As I was thinking about the New Year, I was also reading my e-mail & decided to share the following from the FlyLady: "Don't sweat the small stuff; what doesn't matter, just doesn't matter. Laugh every day; even if it is at yourself! And Love like there is no tomorrow!"
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Are you frustrated by all of the noise, including unneccessary talking, in the world? You are not alone; read this essay.
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For many years I have kept notes of daily events. These scribblings may not qualify as a journal, but I was interested to read an article by Gordon McDonald about journaling and its benefits. I'm afraid the following quote applies to more in my life than journaling: "Busyness and laziness have both been my master." How true! This may be a good statement to consider as I think about New Year's resolutions.
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Midnight Christmas Service Peace on Earth

Ice at Our Lady of Snows

Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
Matthew 25:40
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Nursing home Sunday service

Meet Jesus & receive forgiveness of sins at the Lord's table.

Yesterday, I attended the funeral of a priest & monk. I was humbled to learn how peacefully a man of God meets God. Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.
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Monk's funeral

winter is coming

When I lived in Washington, D.D., I was privileged to meet Mother Teresa. I asked her, "Don't you ever become angry at the causes of social injustice that you see in India or in any of the places in which you work?"
Her response was, "Why should I expend energy in anger that I can expend in love?"
Dr. David Swoap
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Charlie Brown comments to Lucy, "Someone has said that we should live each day as if it were the last day of our life."
"Aaugh!" cries Lucy. "This is the last day! This is it!" She dashes away screaming, "I only have 24 hours left! Help me! Help me! This is the last day! Aaugh!"
Charlie Brown, left alone, muses, "Some philosophies aren't for all people."
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Life is what happens when you're making other plans.
Opus

Did something I hadn't done for a while -- spent the whole day doing physical labor. It made me realize how "soft" those of us not used to it are. Wouldn't useful physical work be better than searching for ways to exercise, keep in shape, and lose weight? No doubt the appropriate answer is a balance. And isn't balance the key to Benedictine spirituality? However, right now I'm looking forward to a long, hot shower, a good meal, and a glass of wine. God is so good to us! See you in church tomorrow morning.
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