Sunday Children's Book

The Peace Book

"People have called my books, 'cheerful, kind hearted, refreshing and reassuring'. I hope you like them." -Todd Parr

Todd Parr Books

Sunday is a wonderful day to read with a child.

According to Wikipedia: The Hammer and Sickle is a part of communist symbolism and its usage indicates an association with Communism, Communist Party, or Communist State.

I saw this sticker yesterday. I suppose the statement is that President Obama is a communist. 

I find joy in contrast. I love when ideas run head-on into each other. The ideas of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of the press all heading full steam into the ideas of Communism, the Communist Party, and a Communist State. It always makes me smile!

Trying to Aspire

My daughter joined Brownies, the precursor to Girl Scouts.

I have to admit that it is not really my thing. The idea of the rules and the codes and the pledges was a little worrisome to me. For me, it had the feeling of a secret society. I am more for the free thinking, civil disobedience, standing on a street corner for a cause sort of thing. But I went along with it because it seemed important to her.

So far we have sold cookies together, learned first aid, helped the food bank, and experienced the Special Olympic World Games. It has been a wonderful experience for us and my daughter is enjoying the process of it all.

And I have to admit, I am definitely warming up to the Girl Scout ways. The Girl Scout Law is something even I am trying to aspire to:

I will do my best to be 

honest and fair,

friendly and helpful,

considerate and caring,

courageous and strong, and

responsible for what I say and do,

And to respect myself and others,

respect authority,

use resources wisely,

make the world a better place, and

be a sister to every Girl Scout.

And, I'm a sucker for Thin Mints

This is my hope. This is my prayer.

 National Prayer Breakfast

The National Prayer Breakfast was held yesterday in Washington D.C.

I have posted my favorite passages from President Obama's remarks.

Please go to whitehouse.gov to read his speech as prepared.

"The particular faith that motivates each of us can promote the greater good for all of us. Instead of driving us apart, our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife and rebuild what has broken; to lift up those who have fallen on hard times."

"But no matter what we choose to believe, let us remember that there is no religion whose central tenet is hate. There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know."

"We come to break bread and give thanks and seek guidance, but also to rededicate ourselves to the mission of love and service that lies at the heart of all humanity. As St. Augustine once said, 'Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.'"

I have had these words in my head the past few days:

"Let all those who do justice and love mercy say amen.

Say Amen,

and amen."

Like a song on a continuous loop, I hear the words and the audience response.

And it fills my heart, and lifts my spirits!

Wake Up

Two YouTube videos I love:

Liverpool Street Station and Frozen Grand Central

What can you do today to Wake Someone Up?

Say "Hello" to a stranger.

Open a door or carry a package for someone.

Give up a parking spot for someone else.

Pay someone's bus fare.

Buy someone's coffee.

If you can break the routine... even for yourself... you can be present in the Now.

Pull someone back from mulling on past regrets or future anxieties.

Remind them that it is perfect right here, in the now.

Business As Usual

When will this financial crisis be over?

Are we through the worst of it?

Is the worst yet to come?

Are we ever going to get back to business as usual?

Remember the post I did at the end of December? 

Ask Better Questions

Well it looks as if I've forgotten my own advice when it comes to our current financial crisis. So let me take a deep breath (inhale - exhale) and begin again:

How will this crisis change us as Americans?

How will it change the way we think, act, and decide things?

How will we choose to live and do business?

What will we learn from this crisis?

Can we learn new habits, new self-regulation?

Maybe, with a little luck, we will never return to "business as usual".

Maybe the common good will become more common.

Gratitude for Sanctuary

Statements of gratitude from those at the Interfaith Sanctuary in Boise, Idaho:

"To the supporters and volunteers. I am so thankful for your efforts and concern you have for your fellow man. I am thankful for a warm bed in a cold world." -Stephan H.

"Thank you for keeping the sanctuary open or I wouldn't have a place to go." 

"This shelter has been a great service to me."

"I am so grateful to the hospitality and kindness of the staff and this shelter. I was really nervous about being at a shelter but the staff made me feel at home. God Bless and Thanks." -Pam K.

"I am grateful that the sanctuary exists. It provides a safe place to lay my head. Thanks for your support." -Carey S.

"I lost my place to live and if it wasn't for the sanctuary, I would be sleeping in the cold." -Sara S.

To see more, visit the Interfaith Sanctuary web site.

Sunday Children's Book

Ruby and Bubbles

This is a great story about friendship.

There will always be Bratty Hattys and Mean Maureens in the world.

But if you have a best friend, it just doesn't matter.

Sunday is a wonderful day to read with a child.