Sharing my quiet observations on life.
Heavenly Father,
As the winds blow,
Breathe in new life to my loved ones.
As the sun shines
Warm their hearts with your hope.
As the birds fly,
Lift their minds to see vision for the future.
As the plants grow,
Restore their bodies with new health.
As the rain falls,
Wash away the infection, disease and illness they suffer.
You are Lord of all.
We put our trust in you!
Amen.
Adapted from: living-prayers.com
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace~
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
~ G.K. Chesterton
I had today all to myself. It was a wonderful self-care day.
A friend suggested I write about serenity. After thinking I remembered the Serenity Prayer. I’d not read this version before so thought I’d share.
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen.
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace~
Thank you, Kimberlee Salimeno, for sharing your beautiful photo with me. I love you.
Prayer Before Sleep
Dear God, as I lay me down to sleep, relax the tension of my body;
calm the restlessness of my mind;
still the thoughts which worry and perplex me.
Help me to rest myself and all my problems in your strong and loving arms.
Let your Spirit speak to my mind and heart
while I am asleep, so that, when I wake up in the morning,
I may find that I have received in the night-time,
light for my way;
strength for my tasks;
peace for my worries;
forgiveness for my sins.
Grant me sleep tonight, and tomorrow power to live. Amen
From God’s Spoken Word Ministries
I found this prayer years ago and lost it in my notes.
Today it resurfaced. I am so thankful and happy I’m able to share it with you.
Sweet dreams, my friends.
May God bless us all.
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace~
“Maybe we all have darkness inside of us and some of us are better at dealing with it than others.”
― Jasmine Warga, My Heart and Other Black Holes
For the past week I’ve been worried about a friend who fell while hiking, breaking her ankle. Even though this was not a simple fracture, her care plan was well established and she knew she had a surgical repair in her future. Today, after a day surgery admission, she is home recovering.
Interestingly, later this morning I heard from another friend. She asked me to include a young relative of hers in my prayers. The reason for this request came as a result of an over night hospital admission for an acute mental health crisis.
As I talked to God throughout the day, I became very aware of the differences in these two cases.
From the onset of her injury, my friend with the fractured her ankle had a pretty clear cut care plan. Unless she has some unforeseen complication, given time and patience on her part, she should have a good result.
The talented and brilliant young person handed the very vague diagnosis of a mental health crisis has nothing close to a standardized care plan.
Fortunately for the orthopedic doctors, our bone structures are usually pretty much alike. Once surgical technique is learned, the procedure gets easier and faster to repair.
Unfortunately, at least from the little bit I know about our brains, the psychiatrists and other mental health professions, don’t have it quite so easy. Our brains, although structurally similar, are so much more than basic structure. Complicated does not begin to describe the mysteries of the mind.
There is no easy solution to this very old problem. All I can do is do as I promised–pray.
Dear God, I ask for your help in making us aware of the importance of good mental health care. I pray for the establishment of accepted and standardized mental health practices which become part of our well care/self care routines. For myself, I ask for the strength to ask for help when I need it. Please help me remember the kindnesses shown to me, so I can see the quiet needs of others. Thank you, God, for each new awareness. Amen. ~Barbara Jo Burton Hibdon~
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace.~
“It probably wouldn’t last. It never does. But it would come back around again. That’s how life works. And that’s why it’s important to treasure the peaceful times-so you can persevere through the other kind.”
― Jean Ferris, Thrice Upon a Marigold
The past few months have been difficult.
Yesterday I found myself stuck in some tearful moments.
July 1, 2019, marked two months since I said good bye to my precious Ruby and three months since I said good bye to my little man, Duffy.
I was sad.
As the tears flowed, I missed them both even more because that would have been the time when they’d worm their way close to me and find some goofy way to cheer me up. Just simply leaning against my leg or pulling at my shoe string would make me smile.
I miss them.
Every single day, I miss them.
Today, I sat and watched and laughed at the outlandish spirit of our Abby and thanked God for the strength of our twelve year old, Bud.
What I’m discovering is the empty place in my heart is pulling in all the little things I never would have noticed. I would have been too busy to sit and watch Abby race around the yard and Bud patiently waiting for her to “do her business.” Watching a puppy push their limits, learning how to climb and jump and trust you to always be there for them.
Retirement has given me the gift of time. My awareness of the magnitude of this blessing grows stronger daily.
Dear God,
I thank you for the growth in the awareness of my many blessings.
I am grateful for the expanding gift of patience which allows me to take time to actually see the many layers my gifts often contain.
God, thank you for the many loving souls surrounding me and the sweet memories of those who are with you now.
I ask you to send your angels to comfort those who have also lost loved ones. May they find solace in your love and continue to heal knowing they are never alone. Amen.
Barbara Jo Burton Hibdon
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace be with you, my friends.~
Heavenly Father, our human ties with our friends of other species is wonderful and special gift from You. We now ask You to grant our special animal companions your Fatherly care and healing power to take away any suffering they have. Give us, their human friends, new understanding of our responsibilities to these creatures of Yours. They have trust in us as we have in You; our souls and theirs are on this earth together to give one another friendship, affection, and caring. Take our heartfelt prayers and fill Your ill or suffering animals with healing Light and strength to overcome whatever weakness of body they have.
Your goodness is turned upon every living thing and Your grace flows to all Your creatures. From our souls to theirs goodness flows, touching each of us with the reflection of Your love. Grant to our special animal companions long and healthy lives. Give them good relationships with us, and if You see fit to take them from us, help us to understand that they are not gone from us, but only drawing closer to You. Grant our prayer through the intercession of good St. Francis of Assisi, who honored You through all Your creatures. Give him the power to watch over our animal friends until they are safely with You in eternity, where we someday hope to join them in giving You honor forever. Amen. Saint Francis of Assisi, for our Animal Friends
It’s been a very busy week and I am very glad it is nearly over.
Abby did very well with her surgery. She was able to come home Wednesday afternoon. As you can see, her eyes were open but I’m not sure what she was seeing.
Ms. Abby Rose continues to improve by the minute. This morning she was playing and dashing about almost like her usual self. I’d forgotten how quickly little puppies heal as well as how challenging it is to try to contain and slow them down.
The good part of it is, by noon she is ready to nap. Thankfully, I get to join her.
Many thanks to all for your good wishes, your thoughts, and most of all, your wonderful prayers.
Dear God, you have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight, make us their true friends and worthy companions. Amen.
~Author Unknown~
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace be with you, my friends.~
“All worries are less with wine.”
― Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words
Oh, the worries have begun and I have poured a glass of wine.
Tomorrow I take little Abby to be spayed. Simple procedure, I know. I know it’s done thousands of times a day. The reality is just thinking about driving to the vet these days gives me palpitations.
My experiences being the care recipient rather than the care giver has certainly opened my eyes.
I understand on a whole new level the concern many of the patients and their families had when they came to the hospital or clinic. It was so routine for me I rarely, if ever, stopped to think about it. In spite of their fear they trusted me with their care or the care of their family member.
I did not fully appreciate that dynamic until very recently.
It is and continues to be a very humbling realization.
Dear God,
I come to you today to ask you to guide those taking care of Abby tomorrow. She is oour young pup full energy, adventure, and the zest for life. She has brought such joy to our home. I am so honored and grateful she is part of our lives.
God, I ask you to bless all caregivers. May they find strength in seeing the good they do and understand how important they are in lives of all who are under their care.
For myself and the other care recipients, I ask you send our angels and guides in close. May they help us understand what it is we need to do in order to care for our loved ones, each other, and ourselves. I ask You, Lord, to be with us as we each face our challenges of the day. Amen.
~Barbara Jo Burton Hibdon, June 25, 2019~
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace be with you, my friends.~
“You cannot fully understand a person’s need until you have endured the same need. As hard as you may try to predict and comprehend their situation and suffering, I guarantee you’ll fall short until you’ve been there.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Making Wishes
A little over a year ago I began what I call my morning chats.
These chats started because a dear friend of mine lost her husband. I was far way and knew a trip up to see her was not possible. Calling her didn’t feel right. What do I do?
I sent her a text.
That text started a morning routine that continues today.
Over time, I’ve added others to my morning chats. Some are daily chatters, some once a week, and others I know only have time for quick chats every now and then.
It’s all worked out very very well.
What’s interesting is these how these chats have evolved into so much more–for all of us. Because of this little forum, we have an outlet to share our daily lives–either in a nutshell or we can type away and unload all our recent frustrations.
I never know what I’ll learn–every morning it is surprise just waiting to happen.
My friend Mary’s grand daughter was so surprised her grandma texted daily. Charlotte was even more impressed to learn her grandma had been friends with that person for almost fifty years.
Okay–truth be told–I’m pretty impressed with that fact, too.
The moral of the story–if there is one–is simple.
There is usually a way to reach out to someone. Whether I like it or not, I am beginning to understand being there in person may not always be possible. Even though it often drives me insane, our modern technology allows me to stay in touch with people who are hundreds, if not thousands of miles away form me.
One of the few benefits of getting older is gaining life experiences. Sooner or later we will all need the help of friends. God knows I’ve leaned on many shoulders over the years. It’s all part of the deal–we’re handed a challenge, we learn, and we survive in order to reach out and help one another.
Heavenly Father,
Today I pray for my family and friends. May these special people find comfort in the knowledge they are unconditionally loved. May they see and understand their own strengths and unique inner power. As their awareness grows help them find the peace they seek.
I thank you for the gift of all who have been a part of my journey. May my awareness grow so I can continue to learn and share my life lessons with old and new friends.
Father, I am humbled by your many blessings.
I am grateful.
Amen.
~Barbara Jo Burton Hibdon, June 24, 2019~
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace be with you, my friends.~
Thank you, Glynis Walker Morse, for sharing your wonderful picture today. I thank you and I love you.
This month two of my friends will mark the first anniversary of the death of their husbands.
Anniversaries are hard for many reasons. It’s been my experience very few people remember these types of uncomfortable dates, especially after the first year has passed–even fewer remember as time moves slowly on.
In fear of doing something wrong and/or dragging up more pain, most will opt to do nothing.
If, like me, know someone who has had a difficult loss, I believe the best gift you can give them is time.
With all the modern technologies literally at our fingertips, it’s so easy to pick up the cell phone and leave a voice message or send a text. This type of non-intrusive message gives the person the space and luxury of answering immediately or waiting until he or she is ready. Plus, in a matter of minutes, your grieving friend knows someone remembers and is thinking of them.
Reach out, my friends, because it’s a road we will all walk down in one way or another.
Help me, God, to listen with my entire being. When I am in pain, give me the courage to trust others enough to bare my heart to them. And when there is no one to listen, hear me, God. Hear me and heal me. Amen
Rabbi Naomi Levy, To Begin Again
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace be with you.~
You have blessed me with many gifts, God, but I know it is my task to realize them. May I never underestimate my potential; may I never lose hope. May I find the strength to strive for better, the courage to be different, the energy to give all that I have to offer. Help me, God, to live up to all the goodness that resides within me. Fill me with the humility to learn from others and with the confidence to trust my own instincts. Thank You, God, for the power to grow. Amen.
Levy, Naomi. Talking to God: Personal Prayers for Times of Joy, Sadness, Struggle, and Celebration (pp. 225-226). Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
I am…
B…simply being.
~Peace~
B...simply being... 