Friday, January 31, 2014

Keeping the Faith Friday Fearlessly as we walked our prayerful pilgrimage trail!




Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on our Journey!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful day. God is very good! I received the medical reports from my doctor today and all are good. Yes even the mammies that were grammied yesterday! Today we even celebrated an important milestone of our life together we have reached 7,510 page views of this blog that you see and read every night. As I walked tonight I remembered that this is Keeping the Faith Friday Fearlessly. That is what we are doing as we take these nightly walks on our prayerful pilgrimage trail. When I took pictures tonight I realized that for some reason or other I get this seemingly ethereal pillar that shows up from time to time. Reminds me of Moses and the Israelites. I'm forever being surprised what God is  teaching us night after night and day after day.

 My queries of the day have been this: Can you be a Christian and not love and support each other in the good times and in the bad? What should our response be when someone has been going through something? Are we let off the hook just because we don't like that person or their  stances and are different? May we turn our backs, ignore, and treat our family members as invisible?  The answer to all four IS a resounding NO! NOT AT ANY TIME ! Our response always has to come from Love and remember God= Love! If we aren't being loving to our family members nearby, far way, and yes even our enemies we are not loving God. No excuses here! Nada! Where do you fall? I'm standing with God who is Love because God has commanded me to do so, and I want to, because I love God dearly and I serve God in his Kingdom daily. It breaks my heart to see how others are treated and forget that when they mistreat, ignore, hate another person they are doing it to God. We are God's family, people! Wake up !

 I was reminded of this when I spoke out on the assaults yesterday and remembered how many times we as family members have remained silent, waiting for someone to act or speak out! I remembered the murder of Kitty Genovese and all those who witnessed her murder and did nothing to stop it. I have dear friends who  family members or themselves  who have been victims of domestic violence DEAR FAMILY, WE CANNOT REMAIN SILENT ANY LONGER! WE MUST SPEAK, WE MUST ACT, WE MUST REMEMBER, AND WE MUST LOVE, SUPPORT, AND PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER AND ALL FAMILY MEMBERS WHO STRUGGLE AND HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED OR IGNORED! WE HAVEN'T ANY CHOICE! I DON'T! DO YOU?

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Dear Lord help us not to remain silent when members of our family are in emotional pain or are victims of violence and abuse. Grant us courage speak out on their behalf and may our words and actions be a prayer quilt of love warming them and making them feel safe and secure. 

God watch over all those who are out tonight riding bikes and walking.

Watch over all those who are working in cities and states where there are icy roads and bad driving conditions.

We pray for all those who are in  dangerous situations of any kind !

We pray that we may be alert to our surroundings!

Help us to unwind our bodies, minds, and spirits tonight and feel your arms enfolding us with your Love, Compassion and Mercy.

Please remember in prayer all those who are on your hearts at this moment.

We give thanks that you O  Lord, are a loving and merciful God  as we give thanks for.____________

Help us to celebrate life, milestone, and ______________________with joy, love, and gladness.

We pause and reflect as we remember those who have left this earthly life to be with you,  Remembering especially__________

Help us always to respond with loving and caring actions for our brothers and sisters.

Take away all coldness of spirit and actions by others and infuse and empower them with your life giving and loving spirits that they may truly know that you are the God of Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification. 

All this we ask in Jesus' most holy name. Amen.

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Have a wonderful night Dear family of Love and God! It's time to celebrate! Get your party hats and raise a glass to God and give thanks for our family and all that God is doing in our lives and on our pilgrim journey this day and always.

Won't you continue to walk with me on our journey? I hope so!

Love and joy!

Sara

Enjoy this Praise Sampler ! They are some of my favorites!

Glory and Praise to Our God-Schutte

YouTube Praise Mix




















Thursday, January 30, 2014

Being Brave and Speaking out! What mantle have you been given?



Dear Family of Love an Pilgrim's on our Journey!

Boy what a day this has been and no I'm not singing the song from "Brigadoon" It started out with me realizing that my headache was gone and I give thanks for your prayers and love for the past few days and then having my mammies grammied! Prior to this I started receiving messages from KSBY regarding the two assaults by the Santa Maria Groper and wondering if I could do an interview. I said yes! But wait, that wasn't the only one I had another one come in from KCOY, KEYT, FOX11 they are all one in the same. I did both interviews where the second assault took place,Park Avenue (We have one too) and Miller Street.This all has become quite overwhelming but in a good way. I thought what if I didn't speak out? But God who is always tapping me on my shoulder and warming my heart gave me the courage to say "Yes" !
This had the same feeling of The Water of Life coursing through my veins! God is always calling us to do and be something! Today, I thought why not me ? Why shouldn't I put on the mantle that God has given me to speak out and inform. I thought of countless times when we don't want to get involved, speak out, risk being ourselves in front of a camera. God helped me see that it wasn't I that was speaking it was We, We the survivors who have been victimized. It never should be I it always has to be We. Another Family member could have gone through this and many have and yes, even my esthetician(the gal who does my brows) had this happen to her in the presence of her little girl.  So it wasn't I, it was we. So this week I have changed my profile picture and cover pictures on Facebook and Twitter. You will see them below.

Tonight as I returned to walking the prayer walking pilgrimage route,
I decided not to take any photos tonight and be aware of our town. Things that we need in town, any town, or city: Safe Zone/House Placards! These would be akin to Neighborhood Watch placards. If someone anyone was in trouble they could go to that house, business, church (What are those Red doors for people? Do they mean what they say?), I'm writing generally here. Also I think we need down near the library emergency poles that one can press and it will make a sound like a siren and a person could hold on to until the police get there. All young people should be allowed to use the telephone at the library at any time and most especially during the evening. I had to call for two young boys this evening and let their mom know that they were on their way home. They were traveling down Cook going West. When I was interviewed today I realized that Miller Street only has one side of Street Lights! Dear Family your charge this week is to look at your surroundings in your neighborhood, city, shopping areas,  work place, and places of worship to see what the outdoor areas look like in regards to safety. Dear Brothers you aren't immune either! For some of us hate crimes and haters are still an all too frequent occurrence. It doesn't matter who you are either! Hate is Hate! 
Those are my suggestions and thoughts on today's walk.
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A few prayers for the Vulnerable and Survivor-victims of Violence and abuse:

Dear Lord we pray for the victims and survivors of violence and abuse. 

We pray for all those who work in the areas of domestic violence and child abuse prevention.

We pray for CALM, CASA, Child Help, Silent Witness and the many organizations that help and make programs for our family members feel safe, protected, valued, loved, and remembered.

We pray for all those who are trained in SART and those who will be cared for tonight. Wrap your arms around them Lord and make them feel that they are safe.

Remembering those who have lost their lives due to gun violence.

We pray for all women who have been victims of Domestic Violence and those who have lost their lives due to domestic violence and are known only to you.

We pray for safe streets and sidewalks for all of our family members. 
Remembering especially the disabled, elderly, women, and children.

We pray that all those who commit these terrible acts may be caught and brought to justice.

We pray for our family members who have been victimized by the Santa Maria Groper. 

We pray that all of us may not be afraid to get involved, speak truth to power,  report incidences as both victims/survivors, and witnesses, and wear the mantles you give us when we are called to be your spokespeople and speak up on behalf of others who can't and are afraid to.

Lord God, watch over our cities, family members, and those who haven't any choice but to walk during the evening and night hours. We lift up these prayers to you O Lord. Amen.

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Dear Family of Love, take time to be thankful today and keep being the thoughtful family of God that you are. I love you and give thanks to God for you this day and always!


Love and peace of mind. It is peaceful!

Sara




Our Story

Brave/ Beautiful Sara Bareilles and Carole King

The coverage of the groper


“Be the heart of a network of global citizens

Be a bridge for dialogue between civilizations

Be a beacon lighting the way to a century 

of life”

~ Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Praying through the pain (Resting, Hoping, and praying!)



Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on Our Journey!

I hope all of this finds everyone well, warm,and safe. I'm still battling a headache and hope it goes bye-bye soon. I don't like having to rest this much. It makes your favorite prayer walker/blogger ill at ease to say the least. I even find praying difficult. Pain is not my favorite accessory This evening I ask that we pray for all those who are beset by any illness or situation.


Dear Lord 

We pray for all who are in pain at this very moment and that they may feel your healing hands relieving their suffering.

We pray for all who live with chronic illnesses, orphan diseases, and autoimmune diseases. We pray for research and funding

We pray for those who find themselves waiting in ER's as  patients and loved ones.

We pray for those who wait while loved ones are having surgery or any kind of procedure.

We pray for those continuing to endure the cold and extreme weather. 

We pray for much needed rain to heal your parched Cathedral of Life.

We pray for our troops, peace keepers, and law enforcement.

We pray for the sick and the suffering.

We pray for all those who feel lonely, abandoned, outcast, and out of the loop.

We pray for all forgotten family members who have become invisible to us.

We pray for those who continue to grieve any kind of loss at any time.

We pray for those who have been newly diagnosed with any kind of illness and those waiting test results.

For all women, children, and the vulnerable.

For an end to human trafficking, abuse, domestic violence, and violence of any kind.

We pray for those with mental illness and memory disorders.

We pray for all those who keep us safe every day  24/7/ 365 days a year.

We pray for those in the Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan, Egypt that there may be an end to all of these conflicts. We pray that each of these countries will be able to find the courage to strive for the right kind of governmental structure they need.

We pray for all those who are haters, prejudicial, and bigoted/

We give thanks for Ads like the new Cheerios ad that show us the best that we can be.

We pray for those who strive to live authentically without fear. Help them to see the beautifully unique person you created them to be, O Lord.

Lord God give us patience when we have to rest when we want to be active.

Lord we  Pray for__________________________

Lord help us to___________________________

Lord we give thanks for ________________________

Lord we Celebrate_________________________

Lord We remember__________________________

Lord God we lift up these our prayers, thanksgivings, celebrations, and remembrances to you . Amen

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TODAY'S PRAYER FROM THE DAILY FEAST YEAR A- May my words be gentle and loving, and help remind others of Christ. Amen.

Good Night my Family of Love! I'm praying that I'll be back on the trail tomorrow.  I love you, you matter, and I give God thanks for you this day and always.


Love and peace of mind even though my head hurts!

Sara
















Tuesday, January 28, 2014

A Short Praying in place and then I take care!




Dear Family of  Love and Pilgrims on Our Journey,

I have one of those weird headaches again and need to rest. So tonight's blog will be brief praying in place.

Let us pray,

For those affected by sever weather.

For all those who suffer from chronic illness and pain. 

We pray for all governmental bodies that they may do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you.

We pray for all those who are elderly and disabled.

We pray for the poor and the marginalized.

For Rain in all drought affected areas

Help us to honor our bodies, minds, and spirits when they need to take care and take rest.

We pray for all of our family members and help us to grow to love and show them compassion.

Help us to listen and then respond  and let our actions speak louder than words.

You may add your prayers, thanksgivings, celebrations, and remembrances  here.

Lord God Take away the pain in our bodies if there is any so that we may do your will  and to your honor and glory tomorrow . Amen.

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Good Night Lovies! See you tomorrow! I love you and don't forget to take care!

Sara











Enya Relaxation Playlist

Monday, January 27, 2014

Rejoicing and giving thanks and praying in place




Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on Our Journey.

Tonight I had an important conference call and needed to stay home lead the call. So we pray in place as we always do when something comes up. 


Dear Lord We rejoice and give thanks for our family members and the joy and their wonderful gifts that you have given them. May we always give thanks and rejoice in our family members' blessings as they are our blessings too.

We pray for all those who continue to battle illnesses of any kind especially the elderly and the very young.

We pray for solace and comfort for all those who grieving the loss of loved ones this day and those who continue to travel grief's long journey into light.

We pray for those beset by strange weather patterns especially those who live and  work in the dark and cold climes. We pray for rain to heal our parched Western regions.

We pray that we may listen to our President's State of the Union with fresh ears and compassionate hearts and  for ways in which we may serve and step up to help.

We Give thanks for the little things that brighten our days and warm our hearts.

We pray that we all may be beacons of hope, joy, love, and peace and that there may be an end to hate and indifference.

We pray that we recognize each one of our family members as equal and on the same footing as we are. Lord in your kingdom we are all one!

We pray for sensitivity when we see and hear something that we don't understand and that you will guide us to see and hear with clear vision.

We pray and remember those who perished in the the Holocaust on this International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

We Give thanks for God's Cathedral of Life. May we all be good stewards of the world that you have loaned to us and remember it forever belongs to you!

Lord open our hearts up to new possibilities to serve, minister, and spread your Good news throughout your world. May we always be loving when we do this.

Lord forgive us if we have done something amiss this day and help us to let go of the things that do not build up your kingdom or foster loving and compassionate hearts. help us to turn off the grinding, gnawing, and tenseness in our minds. 

A Prayer of Loving Kindness

May no harm come to ____________________.

May_________________________ be healthy.

May _________________________be happy.

May ____________________________live his/her life with ease.


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We pray for__________________________________

We Give thanks with a joyful heart for________________

We Celebrate with gladness for_____________________

We Remember with love and fond memories for________________________________

We thank you Lord for letting us carry our prayers and those who have asked us for prayers in our hearts, minds, and spirits. We thank you for making this time of praying in place a time of holiness and peace in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Well dear family I hope you remembered that today was and still is You Matter Monday. You matter everyday. I love you and give thanks to God  for all of you with a joyful and tender heart.

With Love and a Joyful Spirit!

Sara














Part of my music Sampler had I walked tonight!

Tuba Tune ( It's not what you think)

Walton- Te deum

Walton Crown Imperial




Sunday, January 26, 2014

In the Treks of our Prayers




Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on our Journey!


Before I begin tonight's blog post I wanted to show you what the light pole looks like and I suggest you go and find the nearest street light near your home  and write the number down and put it on your refrigerator or inside cover of your phone book:



This is the street light that is out on my walk and I will report it tomorrow. 

Tonight's blog is called In the Treks of our Prayers not tears because today is Steve's Birthday and his second heavenly one since he entered eternal joy. Until I posted a picture of him on Facebook I thought I was doing fine. Just a twinge of grief and a realization that he is no longer suffering and is whole. 
This week's challenge is to reconnect and check in with your loved ones and those who grieve losses of any kind. The challenge from last week is still ongoing and the need to pray for the unlovable, those who challenge us and those who may need a little extra in the love and compassion department. Remember all of these are family members!

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This week's mini-walk is to get you more familiarized with your neighborhood and neighbors. If you don't know who your Neighbors/Family members are it's high time. They play a role in our safety too!

              Mini Walk -Who are the People and places in your neighborhood. Praying and getting to know them and all our nearby family members.

Begin your walk with prayer.
Today go next door if you see someone home and say hi! Introduce yourself.
 Get their names if you can.
Take time to learn a few welcoming phrases in Spanish if you have Latino neighbors.
Take down the Street Light Pole Number. Pray for safety on your walk!
What do the sidewalks look like are they in disrepair. Pray for those who repair the infrastructure in towns, cities, freeways, etc.
All these steps will help you become better acquainted and less fearful. Always do this with a light heart and with compassion. In my neighborhood we also have a shopping center. Pray for the businesses and for heaven's sake give the small businesses nearby business! 
It's as simple as that! We can no longer be isolated from our family members. They make up an important part of where we and they live. 
How many people in your neighborhood  are the original neighbors? Take time to pray and remember all those who have moved out of your area. Remember that God calls and commands us to Love God, Love Neighbor, and Self! These aren't casual commands they are the way we are to live no matter what!
After you return from your walk, pray for your family members and think of way to be more neighborly.
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                                                                           Prayer Cycle for the Week
The people of Syria, South Sudan, Egypt,  and an end to armed conflict
Those with Chronic illnesses and pain and that includes mental illnesses.
Our Governmental bodies.
For our faith communities and their leaders
For those discerning vocations, new life paths, and for directions on their life's journey.
For those who grieve loss of any kind.
For those who travel.
For peace and and and end to violence in schools, malls, homes, workplaces, and towns.
For all of our law enforcement personnel and military troops and peacekeepers.
For the laying down of worry.
For all those who are endeavoring to live authentically and we pray that we may be accepting of them.
For those seeking employment.
For the people of  Red Shirt Table on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
For the DOK torch relay and walk to Triennial.
For the challenges during the week ahead.
For those taking entrance exams.
For an end to hate of any kind.
For those in prison.
For those awaiting surgery or test results.
For_________________________
We pray for_________________________
We Give thanks for____________________
We Celebrate_________________________
We Remember_________________________
We pray to be bearers of hope, makers of peace, bringers of joy, and givers of love and those who shine your light to the world.
We pray that we may be able to spread the Good News and if we have to be the only Bible someone ever reads.
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Well dear family of Love, these are this week's new prayer tasks and walks! May we continue to follow God with joyful enthusiasm and in the Treks of our Prayers on the journey God has set our feet upon.

Tomorrow I have a conference call and may walk earlier or we will pray in place. You never know what God has planned! Stay tuned!

Love and thanksgiving with a joyful and tender heart looking out for all of you my dear family with compassion and acceptance.

Sara