, trees, plants, insects and other earth beings. Now that I live in a home surrounded by gravel/rocks I don’t spend as much time outside. When it gets warmer I will sit on my front porch some but it’s just not the same as having the privacy of a green back yard. I feel bad for Link as the only grass he gets to enjoy is when we go to my Aunt and Uncles house. Yesterday I had to pick a lot of weeds out back. They are growing through the layer beneath the rocks. I don’t have the lawn people coming and spraying the weeds anymore so I have to do it manually.
A nice prayer I found for this day:
A Prayer for Our Earth (Based on Laudato Si’) “All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty… Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction”.
I’m out on a new road in search for a land with no name And I never looked back, ’cause I’m walking through sunshine and rain I’m a man who has lived in the tombs and who’s broken the chain
Amen Amen
I was blind, but now I see What if God is not for me And I know, it’s time to go
I’ve been used and I’ve been played I’ve been spied on and betrayed And I know, it’s time to go
I defeat the pain (Watch out) I’m alive again The past is gone for good, it’s time to say
Amen Amen Amen Amen
At last, I believe I will be found In the silence of my nights I can hear a distant voice Someone out there is calling my name
I’m not afraid (Watch out) I’m beyond the dread It’s time to turn the page and love again
Amen Amen Amen Amen
I defeat the pain (Watch out) and I cry again I’m leaving all my shadows behind
Don’t be afraid to be weak Don’t be too proud to be strong Just look into your heart my friend That will be the return to yourself The return to innocence
The return to innocence
And if you want, then start to laugh If you must, then start to cry Be yourself don’t hide Just believe in destiny
Don’t care what people say Just follow your own way Don’t give up and use the chance To return to innocence
That’s not the beginning of the end That’s the return to yourself The return to innocence
Lord, I commit this day to You. Please give me strength for the challenges, wisdom for decisions, and peace in my heart. Guide my steps, help me to love well, and use me to bring light to those around me. I trust You with every moment, Amen.
Hello to you. How are you doing? I’m doing ok – just back from my second walk today. It’s really warm! It’s 74 degrees right now. Today began early as Link had his grooming appointment with Clean Pups Diana. She does such a good job with him!
He looks so much better!
My heart goes out to the families that lost their little ones in Louisiana – so senseless! I hope the women involved will be surrounded with love and healing. They will need so much understanding and kindness if they survive their injuries:
A gunman killed eight children and wounded two women in a Northwest Louisiana incident that stemmed from a domestic disturbance, the Shreveport Police Department said Sunday.
The adult male suspect is dead, authorities said. Police named the suspect as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins, of Shreveport. Elkins was believed to be the father of seven of the children killed, Shreveport Police Cpl. Christopher Bordelon said.
I can only imagine What it will be like When I walk by Your side I can only imagine What my eyes would see When Your face is before me I can only imagine Yeah
Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for You Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in Your presence Or to my knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine I can only imagine
I can only imagine When that day comes And I find myself Standing in the Son I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine
Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still? Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees, will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine, yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine, yeah-yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine
I can only imagine When all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine
Prayer I found online specifically for victims of gun violence:
A Prayer for Healing and Comfort “God of mercy, our hearts ache for those injured in acts of violence. We pray for healing for those who are injured and hospitalized. We pray for comfort for families and friends of each victim. Give solace to grieving communities, and bring peace to anxious hearts. Bring them healing and peace in the face of this tragedy. Amen
Hello to you. It’s Sunday afternoon here as I write to you. Today began with church and we were in Mark 6:30-44 where the miracle occurred when Jesus fed the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes:
We had a baptism of a couple and communion. I sat with Jeannie and Roy and Cecil and Terry behind us – so glad to see them! We sang several songs I knew today:
I went to the Sunrise afterwards and it was busy as usual but not too busy for me to get a hug from the manager Emma. The place just isn’t the same without her! Link likes it when I go there as I always bring him a couple slices of bacon.
Yesterday I did 16 minutes of Tai Chi which is a lot for me. The video I found was for 25 minutes. I will revisit it! I find the 5-7 minute videos the best for me. I’m proud of myself for sticking with it. I like that I don’t need anything but moving my body to do it.
Dear Jesus thank you for the blessings of this day. I pray you be with the leaders of all levels of government and give them wisdom and insight on how best to govern. I pray you wrap your loving arms around all those who are suffering the effects of war and strife. Please be with all those who feel they are alone. Please let us be your hands and feet for all the sick, healing, poor and unhoused. Let there be your love and compassion for all animals. Amen.
Hello to you. I’m just got home from our Thursday prayer group and breakfast at the Sunrise. We are keeping pastor Jason’s daughter Harper in prayer as her doctors keep trying to figure out what’s going on with her. I should have gone to get groceries but I am procrastinating! I am planning on going tomorrow morning. It will give me something to do.
Do you procrastinate? What do you dread doing so much that you put it off?
Part of the dread comes from how expensive grocery shopping has gotten. For just me and Link prices have doubled.
Had an interesting, very brief dream last night that woke me up. It was of seeing a David Bowie that looked like he did in the music video for I’m Afraid Of Americans:
As he walked away from me there were black storm clouds brewing in the distance. It’s been awhile since I’ve dreamt of David. Another dream I had with him in it was of joining him on stage for a concert. I had that one shortly after he died. David was a major player in my teenage years. I gravitated towards him because like me, he was androgynous. When I was in high school I got mistaken for being a guy a lot! Nowadays I’m a “ma’m” A couple of days ago a neighbor walking their dog greeted me that way. My age is finally catching up to me!
The chameleon
St. Padre Pio’s Healing Prayer “Heavenly Father, I thank you for loving me. I thank you for sending your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to the world to save and to set me free. I trust in your power and grace that sustain and restore me. Loving Father, touch me now with your healing hands, for I believe that your will is for me to be well in mind, body, soul, and spirit”.
Hello to you on this rainy Sunday afternoon. Today has been uneventful. This morning was church. I sat with my friends in our usual spot in row J. I like that spot because the floor is more level and it’s easier to stand. My back was not being my friend today! I was surprised to see Jeannie with Roy who has gotten so thin. He is determined to go to church and she is kind enough to help him! I’m always glad to sit with them and my other friends Terry and Cecil. God is definitely at work in Roy.
Today we were in Matthew 19:16-30:
Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “ ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’” “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.
The take away from this sermon is that God doesn’t want our money or possessions. He wants our hearts. Jason asked what is it in our lives that keeps our hearts from him. This question calls for reflection and thought. What do I focus on more than God? Honestly it’s my body right now. I used to do more until I hurt my back and had the Weeble wobble stuff going on in my head. Every day I ask God to heal me so I might be a more fit vessel. I wonder what would happen if I stopped focusing on myself and just focused on Jesus! What we focus on gains more power and influence in our lives.
Hello to you. Today began early for me as my Auntie invited me to join her at the Nampa Sisters of Grace tea party at 9 am. What a nice party it was! Tammy, Flor, Jo and a couple other ladies really outdid themselves! The cups and saucers came from Flors collection. There were sandwiches, candies, mints, scones, cookies, finger size cakes and of course tea and coffee. We sang this song:
When I got to my Aunties house she had hats set out and we decided the black one was best! I cherish these memories that we make together. She helps me stay in touch with my girly self! The Sisters of Grace are so kind and welcoming. I’m glad we went!
Little bloomsOne of my favorite trees on my daily walksSeems like just yesterday the leaves were bareMy Aunt and I on Easter
Hello to you. How are you doing? Since Sunday I haven’t been feeling so good. I’m writing to you from bed and it’s only 7 pm! Still very light out. I just feel weak and low energy. This too shall pass and I know I will push on beyond whatever this is. The only thing different I’m doing is I have started taking loratadine which is generic Claritin for allergies. The Flonase hasn’t arrived yet. This is another way of tackling the fullness in my ears.
Dear Jesus please be with my Uncle Bill as he navigates issues going on with his heart. I also ask you be with my cousin Heidi as she continues to heal. I ask you to be with the people in war torn countries- let there be peace. I pray you guide leaders at all levels of government – please give our elected officials the courage to stop the mad king! Amen.
2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”
To be 