19 July 2026 The Greatest Prayer

Hello to you. Today has been a good day. The morning began with church. I had never really read John 17 before. It was a great prayer from Jesus for his followers then and his followers now. I got to sit next to my friend Jeannie. She brought me something special – colored pencils! She likes my drawings and wanted to encourage me. I did a little drawing – I’m so out of practice!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2017&version=NIV – John 17

https://youtu.be/wagJfhhi0_Q?is=90djIWlIo3yVbZEe – The Greatest Prayer – Pastor Jason Boyd

https://youtu.be/6CKCThJB5w0?is=jCQcVyPBLETX94vM – Here I Am To Worship – The Call – Hillsong Worship

Spin of the World Prayer Wheel:

At the center of the universe is a
loving heart that continues to beat
and that wants the best for every person.

Anything we can do to help foster
the intellect and spirit and emotional growth
of our fellow human beings, that is our job.

Those of us who have this particular vision
must continue against all odds.

Life is for service.

mister rogers neighborhood – fred rogers – 1928-2003

12 July 2026 Remarkably Bright Creatures

Hello to you! I hope this finds you well. I have had a really good day. For church we were in John and Hebrews. Jesus is the perfect bridge and anchor of the soul:

https://youtu.be/zIrqMc2_Fj8?is=2YG6o5Uzo6LzaG3q – High Priestly Prayer Part 1 – Jason Boyd

I got to sit with my friend Jeannie and we got caught up on things. Her brother-in- law Roy is still not doing good – still losing weight. His daughter has been here and that’s made a nice break for Jeannie. He needs practically everything care!

I went over to my Aunt and Uncles in the early afternoon and that helped me so much. Sundays can be lonesome for me ! We had fajitas for linner and watched a wonderful movie on Netflix called Remarkably Bright Creatures starring Sally Field and an Octopus named Marcellus. Sally was perfect for this role as a widow named Tova. This is one of those movies you can watch more than once. My Aunt and Uncle loved this movie and so did I!

Here is from the Internet about it:

The feature film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 bestselling novel Remarkably Bright Creatures is an emotional drama directed by Olivia Newman. Starring Sally Field as a grieving widow, Lewis Pullman as a wayward young man, and Alfred Molina as the voice of an observant, elderly octopus, the film was released on Netflix on May 8, 2026. [1]

The Plot and Themes

Set in the Pacific Northwest town of Sowell Bay, the story follows Tova Sullivan (Field), an elderly woman who cleans a local aquarium at night to help process the lingering grief of her husband’s passing and the mysterious disappearance of her son years ago. While working, she forms an unlikely bond with Marcellus, an intelligent, captive Giant Pacific Octopus who longs to return to the wild. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Their routine is altered when Cameron (Pullman), a directionless young man looking for his estranged father, arrives in town and is taken under Tova’s wing. Through their intertwining lives, narrated in part by the dry and opinionated Marcellus, the characters help each other navigate grief, family dysfunction, and the search for purpose

https://youtu.be/b14IFe4an5k?is=Rfni_4-ySfoUd7Zs – official trailer Remarkably Bright Creatures

Spin of the Prayer Wheel for today:

I lift these hands, dear God, to You,
in praise and thanks for all you do.
You light the path through all my days
and bless me with your loving ways…

I lift these hands dear God, to You,
in troubled hours when joys are few.
You bear me up on eagles’wings and see
me through each test life brings.

I lift these hands, dear God, to You,
please grant me wisdom, patience, too.
Then fill my heart with love and caring,
precious gifts you’ve made for sharing.

poet – emily matthews

9 July 2026 8 Days To The Moon and Back

Hello to you. It’s another hot day here. I will get my walk in when the sun goes down! This morning prayer was good. We stayed a little extra time to pray over the 21 Days Of Prayer prayer requests. The prayers ranged from health to requests for people to return to their faith. A lot of atheists! One request that touched my heart was from a lonely person reaching out in a world where it’s difficult to make lasting friendships. The older you get the harder it is!

Last night I was able to watch an interesting documentary on PBS about the Apollo 11 mission to Mars. I have been one of those people who was skeptical of the mission even happening and it being a hoax. The documentary did a good job of bringing the mission to life. It put my skepticism to rest.

https://youtu.be/ls2No9izqAA?is=0ork4Gxhs8YEXXWN – 8 Days- To The Moon and Back – BBC Trailers

8 Days: To the Moon and Back is a 2019 documentary-drama that recreates the Apollo 11 mission, blending declassified cockpit audio, NASA archives, CGI, and dramatic reenactments to tell the story of the first moon landing. Directed by Anthony Philipson, it stars actors like Rufus Wright as Neil Armstrong, Jack Tarlton as Buzz Aldrin, and Patrick Kennedy as Michael Collins, bringing the astronauts’ experiences to life through their own words. The film covers the full eight-day journey, from launch to return, revealing details often unseen in historical footage. 

From the World Prayer Wheel today:

In the joy of your heart,
Your light remains.

In the gift of your caring,
Your light remains

Where you reached out to help,
Your light remains.

Where you sat in silent peace,
Your light remains.

In the place where you worked,
Your light remains

In the stillness of the starry night,
Your light remains

In the light of each day fully embraced,
Your light remains.

Like the touch of an Angel,
Your light remains.

When you live as a light,
Your heart is joined in the Infinite Light of Love.
And that about you which is eternal … remains.

your light remains – rev. jacquie riker – 2003

5 July2026 The Art Of The Cast

Hello to you. Hard to believe another Sunday is here and about gone already. Link and I cuddled our way through neighborhood fireworks last night. He just stayed by my side through it all. I always feel bad for the pets, birds and squirrels! Some of the fireworks sounded like gunfire and sounded like they were in the house. We got to bed about 2 am. Things had pretty much stopped by then

At church today we were in Matthew 6:5-13 again:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-13&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/4XAYJpRGGJc?is=vFVH2QPNoUUCmYnh – The Art Of The Cast – Pastor Jason Boyd

How we view prayer matters. Prayer is a conversation not a negotiation.

One of the songs we sang:

https://youtu.be/5_aIauL2xKA?is=1FIDlbTCkjIBdjdr – Hillsong Shout to The Lord

28 June 2026 As It Is In Heaven

Hello to you. It’s Sunday again as I write to you.

Today we were in Matthew 6:5-13:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-13&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/bOLS13cl78c?is=FtL4CHiDv_kGPaZL – As It Is In Heaven – Brad Bowden

Brads message today was a good reminder that prayer to God is more than just a transaction where we ask for things and expect results. Prayer is an act of submission to the will of the father. It can be so disappointing to keep praying and not see God move the way we want him to. I have been praying for healing for so long now and there had been no real answer. If I am going to overcome I have to trust God will move in his time and not mine. I may be this way forever for whatever reason I’m not privy to. God knows!

https://youtu.be/NLhdzuCSmIw?is=yL89_CTYYpV-NiBq – Build My Life – Peyton Allen

21 June 2026 Watchmen On The Wall and Fathers Day

Hello to you. I’m just back from my Aunt and Uncles where we celebrated Fathers Day with my cousin and his wife. My Aunt had me try on some pants she picked up at Costco – good fit and pretty. We had roasted turkey and they brought over roast and fish my cousin caught. It was so nice to see them! Link loves seeing everybody too! We went for a walk after dessert of angel food cake and fruit and boy was I huffing and puffing. It was pretty hot out but still! I really need to lose some weight!

This morning began with church. We were in Nehemiah 4:9-14:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%204%3A9-14&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/pZpcc6FTY_E?is=GogCGYiLy3ab9lKi – Watchmen On The Wall – Pastor Jason Boyd

14 June 2026 This is the Way and First Tea Party

Hello to you. I’m just home from my cousins house and the first tea party. Today began with church. I got to see my church family. Jeannie was there with Roy’s daughter Wendy. We were in Matthew 6:5-8:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A5-8&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/ft3JxiyPih0?is=Rxe_5PxVdzrLSDv- This Is The Way – Pastor Jason Boyd

Beautiful spread!

The tea party really was beautiful! It was the first one my family has done so there was a learning curve. I was a bit late as my GPS decided it didn’t want to take me to my cousins without going to my Aunts first! My cousin came and rescued me. I was pretty frazzled! There was a good turnout that included the grandchildren. Everyone had on their spring dresses and little clip on hats. I was so glad to see everyone to include my cousin Heidi. It’s been six months since she had her aneurysm. She’s doing so well! There were little sandwiches, scones and macaroons. There were many different teas to choose from. There was talk of doing it again next year.

7 June 2026 Into The Wilderness

Good evening to you. It’s starting to get dark as I write to you. I just finished watching a PBS show about the marriage of Queen Victoria. I enjoy watching programs that are about historical figures:

https://youtu.be/KfCDrm5aP50?si=69zbrBhyCA-LrhdP – PBS Queen Victorias dress

Today was church and grocery shopping. The messages today came from Mark 1:9-13 and Luke 5:16:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%201%3A9-13&version=NIV

Luke 5:16New International Version

16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

https://youtu.be/t7KROQ5Cbjs?si=ICLLbJIyA4oCA_h_ – Into The Wilderness – Jason Boyd

Jason asked us to come up with one word that describes what the wilderness means to us. For me the word was loneliness. When I’m alone I am the most vulnerable. Loneliness is like a vast desert and company quenches the thirst. I use to really like going off on my own and communing with nature. Ever since I’ve been having problems with my ears and lower back, the most time I spend alone is walking in the neighborhood.

One of the songs we sang today nearly brought me to tears:

https://youtu.be/j04Bx9pKwpU?si=GCobPwV5eLQDGD_x – I Surrender All

When I have completely surrendered my will to that of the Holy Spirit drastic change has occurred. Both when I quit drinking and smoking I gave up my will to Gods will and claimed victory!

1 June 2026 I’m ok

Hello there. How are you doing today? Our natural inclination is to say “I’m ok” or “fine.” Not many people want to hear that you aren’t ok or fine. Is it a sign of weakness to be honest? Is it a sign that you don’t want to burden others with your troubles knowing that others have problems too? It’s not wanting to be a burden that keeps me in the fine and ok space when interacting with others. I don’t want people to dread talking to me!

Today I forced myself to join ladies from church for our twice a month coffee. I was late but that didn’t matter. As always I’m glad I went. I got to share how I’m doing and they prayed for me. I didn’t stay long as I don’t do well standing for long periods of time. I continue to experience the Weeble wobbles when I turn a certain way. They were packaging up pillowcases that were sewn for women and children with cancer.

Ladies helping today
Pillow cases for children

Prayer I found that resonated with me:

For Strength & Courage

Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking Your divine strength. Lord, You are my refuge and my fortress. I surrender my fears, anxieties, and uncertainties to You. Fill me with unwavering courage and remind me that I can do all things through You. Let Your peace settle my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

24 May 2026 The Water Into Wine Miracle

Hello to you on this sunny Sunday afternoon. Today has been really nice. The day started with me asking for God to show me if I should go to church. I had a really tough night – not a full uninterrupted night of sleep. My feet carried me to what I was supposed to do and I went to church! As always, I was glad I pushed through! We were in John 2:1-11:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%202%3A1-11&version=NIV

https://youtu.be/4SCwUVCij3c?si=E_2lCWsRv_1qNR6a – Water Into Wine Miracle – Pastor Jason Boyd

One of the songs we sang today:

https://youtu.be/UoHrBNTfzIs?si=87iOGC42G9nt74vi – Gratitude – Brandon Lake

https://youtu.be/MhjvAAkXbj0?si=b8uk_rFs8alnC0rB – The Chosen – Jesus Turns water into wine

After church I went and bought groceries finally. It was expensive – the coffee I buy was $15 by itself. I’m so glad I only have to buy for Link and I. I usually have groceries last for almost a month. Then I went to have lunch with my Aunt and Uncle. Link was so happy – he loves them so much! I also got to see my sweet cousin Laura who is helping put together a ladies high tea with my Aunt. I sat with my Uncle John and watched a few episodes of a show called Rosemary and Thyme. It’s about two friends who tend to gardens and solve murder mysteries.