New Day

“Father, I believe that you are in control of everything. Increase my perception of your power, your plan, and your victory. Let the light of your salvation reach deeply into my heart today.”

Lillian died

Lillian died on the 26th of March. As she wanted she died at her home with round the clock care. Her funeral is tomorrow and I am staying at my friend Pamela's house. What can I say -  she was not a trusting person. Kay posed a good question once, she said she wondered what happened in her life to make her so untrusting and miserly - Kay didn't say miserly but I am adding that comment as an observation to her untrusting nature. I hope tomorrow at the funeral  I can pray truly for the repose of her soul.  Also let this be the end of my comments as it is not fitting to speak ill of the dead. I don't know what  happened in her life to create her persona.  I must remember we are all God's creatures and we are supposed to see Christ in everyone. Please help me to do so.

This is not an easy post to write but she entered my life almost fifty years ago and I should note her passing.

Tra-la-la

Tra-la-la - the first day of spring is tomorrow but it feels like it today. BEAUTIFUL balmy, warm, sunny, day. I went into center city and people were hanging out everywhere. Rittenhouse square was packed with people relaxing on benches and blankets. Parc - the restaurant on the square had tables on the sidewalk and they were filled.

Ray Johnson painting -  Calm  Center,  1951 - not a spring painting but I like it. The city seemed just this busy in a bright and cheerful way.

Early Morning.

"Gathering in his name means coming together in the name of Love (his favorite name), or in the name of a Meal, or in the name of Peace (his most beautiful  name)." A nice thought from the The Book of Wonders. My morning readings and prayers are very important for me to face the day with joy and thankfulness. Without God I would be very alone in the morning. Thinking about Him brings me closer to all my friends and family who are not with me and makes me thankful for them and my many blessings.

Now here I am in a new home - though it is an old home - it is new for me. I must exercise my love and patience to find my purpose here. God, I am listening.

Sisters

Okay: Only three or four hours sleep last night traveling to NJ with the dog and the cat. They liked La Quinta but gave me little rest.  Today I am tired. I arrived at my sister's house with the animals. This is the way I need to think of us - two beautiful children.

Patience, love, faith.

Peace, strength, wisdom, joy

Closing on the house today. With many thanks to God  who I pray is leading me to my new home. God let me be an instrument of faith and love. Guide my thoughts and actions in love that my family may grow in peace, faith, and harmony.  "If I love you.  God, I will want for nothing. You alone suffice." St. Teresa of Avila

This is truly another great adventure in my life. Let me savor it with joy and experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control. Seven very good gifts to have.

Write it down

The daily struggle to organize and pack for this move is a real test of my patience. As a matter of fact yesterday I reverted to the impatient, frazzled, and not happy me.

"Give the control of your time and your life to Me, not to the world. It is true I have given you much to do, but these things must be done in proper order. They must not gain control over you or your life."
"Trust Me, I will help you. Let Me  be the Master of your schedule, the Great Organizer and Teacher and Friend."

Write it down to help make it happen. This advice in one of my readings and the above quot from the lovely book - "Good Morning ... God" by Pamela Steinke

Ash Wednesday

YES - today is the perfect day to give up alcohol for Lent. Had a wonderful dinner  last night with Chan, Ginger and baby Mae. Too bad it included too much wine. Thank you God for a happy Fat Tuesday and  the willingness to abstain from that so called happiness for Lent.

Thanks for this day!

Dear God, Thank you for my many blessings. May I enjoy the many gifts of everyday life. Help me to see and act with a loving, joyful heart. Today is Valentine's Day. I send You a message of love and thanks. I have much to do to move - help me to do it with peace.

Snow in B'ham

What a lovely day to stay in and pack and relax. The snow followed me from Philadelphia but I am content with my soup and chicken salad from Nabeels. I went to mass this morning and said the rosary with Marie and Jean. They are two lovely ladies who prayed I for me to make the right decision about moving. I will miss them.

I almost forgot to mention that I did dig up St. Joseph from the front lawn.  He was still there in a plastic bag standing on his head. Thankfully that is over for him and he is resting comfortably next to the Sacred heart of Jesus picture in my bedroom. Thank you St. Joseph. I trust you are guiding me.