Praying in Place: Time to pray, remember, and celebrate on All Hallows Eve

Dear Family Member on Our Journey,

As we begin to pray let us take time to be quiet and listen to the sound of your household  and your home.

Close your eyes for a moment, take some deep breaths and do some neck rolls and gentle relaxation exercises. Slowly open your eyes and return your breathing to its normal rhythm. Can you feel your heart beating.  I hope you can because that is being alive. Tonight we pray, remember, and celebrate.

God we thank you for all the family members who have come to our doors. God grant them safety as they walk. 

God we pray for all children who have never known this yearly kind of joy. Give joy to all children all over the world.

God we give thanks for the parents who are guiding their children through the neighborhoods. God give them patience and keen eyes to see in the dark.

God we give thanks for the moms who helped create wonderful costumes for their children. God make us creative.

God we remember our family members who are homeless, hungry, lonely, and lost. God help us to see them as you see us the beautiful person made in your image and likeness. 

God we remember those who are known only to you who have lost hope. God help us to be hope bringers.

God we remember all those who have asked for our prayers this day. God help them, heal them, love them, protect them, and relieve them of all suffering. God help us to be your hands and be agents of your love, joy and solace. ( You may pray for those on your hearts and minds)

God we remember our law enforcement personnel at all levels. God we pray for the protection of all our troops where ever they may be. Comfort an sustain their families while they are deployed. Help us to come to their families' aid.

God we remember all women, children, prisoners, captives, victims of violence, and human trafficking, and all those who are oppressed. We pray for all those who have been affected by terror and natural disaster this day.

We pray for an end to bullying, abuse, discrimination, and inequality. God open and turn the hearts of those who do this.

God  we celebrate and remember all our loved ones who are in the Thin Places (Heaven). Take time to remember them by name. 

God we pray for all those who grieve especially at this time of year and continue to mourn losses.  Take time to remember those who are grieving loss of anykind.

God we celebrate all the living and departed who have touched our lives and were and are heroes and role models.

God we celebrate the gift of joy, wonder, and inspiration that Your creation brings. Help us to be good stewards of all that you have made.

God we celebrate the gifts that you have given us. Give us courage to use them and respond to your call what ever that call may be.God help us to be patient and know that we are on your time table not ours.

God we give thanks to you for your Creating us, sustaining us, loving us, being merciful to us and redeeming us and making us whole.

Renew and refresh our bodies, minds and spirits in the hours to come and enliven our bodies,minds, and spirits as we meet tomorrow's challenges with you and as we walk with you on our journey.

All this we ask in the name of God Our Creator, Our Redeemer,and Our Sanctifier . Amen.

May you have a restful night and wake up happy in the morning with love and joy in your hearts.

I love you!

Sara

Marigolds are used for El Dia`de Los Muertos.

All Souls Night Loreena McKennitt

Dante's Prayer

Ravi Shankar

The Journey Begins- Hans Zimmer

Stories for a Thousand Years 

Halloween Announcement

Dear Family On Our Journey!


Just a quick note to those who follow my blog and

 send prayer requests!  I'm the candy distributor 

tonight so, I will take you through a praying in place 

blog for All Hallow's Eve! Please send in your prayer

 requests and thanksgivings as usual.


 Tonight beginning @ 7:30 

p.m. where ever you live lets begin to pray

 intentionally for women and children and all the

 issues that affect them. Pray for compassionate social

 services and that they may be protected. I love you! 


Happy All Hallows Eve!

Sara

Keeping it real as the holiday hype gets going!

Dear Family on our Journey,

I don't know how many of you have noticed that we are now in the season of  Hallgivimas (That's Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas)? We are and I feel we need to be reminded to take one day at a time and not get wrapped up in all the hype. Today I asked in prayer that we keep it real  and focused on what matters. As we turn to the celebration of Halloween and All Saints let us take time to remember all of our loved ones who now reside in the Thin Places  (Heaven). Take time to do something in their honor and memory. Make tomorrow a special day for your children but don't get them so sugared up that they will be sick. If you are going to be like me, I will be getting ready for our little visitors. Speaking of that have you made your front door safe and visible? Practice safe trick or treating tomorrow with flashlights in hand. On Friday night light candles in loving memory of those who have passed and don't don't forget to add marigolds to the mix. I have to do that tomorrow. 

How to avoid the hype: Here are a few tips! 

Honor the calendar! One holiday and event at a time and no rushing it. I believe in celebrating each one with special decorations. I try not to listen to Christmas music until sometime in Advent. ( My birthday December 8 is the beginning of Christmas prep) 

Keep holiday expectations realistic. If you are grieving continue to mix it up and honor the grieving process. 
Take time for laughter and humor.
Make time for physical fitness.
Enjoy the journey to, in, and through these special days. I think this year will be better than last year for me.
Keep your minds active! Learn something new. That includes learning to cook a new dish. Read inspirational stories and don't get so zoned in cyberspace. Unplug and reconnect with family,friends, neighbors, and loved ones. God's creation with all the Fall Smells, hues, and weather patterns too!
Enliven your spirits by prayer, prayer walking, worship, and special services. 

Don't wait to do this. Start tomorrow. Remember to buy batteries and change before the clock change.

I love you and remember we are going to be walking this journey together for the first time this year! Are you excited about this? I am more than you'll ever know. Keep the faith and continue to have a wonderful Wednesday!

Love, blessings, peace of mind, and heartfelt gratitude!

Sara

 Music- Loreena McKennitt
Moon Cradle

The Old Ways

Samain Night


Standing Stones

Finding Joy and Giving Thanks on our journey

Good Evening Family on our Journey!

I got to do half of our walk tonight. Not as nippy as the two previous evenings. I was so glad that I could lower the amount of layered clothes tonight. It really helped to free me up. This time of year because of the change of weather, I begin to start having my SAD episodes (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Not fun. I find myself getting angry and depressed. Not at all like me. The difference between this year and last was this, I wasn't walking or doing anything to help my body, mind, or spirit. This year I am and it is making all the difference in the world. I'm not having as many episodes. I now have to begin walking when it is sunny just to get my Vitamin D. 20 minutes with your shirt sleeves up to your fore arms exposed to the Sun will do it. No pill popping here. 

Tonight I genuinely felt at peace and alive with joy and was and am thankful for all the things that God has given me. Not to be a Pollyanna here but have you tried the Glad Game before? Think of every thing that you are glad about.  Here let's give it a try! I'll go first:
I'm glad that I get to pray for you and yours and carry you and your prayer requests in my heart
I'm glad that I can still take good healthy walks
I'm glad that I'm able to love unconditionally and without restrictions.
I'm glad that I'm able to respect the dignity of every human being and family member on the planet
I'm glad that I get to do a variety of ministries that wonderfully blend together in an offering to God. I'm glad that God uses me here. I'm glad that I can be here for you in your joys, sorrows, and everything else in between.
I'm glad that I still have my 90 year old Dad.
I'm glad that I got some of my administrative work for the week done.
I'm glad that the World Series is going back to Boston.
I'm glad all over.
I'm glad that I get to write a nightly blog

Now you give it a try! What do you have to be thankful and glad about?
Well dearies that's all for tonight. I love you and give God thanks for you every day!

Love, peace of mind, joy, and gratitude for you as we continue to walk together on our journey.

Sara

Joy - Paul Winter  I know it has a Christmas Theme but I like this arrangement of  "Jesu Joy"

Oh Happy Day Sister Act 

I Will Follow Him-Sister Act

Waking after the rain and thinking about the least of these.

Dear Family on Our Journey,

I decided to go without music tonight just to hear the sounds of the evening breeze, sounds of the cars on the streets, and smell the clean air. Sometimes it is good not to have a lot of distraction. I had many tonight due to getting used to be in my cozy coat and warm socks and a whole lot of layers! I might as well have been dressed for snow but, it helped me know that I can do the prayer walk comfortably. It got me to think and pray for those who are less fortunate here are a few ways for us to care for the homeless, lonely, and the hungry. It is that time of year to go through our closets and look for all the warm clothing that we no longer use and give them to charities that need them.  Here is a list that charities might need:
Shoes (warm and closed toed)
Warm Clothing
Blankets
Coats
Mittens and Scarves
Warm socks
Rain wear (Boots, ponchos, umbrellas) 

At our church we have a program called Martha's Meals which give out shelf stable lunches. Anyone can make these up and have them in your car:
Here is how to make them:
Brown paper lunch bag,
Napkin, plastic cutlery
Granola bar
Juice box
Any kind of shelf stable protein (Tuna Salad w/crackers, vienna sausages, etc)
Crackers and cheese
Small pouch of  nuts.
Shelf stable fruit
Don't for get pet food and things for God's littlest creatures!

Use your imagination. Lots of banks have a coat drive barrel this time of year. Begin looking at all the possibilities to give, to share, to love, and practice random acts of kindness. This isn't just a this time of year thing to do, it is an everyday thing to do! God sees it and it is good!

I love you!

Love and Peace of Mind!

Remember you matter to God, You matter to me, I hope you matter to your self and all our family members matter to God and to us!

Sara

Singing in the Rain

The Rainbow Connection

We Are The World

It was a very cold night tonight! Did a short walk and now I'm praying while I write!

Dear Family on Our Journey!

It was a very cold night tonight! Did a short walk and now I'm praying while I write! Tonight we pray together in this home prayer walking set of prayers.

God we pray for all those who are out in the cold tonight and have no place to lay their heads or keep warm. Warm their hearts and hands God.

God we pray for those who have to work late in the evening and swing shifts. Keep them safe God.

We pray for all those who protect us our troops, peacekeepers, and law enforcement  personnel. God keep them from harm and give grace and comfort to their families.

We pray for all those who are in danger or any kind of trouble tonight. Keep them from harm God.

We pray for  all those who have chronic illnesses. God help the scientists and medical researchers find cures and better ways to manage these illnesses.

We pray to you God for better understanding towards our family members with mental and emotional illnesses. Make us more merciful and loving towards them.

We pray for all women and children throughout the world. May they be protected and defended O God. 

We pray for an end to all bullying, abuse, and hate. God show us how to love.

God we pray for all our family members who are homeless,  hungry,  outcast and those who feel invisible. God show them to us so that we may actually see them as you see them.

We pray for all our family members who live in places where the weather is varied. We pray for safe conditions God.

We pray for all of our family members in the week ahead that they may be able to meet the challenges of the day with love, joy, and strength. God give them courage and love.

God we pray for all those who have asked for prayer on Twitter, Facebook, and all the varied prayer lists we have. Keep all of our family members in your care and love O, God.

We pray for all of our churches, synagogues, mosques, and all places of worship that their communities will be protected and that their leaders may find rest in the week ahead. God may your grace be upon them.

We pray for an end of Human Trafficking and slavery of any kind. God show the traffickers Amazing Grace like you did with Fr. John Newton.

We pray for all our LGBTQ family members that they may find warm and loving relationships that will be a beacon of hope for all of us. God help us to remember that we are all equal in your sight.

We pray for all who are mourning the loss of loved ones this night. Help us to be loving and compassionate O God. Let our family members and us to always to remember that grief is ongoing and that we have you as our helper.

God we thank you for all the wonderful things you are doing in our lives today and tomorrow and in the future. 

God we thank you for asking us to "walk with me on our journey!" May we continue to walk and pray to your honor and glory and for the needs and concerns of others.

God we ask these in Jesus' name. Amen


Good night dear ones I love you! I Give thanks to God for you! I wish you the most blessed and peaceful night of resting, relaxing, and the renewing of your bodies, minds, and spirits.

I love you!

Sara

Gaelic Blessing John Rutter

Look At the World - John Rutter

This is the Day the Lord has made- Rutter 

Amazing Grace

Daily self care on our journey and having fun doing it !

Dear Family On our Journey!

I have been thinking a lot about self-care these past few days and feel we need to revisit it once more. As I travel from place to place and back and forth from home to all kinds of places, it has brought to my mind that we all need to become better stewards of our bodies, minds, and spirits.

When was the last time you did something just for you and no one else? Take yourself out on a date? I'm getting good at that with all of my travels. I love Santa Claus Lane and all the cute little bistros and shops! I had a delicious pulled pork sandwich at the BBQ Company. Not exactly nutritious but certainly hit the spot on a cold and cloudy day. Our prayer walks are for my body, mind, and spirit. When you travel get out of the car regularly to circulate those gams (legs) Turn your bathroom into a spa! Ok, guys who read this that you can certainly add some masculine touches too. I love the smell of Paco Rabanne,  Acqua Di Gio, and anything by Dior on a man. I guess I miss having my men friends to pal around with? Maybe they have candles or infusers for your bath or man spa! When I travel I'm going to have to remember to pack in the trunk my favorite bottle of wine (Rioja) and a corkscrew. It makes it easy when one doesn't want to do the bar deal. Last Monday I hadn't packed my wine stash and I was tweeting with a friend of mine and he recommended that I go to Trader Joe's ! I told him that I don't go out at night in Korea Town and I didn't know where the closest one was!What's weird, is that the guy lives in LA. We are cyber friends and haven't met in 3D yet! ( Wink and an eyelash bat!) LOL!  I Googled it and it was up on Vine about 3 miles away! Scratch that! Lessons learned. The ways to do self -care for your bodies is endless. Maybe it's time to go for a walk? Also don't forget to add a few more important ingredients laughter and music!

Now we turn to self care of our noggins! How many of you do something to challenge your brains every day? No, and Angry Birds don't count. Crossword Puzzles are good. When I started to do crossword puzzles I made it into one big research project. I even used an old 1911 Encyclopedia Brittanica for my reference work. That worked for most of the historical  info pre-1911. I must say I learned a lot and found my academic passion when I became a history major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a British/church history specialization. Have you forgotten how to speak your favorite foreign language? Learn it again! Take a course that will help you with your house hold tasks! Home depot has them on Saturdays! The list is endless here too!

Finally we need to do self care of  our spirits which include for me prayer, prayer walking, meditating on God's Word and attending church on a regular basis.  If you aren't Christian you might find it in your holy texts too. Go on a retreat to a monastery or National park. Find something that will give your spirit a lift. I like hymns, sacred music, and meditative types of music that will help my spirit soar and make my heart take flight! 

Well dear family! Let's practice good self care tonight by the resting, refreshing, and renewing our bodies, minds, and spirits!  I love you all ! 

Love, peace of mind, and days of better self care ahead!

Sara
For your laugh muscles!
The Pet Department - James Thurber

The Owl Who Was God- James Thurber

I Sing The body Electric