Walk With me on Our Journey: March Winds, St. Patrick's Day and thoughts about life

Dear Family of Love and Pilgrims on our Journey,

I can't believe it was and still is You Matter Monday, #MoralMonday, and the day when I ask everyone to #JustSayHello! Today is St. Patrick's day and a day in our town where we had the traditional blustery March Winds too. Earlier today, I attended the New Cancer Patient Orientation at Mission Hope Cancer Center here in Santa Maria. I am very glad that I do not have to travel long distances to see my medical team. Attending the orientation made it all very real to me that yes, I have colon cancer. I have been very emotional today and I guess it was time to actually face it and not shy away from the reality. I had to find out how to manage my pain issues and I talked to the Cancer Nurse Navigator who gave me a rationale as to how to take over the counter pain medications to piggy back each other and obey the 8 hour rule. So far, so good. Our challenge in the next few weeks are to listen to what your body is telling you to do and for any thing that seems out of the ordinary. Don't wait! Also , if you workout don't ignore pain that is ongoing and won't go away. Remember God gave us those pain signals for a reason Do not ignore! If you haven't already done so pleas make an appointment for your baseline screenings and annual screenings as well. Ok, enough of the Dr. Oz and The Doctor's talk!

Post Surgery Mini-Walk or Beginning A Prayer Walking Journey

Our mini walk for this week is designed for those of our family who have just had surgery and need a place to start if they are new to prayer walking.

First decide how long and how far you are going to walk. Ask God to guide your feet and holy steps.
Second make sure you have the following items with you if you'd like : Sensible walking shoes, warm coat, water, iPod or Mp3 player, flashlight, house keys, and maybe Kleenex, Sun Glasses, and Sunscreen if you are walking in very warm weather.
If you are going on a short or long walk take time to think about the length of the prayer time.
Now invite God along on your pilgrimage with an opening prayer.
Play your music and begin to pray. There are no set prayers to pray only those that come from your heart and those prayers that our family members have requested.
Take time to be at one with God in nature and God's Cathedral of Life. Look around and see that each living thing and you beloved Child of God are too. Use your senses as part of the prayers.
Take time to be thankful and grateful for all that God has done.
Celebrate your time outdoors and celebrate life.
When you return home lay your prayers, thanksgivings, celebrations and remembrances Ask yourself how you feel. If you have had surgery take time to rest and don't forget to hydrate.

Prayer Cycle for the Week.

The Nations of the World - may there be peace, justice, human and civil rights, and equality.
For the Ukraine and Crimea, Syria (Refugees and Children), Nigeria and Uganda (Freedom and Equality for all LGBT persons), South Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and all places where there is political unrest.
For those suffering from Cancer, Huntington's Disease, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, all chronic and autoimmune disorders, and pain sufferers.
For those struggling to make ends meet. The poor, the oppressed, destitute, hoarders,
For those who are caregivers of any kind.
Those who provide transportation. Remembering those on the Malaysian Air Flight.
For all those who have lost homes in fires and explosions.
For those who travel.
For those who mourn and grieve losses of any kind.
For those who work in Hospice and Funeral ministry.
For the dying and departed.
For the homeless, hungry, lonely, lost and those who are in need of companionship.
Those who would like to reconnect with loved ones again after prolonged absences.
For rain and sensible thaws.
For an end to violence, bullying, hate, and all actions that prevent us from being one and loving towards each other.
To be better stewards of God's Cathedral of Life. We pray for litter bugs and those who do not pick up trash after themselves.
For the Pine Ridge Reservation and the People of Red Shirt Table that the land and burial grounds may be preserved from needless development.
For all religious leaders and faith communities.
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That's all for tonight my dear family of love. May you continue to celebrate St. Patrick's day and know that we all need to celebrate life whenever there is an opportunity to do so. Cheers and my the Wind be always at your back!

Love and joy,

Sara