CHICKEN SOUP

There is no picture of Chicken soup as I am cooking this time.  Dad probably does not think this is worthy of his skills.  I am not enjoying resting, not one bit.  I did manage to get some pictures in a new frame whick took a lot of fiddling around.  I do enjoy reading and I have always good good books around.  I am talking better so I made a few

 visits by phone.

I have found walking and enjoying the fresh air to be extremely healing and renews me physically and spiritually.  I will get the doctors permission today to resume my walks.  Dad gets all upset when I even suggest it.  I know he is just worried about me because I know I worry about him.

Look for the [positive in others and you will always find it; while if you are looking for the negative it can be even easier to find!

"Put a little love in your heart and the world will be a better place".

Today after we go to the doctor and maybe do a quick visit while we are in White Rock; I will do my Bible study.  Whether I go to-morrow will depend on how I feel after today.

I am reading about the history of the time of Jesus and it really brings his words alive.  All the miracles he performed in different ways where all necessary for him to be the Messiah.  No wonder those in authority were getting anxious and spying on him.

One of the many interesting things I learned was that in Caesares Philippi was a large sanctuary built by the Greeks for the purpose of human sacrifices.  One of the alters was called the Gates of Hades.  The kingdom of God would destroy the false worship that was practiced there.

We are fortunate to have easier versions of this great book that is worthy of deep study.  The words that where written so long ago have been quoted by famous people in their writings and their speaking.

"These things I command you, that ye love another."   I would say that this calls us to love the unlovable because often they have been wounded by life and need love desperately but can be so hard to love.

Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they flow from deep within your soul.

GIFTS

The greatest gift anyone can give us is the gift of their time.

I was very blessed by the visit of Sandra and Randy and their thoughtfulness.  We shared lunch together and caught up on family news.  They looked at my medication and explained that I was taking it wrong.
How stupid can one be?  Hope her class at first aid goes well.  Was it today or tomorrow I cannot remember.

I have to laugh as I think of how perfectly imperfect we all are!

I am fortunate to have an easy treatable disease but I am missing my morning walk which I am sure would do me good.

Also had a phone call from Carol and Panteli.  I think it was in the cool 80's   They are enjoying getting involved with the community arts and play group.  Kim is still doing her pottery.
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This is one of my favorite prayers from "My Grandfather's Blessings" by Rachael Naomi Remen, M.D

"Days and years vanish and we walk sightless among miracles.

Lord fill our eyes with seeing and our minds with knowing.

Let there be moments when Your Presence, like lightning, illuminates the darkness in which we walk."

We are the clay that was shaped by God and His breath blew upon us, to give us life.

Awe and gratitude!

NONE

No walk, no church, no improvement but a warm sunny place to sit; although the temperature is 1.

Last night just as it was getting dark there was a ring of the doorbell.  It was Gundy my friend I walk with each morning.  She was very worried that I had been walking when I did not feel up to it.  She came with a lovely bunch of flowers and I tried to reassure her that I like to keep walking and I enjoy her friendship.  May the tine change will help the morning be a bit brighter.

I am starting to think we have ghosts as things are going missing and an empty coffee cup filled all by itself. 

Last night we left our garage door open, dad had thought I closed it, and that could mean critters came in to hunt for cat or dog food.  The door into the house was open too after we had bolted and lock out front door, and went to bed assured we were safe.

I will read some spiritual books. 
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

"Ask and it shall be given to you,
Seek and ye shall find,
Knock and it shall be opened unto you."

I feel that I will learn a lot this day about the joy that is found in calmness.

Day brightened up when Randy and Sandra ame for a visit bearing lunch and chocolates. 
Lots of fun!

PERSISTANCE

The last of the summer roses reminding me of the mystery of your creative love.

We now have a determined raccoon that knocks over our garbage.  Must be the good left overs from dad's cooking.  The other morning as I was on the computer upstairs and the garbage can had been placed out for the garbage man, I heard a band and knew he was back.  So out I go and cash him away and tighten the lid and put a big rock on it; but as soon as I was upstairs he had knocked it over again.

Now I am mad so down and out I go, cashing him away, and put the can in the house until nearer the time that the truck will be coming.  I feel sorry for the little creature and am tempted to feed it but our neighbors object.  Dad thinks they are cute but I think they are annoying.  If I put out food I know it will attract other little critters too.

I think that our Canucks need to be more persistent and continue to learn how to work as a team.  We learn to win by losing and recognizing what our role is in redemption.

Being sick certainly makes you aware of the suffering of others and I find that I must accept this slowing down as creatively as possible.  I watch the neighbors come and go on their busy schedules.

I know that I need your help and guidance Lord in making decisions for today.  Yes, I would like to go to Mary's 100th birthday party but honestly I am not up to going. 

Each day is a gift of time that I am given and for now it is being more aware that by living in your grace I can serve in different ways, that seem insignificant, but are what I am called to do.  I am slowly getting better and I am thankful.

HOMEBOUND

The sun's warmth teases me and makes me long to go out and rake the leaves or go for a short walk.  I an sick of being sick.

I am thankful that I enjoy reading and doing small tasks around home.

Jane dropped by to brighten the day with her presence and say a healing prayer for me to release negative energy.  We both believe in the healing power of prayer and the need to sometimes examine your life to be sure that my will is in tune with God's.  Scripture is a big help and remind us that encouragement, inspiration and empowerment are available to us all as they are a gift from God.

"I praise you O Lord for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Psalm 139:13

Repressed negative emotions drain the joy out of us.  Help me O Lord to know myself.  Even the faintest prayer of those who suffer finds it's way to the heart of God.  I was reminded of seeds and bulbs that are planted that come to life each spring.  There is a seed planted in each one of us to help us grow and develop into what we were meant to be.

Dad was not feeling so well yesterday and had a bit of a sore throat so I encouraged him to gargle.  We were both delighted with the chicken that Jane delivered to us for supper.  He did not feel up to cooking and he has been doing such a great job.

We have been asked to join Theresa at a hockey game in Chilliwack on Sat. night and I am hopeful that we can go although it looks doubtful as this moment.  Here again I am reminded that scripture tells us if we lack wisdom ask God, who gives generously and faithfully.  James  1:5-8

Here I am breathing the steam from the steamer!  I cannot wait to be out breathing the fresh morning air and enjoying being apart of the life that is all around me.   It is so hard to be patient!

Grant Lord, that I may learn to wait reverently
Loving and praying in silence
Standing at the door till it is opened.
Michel Quoist

HEALING

Feeling a little better today but definitely weak.  Yesterday dad and I enjoyed just being home together.

I often turn to the book "My Grandfather's Blessings" to help me gain some insights on illness.  This Jewish doctor, who herself has had health problems and treats cancer patients.  She believes that in every sickness there is an opportunity for "soul" healing as our bodies are forced to slow down and we are forced to deal with pain.

" As a physician, I have accompanied many people as they have discovered in themselves an unexpected strength, a courage beyond what they thought possible, an unexpected sense of compassion or a capacity for love deeper than they ever dreamed."  It takes a lot of courage and determination to live our lives in a new way.  "We may first discover soul when life events awaken in us the need for meaning."  It is this meaning that is able to bright some light into the darkness and the wisdom that has been hidden within our spirit to become our strength.

It seems to me that it is coming back to the simple graces like honesty and affection and friendship that become more important to us.

"We have thoughts and feelings and bodies and all three can kindle and nourish the light of the soul."

I am reminded that even with the pain of sickness I still need to choose life!

VALUE

This the view from the hospital window where we visited Pearle briefly yesterday and dad and I went to the hospital after my  visit to the doctor.

I am reminded of the value of good heath now that I am feeling so miserable with bronchitis.

I know that I am now on the road to recovery and that I should have listened to dad urging me to go sooner.  Life itself is such a great blessing and I have come to wonder if realizing and valuing
this gift is a big part of healing.

Blessing and valuing each other helps untie the unhealthy fear and self-doubt that lives within me.
There was also a healing in my relationship with my doctor because he seemed to care and be concerned.

Marin Buber reminds us that just to live is holy.  Just to be! 

I will have a quiet day today and that is okay.  This was going to be a busy week, for me that is, but I will be changing my plans somewhat.

Dad had a busy day yesterday; shopping and driving me to the doctor, cooking and planing supper and cleaning up.  He made bacon and eggs and we had his lemon pie ready for our desert.

I was up at 4 coughing but thought I could do my walk but when I got up I realized how very weak and dizzy I was feeling.