A Thankful Thanksgiving to All

Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

I liked Dawn's idea for a photo journal...so I've started one.

The Bluecanopy Photo Journal

If you're not interested...don't look, I won't be offended. I know my parents will love me for it, though :)

Wisdom

Our Spiritual Father wrote this in today's daily email, along with a hearty admonition to "get to work" during the Nativity Fast. A simple yet constantly needed reminder.

He who wishes to see the Lord within himself devises means to cleanse his heart by continuous remembrance of God, and thus through the Clearness of the eyes of his mind he will behold the Lord at all times.

From The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac of Syria

An Inspirational Poem?

I was thinking of a funny sticker that my former boss at a Christain preshool had stuck to the mirror in the staff bathroom. It read "I'm too Blessed to be Stressed" beside a palm tree reminicent of some tropical getaway, I suppose.

Aaron and I toss the phrase around jokingly, especially after we saw it printed in large letters on the front of a t-shirt. I know, we're bad. Ok, maybe there is a tad bit of truth in the phrase but something about it rubs me the wrong way.

My suscpicions were confirmed when I stumbled upon this "inspirational poem" bearing the same title with an added bonus I'm Too Blessed to be Stressed, Too Anointed to be Disappointed.

True, it is awesome to place trust in God and give thanks to Him in everything...I just can't buy the part about refusing to be sad or to cry, or to be disappionted. Oh well I'm sure I'm misled in a lot of ways too...just thought it was kinda funny.

"For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things to whom be glory forever."

Romans 11:36

Here I find myself, as I did almost two years ago now, pregnant, nasuseous, and tired. The added twist is a sweet running, climbing, banging, nursing, crying, tickling one-year-old. I don't have much to complain about really...I know I've got it relatively easy. Still, sometimes I struggle to remember the truth of the above verse. As with most new things in life, the adjustment is taking time.

I am realizing, after a few short weeks of combined grumbling and prayer, that I am very blessed to be a participant in God's life-giving creation.

If you remember, please pray for us.