Hello to you. Hope this finds you well! This morning I decided to join others from church for a prayer meeting. They had only expected four people and my going made five! One of the things we prayed for I’ve had on my heart for quite some time and that’s a permanent home for our church. As it stands right now, each Saturday volunteers have to set up for Sunday at a school gym here in town. After service they have to pack everything up. It’s very labor intensive. God will make a way for us I hope.
Tree buds – love the flowers Alleluia clouds Prayer meeting at Grace House We prayed for volunteers to plant flowers – looks like nature and God already on it!The tree leaf buds in morning light
One of the unspoken obstacles we are facing as a Christian church is we are trying to operate in a predominately Mormon town. Everything will work out I hope!
Matthew 6:5-15
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.7 And when you pray, do not keep on babblinglike pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you needbefore you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Hello to you. How’s your day going? I’m just back from taking Link for a morning drag – he likes to lollygag and dawdle! It’s another beautiful day out. The spring is definitely in full swing right now:
The dandelions are up – first flowers of spring and food for pollinators Beautiful sunny and cloud filled sky
I was looking for a message of hope today and found this:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
In todays world with so much going on sometimes it’s hard to find hope. In my family and a friend from church new babies have come or are on the way. In these newborns there is much hope for the future. Scrolling through the various platforms I use each day there are lots of puppies, kittens, lambs, kid goats, bunnies and baby birds – life is abundant!
Hello to you. How are you? I’m doing pretty good. I got Link out just enough for him to do his business and then took him home and walked on my own. Its no good trying to force him to go all the way around if he doesn’t want to go. It’s sunny and windy today. I was a bit winded after the walk but it felt good to have the sunshine on my face. I was able to capture a couple flower pictures – remembered to bring the phone:
My neighbors daffodils – such a cheerful sign of spring! My boy and some lovely little purple flowers
When I was growing up in Sioux Falls South Dakota the first flowers to bloom were tulips. I haven’t seen any of those here.
Lately I’m regretting quitting my pest control service. I have some ants that have decided to try and make a home inside mine. I have been killing them when I see them and that helps for a little while and then they come back! Ugh! Any suggestions?
What an experience this must have been:
Matthew 28:1-10New International Version
Jesus Has Risen28
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them.“Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Hello to you. How are you? I’m doing ok. My energy levels have been pretty low so me and the couch and You tube have been besties lately. When I let Link out a few minutes ago I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful sunset – the light in the neighbors tree really was vibrant. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt inspired to take a photo of natural beauty. I hope it pleases you too.
A beautiful look at my neighbors tree in contrast of light and shadow
Hello to you. How are you today? Link and I are getting some vitamin D. The past couple days it’s been really nice outside so we’ve been taking advantage of it.
I decided to join a Bible study starting tonight and they are using the devotional Beauty not Beheld. This is out of my comfort zone but I decided to give it a try anyways. I have been wanting to make friends and get out of the house more and it seems like church activities is a way to do both. I find spiritual activities with women is more about relationship than religion. I feel like that is what I have with Jesus…..God.
My Linky boy getting some sun It’s a little hazy but that big ball of light is still there
Hello to you. How are you? I’m doing ok. Frustrated with myself. Tried to fit into a pair of jeans I’ve had for so many years this morning and nope! Too bloated. There is a Dr. Guidry and others that say the culprit is probably leaky gut syndrome. I am trying to eat better but still taking in too much processed food that is heavy on salt. It’s hard when your living alone to want to cook for yourself and if you do, avoid having a lot of waste. I am working with God about this and my body. Our microme- gut bacteria gets trained up early on in our lives. I notice for myself, that my body likes to eat a lot of protein. Much of the protein I ate as a young person came from meat. I want to change that. I am seeking a protein that does for me what meat does without involving the suffering and death of food animals. I have explored stuff like Quinoa and coconut milk. God and I will figure this out!
Yesterday I was looking into water filter technology and there is a lot of innovation out there. The Achilles heal to much of it – what to do with what is filtered out of water. The byproduct of most filtration tech is dirty filters and stuff you have to figure out what to do with. Desalinization – brine. What O read is a lot of the byproduct gets put back where the water came from! This doesn’t make any sense. It’s like seeing no trash someplace and forgetting there is a landfill somewhere brimming over with trash! Out of sight out of mind. If I have water delivered to my house it’s still not solving the problem. How about working on putting less crap in our drinking water to begin with? Will there ever be a day we feel safe drinking from the tap? Kind of felt like I was chasing my tail yesterday about this issue and so many others. Fix one thing, answer one question and there is something else to consider. Thinking something, a decision, all the way through isn’t easy but necessary. Making hasty decisions oftentimes is a catalyst for more problems to arise. Some enjoy that – profiting from making problems and then making more money coming up with solutions. I call that profit from misery. If problems are preventable then we should work on that. Doing what is right isn’t easy always but it can be rewarding!
Sometimes things are not what they seem – sometimes we have to look deeper than what the surface shows us. Flies are considered a pest but what I figured out is they are a lot like us. They get hungry , thirsty, want to reproduce and most of all are very curious. We are taught many things that just aren’t always true. Be willing and God will show you the truth of just about anything.
Hello to you today. How are you? I hope you are well and if your not, believe me your not alone.
What’s up there? Crab apples growing all over and they don’t taste too bad! Part of the litter problem comes after trash day – getting out of the garbage trucks I think this is a Yucca plant – Yucca is a genus of perennial shrubs and trees in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Agavoideae. Its 40–50 species are notable for their rosettes of evergreen, tough, sword-shaped leaves and large terminal panicles of white or whitish flowers. They are native to the hot and dry parts of the Americas and the Caribbean. Wikipedia
This morning I got to thinking about a phrase I hear a lot, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” If so many thoughts and prayers are happening why does it seem like so little meaningful change has occurred? What came to me is if there is no conviction and intent on action behind the thoughts…the prayers…. so nothing changes. A lot of us say we care but are still firmly entrenched in our own way of things. Our thoughts remaining true to our own perception and desires and prayers empty rhetoric we are “expected” to say when tragedy befalls us, no matter what it is. Many sorry something bad is happening but unless it directly affects them – no intention of taking action to change. I’m not innocent in this but I am aware of my character defects and trying to follow up thoughts and prayers…words, with action. God provides but will not do it all for us – that’s in part why WE are here! Even doing just one small thing, starting today, can change the world. Open the eyes God placed in our hearts not just the ones in your head.
Matthew 5:8New International Version
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,(A) for they will see God.(B)
As I look back over my journey thus far and look at the landscape of the world, one of the biggest obstacles seems to be money. For what we need to happen and as fast as it needs to happen, what seems to be in the way is funds. I keep reading and hearing, “it costs too much.” An idea that came to mind was “blank check.” What would happen if we collaborated via teams of our best representing all the different crisis areas and said, all accountabilities in place, “do whatever it takes to fix this, we’ll get you whatever you need.” How fast could people like Boyan Slat from Ocean Cleanup get things done if the obstacle of financing was removed?
“(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love And Understanding”
As I walk on through this wicked world Searching for light in the darkness of insanity I ask myself, “Is all hope lost?” Is there only pain, and hatred, and misery?
And each time I feel like this inside There’s one thing I wanna know What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding? What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding?
And as I walked on through troubled times My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony
‘Cause each time I feel it slipping away, just makes me wanna cry What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding? What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding?
So where are the strong? And who are the trusted? And where is the harmony? Sweet harmony
‘Cause each time I feel it slipping away, just makes me wanna cry What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding? What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding? What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding?
Hello to you today. How are you? I’m doing better – got some sleep. This morning was grocery shopping at Ridley’s here in town. Didn’t want to go but when your down to one bottle of water you gotta go. One word was on my mind – packaging. I found everything I needed and plenty of the wanted I kept out of the cart. I looked at things closely and the amount of packaging for everything appearing before me was overwhelming. A lot of packaging that can’t be recycled. It’s those little individual packages I find when I’m out on my walks. Accidentally and intentionally thrown wherever the person is done with it even if there is a garbage can nearby.
For all that stuff we buy in grocery and other types of stores, places we eat out at or experience entertainment at there is a process that takes a lot of energy to include the human kind. A lot of processing and “handling” going into the near and sometimes very far of us being able to buy and experience what we do. This is reflected in the types of packaging having to happen for something to get from one place to another and ultimately to us. Those “cheap” Dollar Store things you can buy go through a lot to get to those shelves….contrary to pricing, NOTHING is without a price probably much higher than you actually pay. The mentality of getting so much for so little is reflected in landfill contents. How many “one-use” convenience items end up in the trash or on a city street….National park or recreation area?
I looked at the life cycle of plastic bottles today – a lot of resources for even one plastic bottle. If that bottle ends up in a landfill, it can take thousands of years to break down. Gotta love micro-plastics in the water, air….blood. I just bought water today and not happy about it. Even if I got a filter system installed there would still be some kind of waste. We used to buy those you attach to the faucet with filters inside. Those filters had to be replaced and were not recyclable. What are options for consumers that are environmentally responsible? Who actually drinks water straight from the tap these days?
A thought came to me today of wondering if the people behind what we buy actually take responsibility for the life cycle of their products? I imagined a CEO of one of these companies actually going to a store like Ridley’s and seeing for themselves what is going on. What is my company doing about persuing packaging alternatives? What is the environmental impact of my company? What companies are successfully on tract to reducing their carbon footprint? May be talking to them? Collaborating efforts? I heard Coca Cola is working with Ocean Cleanup – what are they doing to try and reduce what has to be cleaned up?
Message from A Woman’s Spirit today:
If what we are doing with our anger is not achieving the desired result, it would seem logical to try something different. – Harriet Lerner
How productive is anger? There is more than one school of thought. Some say we addicts can’t afford to be angry. Others warn against repressing it. Learning simply to recognize anger is a big step for many of us. One thing we all agree on is that anger is a powerful feeling that affects us in many ways. If it goes unacknowledged, our relations with others are damaged.
Anger is uncomfortable for many of us. We feel it often enough, but it makes us nervous anyway. Frequently we think we must be doing something wrong or we wouldn’t be angry. Sometimes that’s true. However, anger always signals that it’s time to assess what we are projecting onto the situations or the people in our midst. Anger doesn’t just happen. It’s sown and cultivated by us.
If I get angry today I will look for the reason within myself. I can’t change others, but I can change myself.
I spent some time yesterday with plants considered Superweeds. As you can see, they have a defense mechanism against predators – thorns. Plants, like us and all living things will do what it takes to survive. That’s why it’s taking stronger and stronger poisons to eliminate weeds like this. I used to pick them out by hand but they still came back. When you remove them they leave seed behind in the hole you plucked them from. When I was in Texas I took a sample of some of these and ate them. Do you know some tasted like a bunch of different herbs mixed together? Some “weeds” are actually edible and quite tasty. I wonder if with our help we could cultivate “softer” versions for consumption? Many are drought resistant.
I’m only human, I’m just a woman. Help me believe in what I could be And all that I am. Show me the stairway, I have to climb. Lord for my sake, teach me to take One day at a time.
One day at a time sweet Jesus That’s all I’m asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus And tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way One day at a time.
Do you remember, when you walked among men? Well Jesus you know if you’re looking below It’s worse now, than then. Cheating and stealing, violence and crime So for my sake, teach me to take One day at a time.
One day at a time sweet Jesus That’s all I’m asking from you. Just give me the strength To do everyday what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus And tomorrow may never be mine. Lord help me today, show me the way One day at a time.
Hello to you. How are you? I don’t know how it was for you yesterday, but it was rough for me. I won’t get into all the details. By now most of the world knows about the big news going on here in the states. If you don’t, it’s all over the news. Yesterday was reminding myself not about what I cannot do but what I can do. Yesterday I did things I could do to include singing….so many variations from all over the world of Elevation Worships The Blessing. Lots of praying and talking to God, to the earth, asking what I can do, trying to dance, reading and watching the Beatitudes….being sad and feeling hopeless takes so much energy! What really helped was singing. Singing is so helpful on so many levels and I have found the little ones outside don’t seem to mind! I found this poem this morning. My Grandma Schmidt used to vacillate between prayer and worrying too, I’m so glad she isn’t having to be here and go through the stuff going on right now. I had a dream once that my Grandpa and I went to find Grandma in heaven and we found her singing in a choir.
We’re all experiencing a lot of anxiety and uncertainty, so Mary Oliver’s poem, “I Worried,” seems especially appropriate now.
I Worried Mary Oliver
I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers flow in the right direction, will the earth turn as it was taught, and if not how shall I correct it? Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven, can I do better? Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows can do it and I am, well, hopeless. Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it, am I going to get rheumatism, lockjaw, dementia? Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing. And gave it up. And took my old body and went out into the morning, and sang.
If you look, the earth and citizens like this tree show us we can survive in spite of anything put before us. What can you do? We must focus on those things and give them our personal power.
A message:
“If you are going to make it law women carry unwanted babies to term are you prepared for the consequences? Will you be taking full responsibility for what it means for a child to come to earth? Will you adopt the unwanted, properly feed, clothe, water, educate, protect their rights, clean up the world you will ask them to live in…will you unconditionally love them well beyond the fetal form? Do not spare the babies only to “starve” the child….the adult they will eventually become. It is my worry that many, unwanted from conception, will never overcome in life the knowing deep inside they are not truly welcome here. Are you prepared? God only does so much. “
People also ask
How many kids commit suicide a year in the US?
In the United States
Suicide is the third leading cause of death of young people between the ages of 15 and 24. 5,000 young people complete suicide in the U.S. each year. Each year, there are approximately 10 youth suicides for every 100,000 youth. Each day, there are approximately 12 youth suicides.
Mother, mother There’s too many of you crying Brother, brother, brother There’s far too many of you dying You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today, yeah
Father, father We don’t need to escalate You see, war is not the answer For only love can conquer hate You know we’ve got to find a way To bring some lovin’ here today
Picket lines and picket signs Don’t punish me with brutality Talk to me So you can see Oh, what’s going on (What’s going on) What’s going on (What’s going on) What’s going on (What’s going on) What’s going on (What’s going on)
Right on, baby Right on, baby Right on
Mother, mother Everybody thinks we’re wrong Oh, but who are they to judge us Simply ’cause our hair is long Oh, you know we’ve got to find a way To bring some understanding here today
Picket lines and picket signs Don’t punish me with brutality Come on talk to me So you can see What’s going on (What’s going on) Yeah, what’s going on (What’s going on) Tell me what’s going on (What’s going on) I’ll tell you, what’s going on (What’s going on)
Right on, baby, right on Right on, baby Right on, baby, right on
To be 