Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! Join with me in giving God thanks by meditating on this beautiful Thanksgiving prayer/poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
by: Ralph Waldo Emerson
For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee. Continue reading “A Beautiful Thanksgiving Blessing [by Ralph Waldo Emerson]”
It’s the simple things that will save our nation, like prayer, humility, forgiving one another, gratitude, grace, kindness, and reverence and love for God. This quote by President Abraham Lincoln reminds us of that. It’s part of a proclamation he made to the nation, asking everyone to humble ourselves, confess our national sins, and pray for clemency and forgiveness. I believe his proclamation is still relevant today.
Continue reading “President Abraham Lincoln’s Call to National Prayer”
“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” –James 3:5-6
The tongue has set fire to our nation, politically, spiritually, and in almost every other way. It’s ravaging our land, our communities, and our homes, and all hands are needed on deck to stop it . . . before it’s too late!
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. –unknown
Dear God, what would you have me do today?
My beloved Child, your mission for today is to be a light. Be merciful and kind. Be hopeful, helpful, and filled with the light of my love!
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” ~ Matthew 5:14-16
Knowledge without love (compassion, patience, kindness, integrity…) doesn’t usually go far in influencing others. Love matters! Above all, people need to know we care about them- defenses are lowered, walls come down, doors open, frowns turn to smiles and real communication begins.
Typically, we think that talking is the best way to influence others. We work hard to prove our points and push our agendas. But often it’s our ability to listen and sincerely care about what others are saying that has the greatest influence. Only then, by God’s grace we may have a platform to speak.
May God bless our relationships, and when times are tough, we can meditate on these beautiful words…
” If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails!”
-1 Corinthians 13
