The Unthinkable

They were jubilant
Aching
Tired
Exhilarated
Proud

They were moms and dads
Sisters and brothers
Aunts and uncles
Friends and colleagues

They were runners
They were fans

Taking the final strides
Towards the finish line
Shouting words of encouragement
And celebration

When the unthinkable happened

They say that in the moments
Immediately after the explosions
There was an eery quiet
As the victims lay
Wide eye
In stunned silence

Hours later
I sit here
In the quiet of my home
Still in shock

My heart aching...
...for the victims
...and their families

...for the people who were there by chance
...and the ones who had a change of plans and couldn't be there afterall

...for the people who were at mile 25
...and those who had already crossed the finish line

...for those whose memories immediately took them back in time
...and those whose lives will never be the same again

On this day, I dedicate my prayers to you.

 

Today I Pray...

...with a aching heart

...for those that were taken from this earth too soon
May you find peace and rest in heaven

...for the families whose lives were forever changed
May you be surrounded by loved ones
And find strength from the prayers
That are being offered around the world for you

...for my family and friends who were too close for comfort
All praise to the Lord for keeping you out of harms way

...for the first responders, law enforcement and health care providers
May God guide your work

...for those responsible for this tragedy
May God help to heal your troubled heart

...for a world that wakes -- still stunned and feeling broken
May we each find a way to make this world just a little better


"Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested."  Hebrews 2:18

No One Heard

She cried out in the night
And no one heard

Helpless
Hopeless
Alone

Ashamed
She hid the bruises
So no one would see

And though his words
Cut through her
like a knife
She shielded her bleeding heart

She cried out in the night
And no one heard

Helpless
Hopeless
Alone


Image from gunfightersview.blogspot.com

Today I Pray...

...with a grateful heart
for the loving relationships
that have always been a part of my life

I am a lucky one...
...others can't say the same

I pray for help and healing
for the wounded souls
who are impacted by domestic violence

May the abused
find comfort, peace and love

May the abusers
seek help and self-healing

May the rest of us
find a way to make a difference


I first started to learn the staggering facts about domestic violence through my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. Over the years, Alpha Chi has adopted several national causes. Currently, almost all of our chapters, both collegiate and alumnae, work to end domestic violence. Although I am not associated with an alumnae chapter, I want to do my part to help end the horror of domestic violence.

I offer my post today in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I would like to ask you to help me make a difference for the estimated 1.3 million women who are victims of domestic violence each year.

Here are just a few ways you can help.

• First of all -- PRAY -- it matters.
• Share this post with your network of friends.
• Email it.
• Tweet about it.
• Blog about it.
• Spread the word however you see fit.

In addition, as an independent representative of Wildtree (all-natural foods products), I will be donating 20% of all sales made this month to Silent Witness National Initiative. Please consider shopping with me as a way to eat healthy and help stop domestic violence.

Note: This is my own commitment made independently of Wildtree, only sales made through my website will qualify.

Please do what you can to help make a difference.

Special Intentions

Today I Pray...

...for some very special loved ones.

Please help my Dad rebuild his strength.
He knows what he needs to do
-- and he is not a quitter, so I know he'll do it
But please send an angel to rest on his shoulder
and whisper words of encouragement in his ear
(he's 82, so maybe "whisper" isn't the right word...
...but You know what I mean God. :)


Please continue to breathe that amazingly
positive spirit into my Mother.
We all see Your unfailing love
in every step she takes
in every unselfish action
every smile,
every "Come on, you can do it."

...Please hug her just a moment longer
and make sure she knows
she can rest....and lean on us.


For dear hubby,
Now that he has blown out the candles
on his special birthday cake
Please help him to find joy
in a truth I know he already knows...
...he is no different today than yesterday
...and he is incredibly loved for exactly who he is.


Thank You, God, for filling my life with such amazing people.
Today my prayers are devoted to them.


"Live a good life, and in the end it is not the years in the life, but the life in the years."
Abraham Lincoln

When Words Fail Me

...there is music.



James Taylor has always been one of my most favorite musicians. And [to me] the Secret O' Life -- one of his most beautiful and meaningful songs. If the video doesn't load, please click the link above, and enjoy.


Today I Pray...

...a special prayer of healing for the sick

...fill their hearts with positive thoughts and energy

...surround them with love and caring

...refresh their spirits

...breathe Your strength and life into their hearts

When Angels Speak

Sometimes it's the flutter
of a butterfly's wings

Or the chorus of birds
in the trees

It's a pet's gentle purr
or wagging tail

A child's innocent eyes
silly giggles
popcicle kisses
and goodnight hugs

When angels speak
...Your heart smiles

Screeching brakes
without a crash

The phone call
to say "I've arrived"

A soldier's
first step on home soil

When angels speak
...Your heart beats

It's a cool breeze
on a sticky summer day
that wraps itself around you
like a scarf in winter

It's the hush
of a quiet morning

And the serenity
of a starry night

When angels speak
...You are soothed

It's the outstretched hand
that asks for help

The ones who inspire you
...to think
...to dig deeper
...to share generously
...to be more
....than you ever imagined

When angels speak
...Your heart soars



Today I Pray...

...with immeasurable gratitude
for the angels who have spoken
to me over the years

...some have names
...others just are

They've guided and protected
the ones I love

They've taken my breath away
with their beauty

And taught me to breathe
through anxious times

They've brought tears of joy
to my eyes

And helped me find peace
in the darkest hours

Today I also say a special prayer
for Kristin

...in your quest for clarity
please know
that you are an angel
who delivered
peace, hope and joy

Whatever I can do in return
for you...
would be a gift to me

Sweet Tiny Rose

Tiny rose
So beautiful
So bright

Dainty flowers
Miniature leaves
A brilliant burst of
colorful blooms
Such a sight to behold


Photo credit: borrowed from mooseyscountrygarden.com

Days pass and I watch
as her leaves
turn brown
and her blooms fade

Before my eyes
sweet, tiny rose
gives way

Don't give up
I whisper
As I pull away
the dried leaves

And nip away
the faded blooms

Leaving nothing
but barren stalks
in a pot of rich soil

Don't give up
I whisper each morning
When I give tiny rose
A drink of water

Sweet tiny rose sat
Still and lifeless

Don't give up
I whisper
You can do it

And she did

Tiny rose dressed herself
in a new cloak
of brilliant green leaves

Now she's stretching
towards the sun
and getting ready
to bloom again

Oh sweet tiny rose
...Don't give up


Not the most beautiful picture...but this is tiny rose coming back to life.
If you look closely you can see the remnants of the dried up leaves.


Today I Pray...

...a special prayer for the many people
I know who are fighting a health battle

...and with gratitude for the blessings
of good health for myself and my family

...whatever your circumstances
remember tiny rose

Take time to nurture
yourself and others
who need a hand

Give yourself
a chance to rest

Stretch and reach
towards the sun

quench your thirst

and most importantly

...feel the strength of prayers
...hear His whisper
...and don't give up

Bask in the Sun

A weekend filled with celebration
for many people I hold dear

Old friends
Reunited
Remembering bygone days

A celebration
Honoring achievements
A thank you
For being you
and giving so much
to community

And closest to home
The end of an era
for childhood friends
About to embark
Upon the next phase
of the amazing journey
Called life

Today I Pray...

...for college friends
...for Jen
...and for my beautiful Amy and her friends



That you bask in the sun of celebration
Enjoying every moment to the fullest

You make the world a better place.

Enjoy. Have Fun. Safe home.

Special Intention - Prayer of Healing

Today I Pray ...

...a special request for a local couple who is struggling right now. I received this email this morning and although I don't typically cut and paste things like this into this blog, it really seemed like the best way to ask people to take a moment and pray for this couple -- and the millions of people who need prayers of healing.

This prayer request for Gary and Cindy Hogman by way of Faith Presbyterian Church, Emmaus PA. Gary is serving in Iraq while his young wife is fighting cancer here. See his request below.

My name is Gary Hogman. Some of you receiving this know me, some do not. My wife, Cindy, is 32 years old and has just been diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer and her chances for survival are very slim. She was pregnant with our second child and had miscarried recently at 3months, and now we know why.

This is a request for you to forward this e-mail to everyone you know asking for prayer. The more people that pray for her to be healed, the better. Pray and forward. It only takes a second to hit 'forward'.

Please do it and don't delete this, your prayer can, and perhaps will, save her life. Please pray and ask everyone you know to pray for the HEALING of Cindy and the removal of all cancer in her body, so she may enjoy all that life has to offer, and to continue to be the wonderful mother to our 5-year-old son Michael. The power of Prayer is unsurpassed. I want the whole world to have her in their prayers the next few weeks. God will hear our cry. Please do not be offended by my plea. This is only a request for your help.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this and helping with our request for healing! No words can express the power we have when we each do a little to come together.

Regards, Cindy's husband - Gary

Thank you, and please send it to the far reaches of our world.

Heroes

Today I Pray

...with gratitude
for the hundreds of soldiers
and their families
over hundreds of years

Who fought for
and defended
our freedom

Who sacrificed everything
So that strangers could have
...a better life

You are heroes...
...and your sacrifice was not made in vain

You inspire
You uplift

You give us reason
...and cause
...to dream

...and you will never be forgotten.

Gratitude Award

I love to watch the butterflies...
...their flight is pure whimsy
...fluttering freedom

They happen into our lives by chance
Graceful lovely butterflies


Today I Pray
...for the graceful butterflies that have happened into my life
...your kindness uplifts me

I created this little "award" for you...


Maureen @ Aquamaureen
Tabitha @ I Choose Bliss
Amanda @ Persistent Green
Sandy @ One Day at a Time

...To thank you for the amazing gifts you each have given me.



Place it on your blog
share it with someone who lifts your spirit
it's yours to do with as you'd like.

If there is someone you would like to publicly recognize, please leave their website in the comments below, or email me and I'll add them to the list of special people in the blogosphere.

Friends

Today I Pray...

...for my friends.

Whether we speak often, periodically, or hardly ever at all
...you are on my mind and forever in my heart.

Our friendship is a coveted treasure -- like a pile of jewels.
And each time I open that treasure chest the jewels shine brightly.

I pray that today you feel the peace that comes from knowing that you are loved.

I pray that today any burdens you bear are lifted...
and that you delight in the beauty that surrounds you
....the beauty that is you.

You have been a gift in my life and I'm so grateful for you.

You've held my hand...
...you've laughed with me
...you've cried with me
...you've listened
...you've shared

You've helped me become me -- and for that I am grateful.

Today my prayers are dedicated to you.
The radiant lights in my life.
My friends....
...my treasures.

Amen!

For You

Today I Pray

...for you.

You are a shining star.
....capable of anything you dare to dream.

The world needs you to dream...
...and never doubt the possibilities that come from believing in yourself
...and allowing the Greater Power to work through you.

You are beautiful.

Thank you for being here right at this moment.
Thank you for being you.

Today my prayers are dedicated to you.

Do you know someone who needs to be uplifted?

Share this sentiment with them...

....the power of prayer is infinite.
...it begins with believing...and grows as you share the joy.

Bless you today and always.

A Shared Prayer

...I received this prayer today and rather than keep it to myself I decided I would share it with you.

May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest Himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered.

I pray that faith enters a new height for you. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.


If you believe in the power of prayer, please share this with others, subscribe to this blog, and share your prayer requests through the comments below. Help me reach others -- so that people might come to realize that prayer can be very simple -- and extremely powerful. I need your help and prayers -- and others need ours.

Today I pray that this message reaches someone who needs it.

at peace

Today I pray...for peace.

Peace within me.
...around me.
...in the home where I hear them yelling.
...and in the home that is totally silent.

Peace for my family.
Peace for the soldiers.
Peace for the people who don't know how to stop fighting.

Use Your Spirit to blow a breeze of peace wherever it's needed.
So that just for a moment the world can be still...

...and at peace.

Today I Pray...

...for a day of peace and rest with my family.

...for a quiet mind that embraces the day.

...that my friend who is hurting right now will remember that when she turns her troubles to God she will find strength to make it through.

...for her children who are hurting right now, that they remember that they are loved.

....for anyone out there who feels alone -- that you know in your heart that you will never walk alone.