These winds and breezes, wow…and in November no less! I can hear the whistling and rustling sound from inside the house, and it just adds to the crazy feel of this year. Just yesterday, as I sat outside watching the swaying dance of the palm trees, I thought about how important it is to be flexible. Especially now.

This year we’ve been forced to deviate in a big way, and for those of us who are not fond of big change, dealing with the new limitations on everyday life during quarantine and this “new normal” we’re experiencing, has been somewhat of a frustrating task.

However, one upside, and surely there are several, is that we’ve been forced to awaken our resting (or in some cases, rusting) skills. Like being flexible and adaptable, for instance. Something we don’t usually kick into high gear while life is steady and constant. But now we have, and for those who have been receptive to this, the sailing has been smoother.

So I say, let’s make like a palm tree and be flexible, people, and thank God for infusing in us the willingness to accept change.

Speaking of winds and breezes, I dedicate this post to the people of Central America who have been devastated by the last two hurricanes. Our prayers are with them.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“Blessed are the flexible for they will not allow themselves to become bent out of shape!”
-R. Ludlum

Today I awoke with the same responsibilities as yesterday and the day before. Doesn’t matter who resides now at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, or who will reside there later, I still have to get up and deal with life the best I can. Because after an election, life goes on, one way or another. Today I continue to love those in my family who didn’t vote my way, and I continue to respect those in my circle of friends who didn’t vote my way. Because relationships are essential, and we already have enough hardships to endure to let politics get the best of us.

Friends and family, we have done our part. Now, In God We Trust, no? May we always do what we deem is right, and leave the rest to Him. Let’s continue to pray for this great nation of ours. For peace, health and prosperity. In four years, we’ll do it all over again. For now, more importantly, let’s survive Covid and get through 2020.

For those who put love and respect above politics, today and always, I am grateful. What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
-Corrie ten Boom

“I’ve dropped my pebble in the ocean, and hopefully; throughout the course of the day; millions of others will drop theirs in too. No single one of us knows which pebble causes the wave to crest, but each of us, quite rightly, believes that it might be ours; an act of faith.”
-Michael J. Fox

“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.”
–Thomas Merton

Grateful that we were together.

I rested my hand on Mom’s chest as she took her last breath that night. Family surrounded her when she passed away that October 19 three years ago. In fact, family surrounded her all throughout her illness. What a blessing that was. 

Sadly, since Covid took over, countless people have not been able to accompany their loved ones during such difficult times. When I think about that, I cringe. It’s too awful. Although I would love to have Mom with us still, I can’t help but feel relieved that we were spared the anxiety and further pain that would have caused.

My heart goes out to those of you with family and friends in hospitals or nursing homes. Hang in there, stay strong and keep the faith. God‘s mercy and grace will be with you.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday‘s post…si Dios quiere.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
-Winnie the Pooh

“Very often people come to me and say: “Mr. Moody, do you think we shall know each other in Heaven?” Very often it is a mother who has lost a dear child, and who wishes to see it again. Sometimes it is a child who has lost a mother, a father; and who wants to recognize them in Heaven. There is a verse in Scripture in answer to this, and that is: “We shall be satisfied” (Psalm 17:15). It is all I want to know. My brother who went up there the other day I shall see, because I shall be satisfied. We will see all those we loved on Earth up there, and if we loved them here, we will love them ten thousand times more when we meet them there.
-Dwight L. Moody

For every opportunity to grow.

Everything and everyone in our path, positive and negative, is an opportunity for us to become better. Let’s not waste that or take it for granted. For instance, I read this quote that rings true for me:

“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.” -Kahlil Gibran

Lord, remind me always to be thankful for the unsolicited teachers in my path, for they often present the best opportunity for growth. May their lessons stick.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“I never learned anything while I was talking.“
-L. King

“You are my brother and I love you. I love you worshipping in your church, kneeling in your temple, and praying in your mosque. You and I and all are children of one religion, for the varied paths of religion are but the fingers of the loving hand of the Supreme Being, extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, anxious to receive all.”
-Khalil Gibran

“It is just that we should be grateful, not only to those with whose views we may agree, but also to those who have expressed more superficial views; for these also contributed something, by developing before us the powers of thought.”
-Aristotle

For the pack.

They say I’m a pretty strong person. But let me tell you, I am as strong as my pack makes me. And I’ve got a kick-ass pack supporting me. Second time in less than two months that I undergo surgery. Yes, it’s been that kind of year, but not just for me, for many. Fortunately, I am surrounded by family and friends who care about me and pray for me – – the two best medicines.

In the same way, the pack of a St. Jude cancer-stricken child is not just the healthcare workers who tend to them, but it’s also you and me. The medicine we provide is prayer and money. This Saturday is the St. Jude Walk/Run event. Although I‘m disappointed that I won’t be able to walk with my team this year, I am filled with gratitude that our team, my pack, will be there taking steps on behalf of these kids. Please join us in support of this great cause, and be part of these kids’ pack. Every prayer and every penny makes a difference. To donate click on:  Team RxfortheSoul

For those who help carry others through, today and always, I am thankful.

What are you thankful for today?

Until next Thursday’s post…si Dios quiere.

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”
-Mowgli