Lessons Learned on a Slow Start Saturday Morning

On this Sweet Slow Start Saturday morning, before TV, Spotify or YouTube, I sit with open windows and a cup of dark roast coffee as I intentionally embrace the quietude.

I notice the stillness of this brand new baby day.

I notice the sound of the wind as it blows through the leaves on the trees.

I notice the distant rumble of traffic on the freeway that is two miles away.

I notice the honking of a Canada Goose as it and lands on the pond.

I notice the cooing of morning doves.

I notice the friendly barking of a dog in the nearby neighborhood.

I notice the shrill cries, warbling, chirping, tweeting, and wooing of birds announcing their presence in the trees and looking for mates.

I notice a profound sense of gratitude rising in me as I take time to notice.

I notice the sounds of life awakening and I am awakening to my part in this great chorus called Life.

Thank You Source!

I am ready for my divine appointments.

I love Life and Life loves me💕

Ric

(c) Copyright June 5, 2021 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved.

Day 32 (Christmas Day) I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Christmas Day Sunset

Today, I give thanks for:

1. The energy and noise of an almost 14-month-old little boy in the house on Christmas Morning. It's no different for him than every other morning. But for me, it was an incredible gift.
2. The silence in the house this morning after Ashley and Owen left to go do some Christmas stuff with other people. The transition from his youthful excited noise and absolute quiet has been a wonderful reminder for me of the very powerful gift of Silence. I could hear the quiet more clearly than I have in a long time. 
3. I received a call late this morning from my sister letting me know that she and her husband and several other people who had attended a Pizza Making Party at her house Christmas Eve were all sick with food poisoning. I'm grateful for a plan to celebrate our family Christmas on Thursday the 26th at my brother's house in Lapeer.
4. At first, I fussed with the sudden shift in plans. Over the next few hours, I realized that I was being gifted the vast majority the day it to reflect, rest, continue my own healing, listen to music, watch a documentary and some YouTube videos. In other words, Christmas Day this year was celebrate Ric day. An experience of expanding consciousness.
5. An idea that showed up in my mind or perhaps was recalled from something I've read about Christmas not being any specific day or the end of a season.  Christmas is the beginning of a season and expanding Love and Light.
6. Wearing a blue plaid flannel shirt and red plaid flannel sleep pants and not caring if the colors didn't match. 
7.  Not going farther than my own door well except to unwrap Murphy from the oak tree in the backyard. At which point of got to meet some of my new neighbors to the north family and the kids wanted to pet Murphy which she was absolutely in favor of by the way. 
8. Having lived in this neighborhood for 25 years gives me a perspective on having witnessed a couple of transitions in the neighborhood. We have a lot of younger people with families here no as earlier residents moved on and sole their homes. There was a time that gatherings of my family were some of the biggest on the street. This Christmas Day there are several large (by the number of vehicles) In our neighborhood and there are some of us that are just one or two people home. I just notice it like another chapter in a book. 
9. Sending and receiving many Merry Christmas texts filled with joy and loving thoughts.
10. The warm day, 50+ and sunny, reminded me of my first Christmas in California When I realized that it's not about the snow.  Don't get me wrong, I like the change of seasons here however if it's cold and snowy great and if it's warm and sunny great.
11. Working in my home office which has west-facing windows in the afternoon and looking up to watch the sunset which was absolutely spectacular. What an amazing day in every day.

Merry Christmas to me!

Ric

Day 26 - I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Today, I give thanks for:

1. Getting up in time to be on time to meet David & Novlett at the surgery center.
2. Several times that staff at Beaumont Medical Center West Bloomfield demonstrated by asking if they could help when I was looking around for signage for the surgery center and pointed the way It was a consistent action by 4 people I met which demonstrated that there was a culture of helping.
3. Having prayer with Novlett and David before her surgery.
4. The relaxed and easy way of the surgical team.
5. Having an hour and a half talk with David. It's the second time in a week and I am enjoying the growing friendship.
6. News from the surgeon that everything went well.
7. Any easy stress-free drive south on I75 to Detroit for dinner with a friend. The freeway has been under construction all year from  M59 to 12 Mile Rd. Resulting in the Northbound lanes shifted to the Southbound side making for very narrow lanes.
8. My dear friend Cindy Jacque's suggestion of Joe Meur Seafood for the venue for this dinner.
9. The opportunity to spend time and share an incredible meal with dear friend Angela. It has been about 5 years (when I left Renaissance Unity) since we've seen each other in person.
10. Our server, Brian, was perfectly attentive without hovering.
11. Sharing a plate of ten of the largest shrimp I have ever seen with a wonderful cocktail sauce for an appetizer. 
12. One of the best flavored, perfectly cooked Delmonico steaks I have ever enjoyed.
13. Sharing a slice of cheesecake (which I haven't had in many months) was the perfect ending to an awesome evening.
14. The picture-perfect picture backdrop of Christmas trees and the server who snapped our photograph.

Day 23 - I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Today, I give thanks for:

1. Discovering this meme about everyday magic being the result of seeing everything through the eyes of love. The spiritual practice I invited our community to consider this week was looking at every person and situation this week through the eyes of love.
2. My podiatrist, Dr. John, who has taken care of my feet for many years.
3. Lake Orion, Michigan which is where I grew up and went to school. I am referring to both the Village of Lake Orion and the larger Orion Township of which the village is a part.
4. Taking a drive out Central Dr. in Lake Orion, an area called Swiss Village where we lived as I came into teenage years and puberty.
5. Memories of sleeping out in the woods with my best friend at the time.
6. Memories of skinny dipping at night out of boats especially the night of July 20, 1969. About five of us were swimming and we had thrown our jeans in the boat. Someone turned the boat over trying to climb in and I dive for the clothes. Fortunately, I got them. We got into the house just in time to watch Neil Armstrong take the first steps on the moon.
7. Memories of my first sexual experiences which involved sleepovers and sleeping out.
8. Remembering the people who lived in most of the houses back in 1970.
9. The lake (Lake Orion) after which the township and village are named. We seemed to usually find houses to rent on the lake. 
10. Finding a 15-pound Rib Roast for Christmas dinner at Costco.
11.  A pot of "Boiled Dinner" (which is what my Grandma Ledger called it) cooking on the stove. It's soup made from the end of a ham preferably with the bone, cabbage, carrots, onion, celery, and potatoes. I substitute rutabaga for the potato. Then it cooks quite a while.
12. An afternoon in Lake Orion which stirred up the memories and the stories of my childhood, my mom and her parents, my Aunt Donna & Uncle Joe and so many others.

Always with Love,

Ric

Day 20 - I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Today, I give thanks for:

1. The way the sun rising in the east hits the top of the trees in the west this morning. It only lasts for a few minutes but always makes me smile.
2. My office at home which is serene and comfortable like a favorite sweater.
3. The west-facing view from my home office window. At this time of year, I can look across the pond to the condos on the other side which makes a wonderful landscape.
4. Chicken wings without breading (thinking about last night's dinner.)
5. My chiropractors Dr. Rodney & Dr. Sara.  
6. Toast - the eclectic restaurant in downtown Birmingham.
7. A wonderful lunch with my colleague Carolyn this afternoon at Toast.
8. Finding a parking place in the structure at Merril & Pierce in Birmingham today.
9. Four days without Android Auto and my car disconnecting.
10. Being able to comfortably check the pressure in the tires on my car.

Love.

Ric

Day 5 - I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Today, I Give Thanks For ...

1. Owen sitting in my office, pointing at everything as if he was asking, "What is that?" His inquisitive nature reminds me to approach life with "wide-eyed wonder."
2. Text messages about Thanksgiving, allowing an instant connection.
3. Receiving a warm message from someone I had not expected which made my heart happy and humble.
4. Being able to pick John up and bring him to his friend's house for the holiday.
5. Having everything I was bringing to our family Thanksgiving celebration yesterday which allowed this day to be easy and stress-free.
6. Arriving at my sister's on time.
7.  Jeremy getting the splinter out of my palm that has been annoying me for several days.
8. Getting the laundry done
9. Finding a sock I have been missing for a month.
10. How blessed I am with family and friends.
11. Catching up with Darrin & Steph
12. Dion's gravy success!

Thankfully,

Ric

Day 4 - I Give Thanks For ...

My current gratitude practice is to share at least 10 things for which I am grateful for each day without repetition.

Artwork created by the Unity of Royal Oak
Youth & Family Ministry

Today, I Give Thanks For ...

1. The blessings that flow from the youth in our program.
2. A new roof this summer has eliminated worry during today's high winds and pouring rain.
3. Our ACIM discussion group was deeply engaging today in conversation around healing and sickness.
4. Filling my car up with gas at BJ's for $2.149 today.
5. Ashley helping me get the peppercorns out of the seafood cocktail.
6. On this eve of Thanksgiving, 10 people attended the Midweek Meditation.
7. The Liquid Mind X CD from Chuck Wild.
8. The gift of growing friendship with Jon & Susan and their faithfulness participation on Wednesday nights.
9. Heart to heart conversation with Ashley tonight. I love getting to know who she is as a young woman and mother.
10. The wind and rain have helped the Oak Trees release the leaves so fall cleanup can happen.

Peace & Plenty!

Love, Ric

Day 1 - I Give Thanks For ...

November 24, 2019

As a spiritual practice, I daily share ten reasons I am grateful for each day. Today, I give thanks for:

1. My niece Ashley bringing her son, Owen Ledger Valentine to church today.
2. Owen reaching for me and sitting on my lap so he could eat round two from my plate at our dinner.
3. The incredible people who brought their energy and love to bless Sunday service today.
4. The Outreach Team's successful baked goods auction. 🌟
5. The amazing people that are drawn together to create Unity of Royal Oak.
6. The energy of the URO Music Makers during congregation singing as we began service.
7. A wonderful Friendsgiving Meal including keto-friendly entree for our community to enjoy.
8. The commitment of Zan and Deb and their entire family to preparing, transporting and serving lunch at Unity of Royal Oak until our kitchen is operational.
9. A gloriously sunny late November day.



Previous Fresh Apple Cake



Cake Disaster

10. Cathey Jo buying a cake I will make for $100. (I had a cake disaster the day before and could only bring a picture of a cake I have made in the past and a promise to make and deliver. 

Grateful Me - Day 30

A New View Without Walls

My gratitude journal - everyday for at least 30 days I find and post at least 10 things I am grateful for without repeating.

1. I am grateful for the open feeling in our community and in our facility.
2. I am grateful for the ability to be wrong without shame or blame.
3. I am grateful for the young man who came out from Comcast to repair our Internet and Phone service which I had inadvertently interrupted because I didn't know which cable was "live."
4. I am grateful for the clarity that comes in the form of discomfort in my knee from using a chair instead of a ladder.
5. I am grateful for the Spiritual Laws that are unfailing and provide a framework for a meaningful life.
6. I am grateful for the power to choose and choose again.
7. I am grateful for the sound of the wind in the trees.
8. I am grateful and looking forward to an upcoming weekend reTreat with Martha Creek.
9. I am grateful for this thirty day gratitude practice and the opportunity it has been to focus my thinking on the many things for which I am grateful.
10. I am grateful for being okay when the sermon others heard seem different than the one I delivered.
11. I am grateful for the realization that when the day seems tough, the truth is that all is well and joy comes in the morning.

I am grateful for you!

Ric

Grateful Me - Day 18

My gratitude journal - everyday for 30 days I find and post at least 10 things I am grateful for without repeating.

1. I am grateful that I was able to sleep in this morning.
2. I am grateful For being able to allow some quiet time for myself knowing that our team at URO were more than capable of dealing with whatever might arise.
3. I am grateful for the woman who cut my hair and trimmed my beard. Her skills made me feel like a million bucks.
4. I am grateful for the deep consciousness of our Prayer Partners Core Team.
5. I am grateful for the Healing Circle this afternoon What a powerful experience.
6. I am grateful for Mark Watson being present and willing to provide background music for the Healing Circle.
7. I am grateful for Youth Ministry sharing prayer flags and a video welcome as long as ana awesome song recommendation with us.
8. I am grateful for the URO Music Makers who shared several songs with us. The music was on point and heart opening.
9. I am grateful for the man who was staring back at me from the mirror this afternoon.
10. I am grateful for the simple Sou[p and Salad Supper that our Kitchen TEam served this evening.
11. I am grateful for Christopher Davis sharing his passion, skills and gifts of the Sacred Wave Gong Immersion.
12. I am grateful for the amazing experience of the experience of the Gong Meditation, like a meditation raised up a couple of orders of magnitude.
13. I am grateful to Mary Gilhuly's gift of the Intentional Heart Project and to all the people who participated.
14. I am grateful for the Candle Lighting Ceremony that concluded our 2018 WDOP observation.
15. I am grateful for our having given form to program a unique to our culture at URO that went deep and far to establish a power peaceful prayer consciousness in our community.

I am grateful for you!

Ric

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 25

1. I am grateful for this focus on Peace this Fourth Sunday of Advent which led me to the meaning of Shalom which then led me to the awareness that peace is more than the absence of conflict and that peace is a consciousness of deepest connection to Source. Preaching regularly is a powerful personal spiritual practice.
2. I am grateful for the streamlined service opening that grew out of conversations with several people over the past week. I didn't feel like I had to rush the talk.
3. I am grateful for Harvey's singing The Holly and the Ivey today. I love to see people stepping into their gifts and sharing them in community.
4. I am grateful for Sharon and Richard choosing to celebrate his birthday with the entire community by providing lunch from Chicken Shack as well as ice scream and cake. The sense of community, connection and ownership grows each month.
5.  I am grateful for having nothing that I must tend to at the moment allowing time for a nap and some music. Now to dream about Christmas ...

In the Spirit of Christmas,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 19

1. I am grateful for the still winter morning after the first snow storm of the season. The stillness of a crisp morning makes me smile.
2. I am grateful that I was able to get out of the driveway this morning. I had many errands to run and I wasn't sure I'd get out because I am not supposed to shovel snow per my cardiologist.
3. I am grateful that I was able to order the snow thrower I wanted and it will be delivered.  After traveling all over SE Michigan looking, I found the item on Amazon at the same price.
4. I am grateful for the help of my niece Ashley who came over and cleared a path for Porkchop to do his business and a path for my car from the garage out to the street through where the city plowed.
5. I am grateful for the assistance of a knowledgeable clerk at Restaurant Equippers who helped me assemble the right coffee system for Unity of Royal Oak. Makes my job so easy!

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 18

1. I am grateful for the Unity of Royal Oak Music Makers. Their dedication and talents bring joy to many.
2. I am grateful for Mark & Tatiana sharing the gift of music this morning, beautiful music on a snowy morning.
3. I am grateful for the hearty souls who came out in the snow to celebrate a day themed on Joy.
4. I am grateful for the folks out plowing and salting. Keeping the flow moving.
5. I am grateful for the Love that draws us together in celebration and service.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 14

The Light of Christmas Shines for You!

1. I am grateful for the people in the neighborhood around our Spiritual Center who stop by to say how nice the decorations look and then inquire about who we are which gives me and opportunity to share my "elevator speech" about Unity of Royal Oak and invite them to attend.
2. I am grateful for Barbara'a suggestions about CPAP's and other Apnea therapies. Keep me from ignoring the issue.
3. I am grateful for the 18 hats that were stuffed in our mail slot when I opened up today. Little fluffs of love for Foster kids.
4. Grateful for good ideas for January theme that came out of my weekly meeting with Kim.
5. Grateful for an open and honest conversation about issues related to building rental. I appreciate it when people bring their concerns

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way Of Living - Day 10

1. I am grateful for the season of Advent that leads up to Christmas. I consider advent a call to deepen my own spiritual practice in preparation for an authentic experience of Christ on Christmas.
2. I am grateful that my vocation and avocation are the same. For many years I made a living at a job and on the side I was a spiritual teacher. Since 2005 I have been employed as a minister.
3. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve families through officiating funerals and memorial services. My approach to the preparation for a Celebration of Life allows me an opportunity to connect deeply with families and get to know the person we are celebrating.
4. I am grateful to be the Spiritual Leader and Pastor at Unity of Royal Oak. There is nothing better in my book than amazing, beautiful people traveling and serving together.
5. I am grateful for the neighborhood I live in and especially the neighbors who live on either side. I have real neighbors who watch out for each other and lend a hand whether it is cutting back vines or helping me get Porkchop out when he got stuck under the deck. Have kind neighbors makes a huge difference in life.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Thanks As A Way of Living - Day 6

Thanks as a Way of Living - my gratitude practice till the end of the year (at least). A minimum, of five things each day that I am grateful for and why without repeats.

1. I am grateful that I am able to reflect on who I am and how I show up in the world. I am not always right or wrong. I am in process always. This ability allows me to correct course, to change, to choose and to choose again.
2. I am grateful that I have learned that my feelings won't destroy me. I have gotten through difficult experiences and upsetting events.
3. I am grateful for the tool of Inquiry known as The Work that found me one day during a ministers meeting in the form of a package from a publisher that contained a book titled "A Thousand Names For Joy" by Byron Katie . The Work is simple and deep and has helped me notice and rewrite the story of my life. A process that continues.
4. I am grateful that I have learned that what other people think of me is what they think of me and has little, if anything, to do with who I am. The realization has been liberating from chasing after approval and love.
5. I am grateful that I can imagine things differently than they appear. Over my life I have used the power of imagination to stretch, grow, become, heal and transform my experience of life.
6. U am grateful I can change my mind. I am not stuck in a thought system or beliefs or a story. I am a unique point through which Life is expressing itself.

Always in Love,

Ric

#LivingThanks

(c) 2016 by Richard L. Beattie, All Rights Reserved

Twas A Week Before Christmas. OMG

Christmas in a week. Really?

Personal reflections on that thought.

Am I ready for the experience of Christmas? Ready to move deeper in relationship with/in/of God?

Am I open and still enough for the miracles of this holy season?

If something is going to be born in any of us seven days from now, we must be/get "pregnant" now. What is alive and growing within me at this time? In my heart and in my awareness.

What is my consciousness preparing to bring forth into expression? What am I cultivating?

What am I open to receive and share?

I am grateful that there is time to clarify my intentions.

God Loves Me! Really.

During service last Sunday, we paid tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou who had made her transition into the Light on May 28. 2014. Part of our program was showing a video clip of a Super Soul Sunday segment where Oprah asked Dr. Angelou, "Where do you go for solace and comfort." Dr. Angelou shared that she was a student of Unity and then shared an idea she gleaned from the book Lessons in Truth that "God Loves Me." Maya shared the journey of that powerful idea from intellectual understanding to soul knowing.

In a sweet and mystical way, it feels like the Universe has hijacked this day, June 3, and used many elements to remind me that God Loves Me, too.

Understand that I deeply know that God love you and me and all of life. I speak it and teach it and am witness to the truth of it in the lives of people all around me.

Today, I am reminded that beyond my story about God loves me is the experience of Love that rushes into me and floods my soul, filling my entire being when I let it happen.

Since last Friday I had felt a cold settling into my chest. I took some supplements and powered through the weekend and even through a Monday morning appointment that my mom had for some lab work. I woke up several times early this morning coughing and feeling like I couldn't breathe. Okay, I knew that this was more than a cold so I went to the urgent care center and after an exam and X-ray got the diagnosis that there was a cloudy area in one of my lungs -  "walking pneumonia" and a prescription for an antibiotic. I even knew which drug would be dispensed. The doctor told me to take all the pills, drink plenty of fluids and get some rest if possible. All of this was very routine because about once every 12 or 18 months I get one of these infections.

Garden of Healing and Renewal

Miracles and Mitzvah

While I was waiting to be seen by the doctor, I sent an email to the church to let folks know where I was and after the diagnosis, I sent another email (my name is Ric and I am a smart phone addict) as had been requested to update my status.

When I got through the discharge process and got to my car, I noticed this garden across the street from where I parked - a Garden of Healing and Renewal. The sign and the scene felt inviting, peaceful and were a reminder for me to notice where Love was moving in my life.

Then the emails started. One of my colleagues let me know that several of my "to do's" over the next few days had been taken care of and that I had been banished from being part of our Adopt A Park project this weekend so I could take some time off. Then another colleague emailed that there was nothing going on that through the end of the week that needed my attention. A few seconds later, a text inquiring how I was and then a phone call to encourage me to take a couple of days off to heal and renew. Oh and to make plans for the vacation I had mentioned I wanted to take this fall.

When I got home, my neighbor was mowing the last small part of the bottom of the hill I had not had time to get to last Friday. Then a sweet message via Facebook. And another message from a colleague.

I got it. The Universe was conspiring to remind me that God loves me. The Garden of Healing and Renewal is a lovely garden and it can be a state of conscious, almost overwhelming awareness that God Loves Me. The simple, powerful Truth for me and for everyone. Life itself can be profound Spiritual Practice when I notice that God loves me and take that idea to heart.

If God loves me then I might find the ways to love me as well. God loves you too, so I can love too. I tend to live like a human doing at times. Time to balance the doing and being.

How and what is the Universe whispering to you this day? Better to get the message when it's a whisper.


Grace and Peace,

Ric






(c) 2014 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

Happy Thanksgiving Day

On this day we dedicate to giving thanks, I am grateful for:

1. Getting to the church to open it on time today.
2. Wonderful mixture of seasoned volunteers and brand new folks created an amazing energy and excited.
3. My dear friend Rev. Karen Boland who started this Community Thanksgiving Feast 37 years ago.
4. The great honor of continuing in her footsteps (although not in her shoes ☺)
5.  Being able to step back from the kitchen and attend to the big picture of the event this year.
6. The way that this established event shifts slightly to accommodate new ideas and energy while retaining its essence.
7. The generous outpouring of support, turkeys and mashed potatoes that our Renaissance Community delivered in waves of plenty and abundance.
8. The idea that we all cooked our turkeys, mashed potatoes and stuffing at home individually and brought the dishes to church where a dedicated group of volunteers mixed everything together with love. What a modeling for sharing our resources for the good of all.
9. The 325 people from every age group, family & marital status, sexual orientation and gender identity came together in celebration and as family for a few hours top share a meal and their presence. Wow!
10. Being joined by Jim Lee, daughter Tracy and two of her kids for dinner. So very sweet!
11. The most amazing slice of homemade apple pie, little sugar allowing the natural apple flavor through and such a flaky crust.
12. A dear lady who came up to me as she was leaving to express her gratitude. She said she had resigned herself to not having a "Thanksgiving Dinner" this year because she couldn't afford it. One of her friends had told her about the church and she really enjoyed to food and companionship.
13. The movie Wally which so many stayed to watch.
14. Cindy staying to the very end to help make sure what needed to get done was done.
15. I give thanks for you who are reading these ramblings,
16. A sense of happy exhaustion as I locked the doors and drove home with unused food to take the Great Grace Center of hope tomorrow for one more day of Thanks Giving on this journey of Thanksliving. 

Copyright (c) 2011 by Richard L. Beattie, all rights reserved

Eve of Thanksgiving

I am Grateful for:

1. The question "What would happen if you woke up this morning and all you had was what you thanked God for yesterday?" ~Martha Creek
2. Being able to laugh at myself. I was cracking three eggs to scramble for breakfast, the first two were uneventful; crack an egg on the edge of sink and deposit in bowl. The last egg, I cracked and promptly deposited into the sink. I looked down at the egg and started to laugh, belly laugh. I laughed so hard I almost peed my pants.Thank You God for laughter and not taking things too seriously.
3. Remembering to check my medications and order the refills
4. Having a dishwasher
5. the ability to change my current focus quickly
6. Beautiful drive to my brother Matt's home
7. a sweet Thanksgiving Eve service this evening
8. The opportunity to preach
9. amazing coworkers
10. knowing when it is time to go to bed.