Observing That Star

Today is the day after Epiphany
and so I am putting away our Christmas decorations,
even the nativity scenes.
But I am going to keep the star
out where I can see it
throughout this season
of Epiphany.
I hope that each time
I observe that star
I will, like the wise men,
be overwhelmed with joy
and I will offer Jesus my gifts. . .
of this new year
of my true self
and of welcome.

Thank you, God, for:
*Margaret and Cassidy inviting their moms to lunch
*waking up before the alarm
*body prayer

For the Morning

New every morning is Your love, great God of light,
and all day long You are working for good in the world;
Stir up in us desire to serve you;
to live peacefully with our neighbors
and to devote each day to Your Son, our savior,
Jesus Christ. . .
(from Venite: A Book of Daily Prayer by Robert Benson)

Thank You, God, for:
*this new year: 2016
*the sun coming up again and again
*the grace of new beginnings

Welcome!

Across the field at Green Bough
this ginkgo tree
welcomed me
for the glory of God.

"Welcome one another,
therefore,
just as Christ has welcomed you,
for the glory of God."
(Romans 5:17)

Welcome "God with us"!
Welcome Love!

Welcome 2016!

Patience

This spider has created a beautiful home
on my upstairs back porch
and reminded me that
creation requires patience.

Thank you, God, for:
*blue sky and sunshine following many days of gray
*the powerful stillness of a spider
*our Ukrainian men

Love,
Sally

Practical Gifts

a pretty pink journal

the lovely oil on canvas bookmark inside

practical gifts
to help me
practice my gifts

pretty
lovely
practical
perfect!

Thank you, God, for:
*thoughtful, giving friends
*more than enough blank pages
*the possibility of practice

Love,
Sally

Inspiration Point

So thankful our friend insisted
on showing us
Inspiration Point.
I went back on my own
and was inspired again.

Does That Banner Yet Wave?

Early one July morning
I could plainly see
a pretty pink banner
waving across the
brightening blue sky.

And I remembered:
"Jehovah-nissi"
"The Lord My Banner".
God is the banner over me
going into each new day.
Another name for that banner
is Love.