Welcome to 5784

 

Usually I look for a photograph for a blog post, but for Rosh Hashanah this year I  didn't find one that I'd taken that worked for me. I did find a few questions that my congregation had put together last year that I saved. They are as pertinent this year as they were at the start of 5783.

 

I have the next ten days to ponder what I will leave behind and what will be my commitments in the year to come. I have a few things in mind, but I want this to be a careful decision. When I'm at the start of 5785, what actions and choices will have been fulfilling and meaningful? The slate is clean. Let me fill it with wisdom and kindness.  

There will be many hours of services during this time from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. My mind often starts to wander and I've found a good way to focus is the pray for those I know and those I've never met. I would be honored to bring your prayer requests with me. If you would like, send me an email or leave a comment on the blog. I won't be posting, but will be monitoring email and Buttercupland for the next few days. 

To all: Wishes for good health, happiness, sweet times and peace throughout the world. 

Happy 5779 Pink Saturday

Honey for a sweet year ahead!

 

Every year I get a thought of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah -- head of the year -- in July. I think this is a good time to organize things I need to do. And every year I think to myself it's too early to write cards/make donations/list things I want to do before the holiday. And every year I look up from my daily life and realize the new year begins tomorrow. Tomorrow at this time, 5778 will be history and the celebration of 5779 will have begun. This year, as in past years, I will attend services, pray, spend time with people I love and reflect on the year past. 

 

One thing I especially want to do in the hours ahead is pray for my family and friends around the world. I started asking for prayer requests in Buttercupland several years ago and have now extended this to my friends on Facebook. I was touched and honored to be the recipient of dozens of requests last year. No request is too small. Our services are long and my mind does wander over the hours spent over the next two weeks. Praying for others gives me focus and connection.  

 

The year past held some wonderful moments -- trips to Iceland, England and Australia -- spent with dear friends. But the last six months included loss and illness among a number of people who are very dear to me. My first prayer, as it is every year, is peace in the world. My second prayer is good health for those near and dear.My third prayer is faith and strength to bear all that 5779 will hold.

 

I'm linking with my friends at Pink Saturday to share my holiday good wishes. If you have a minute please stop by and visit with this great group of bloggers.

Good wishes to all who celebrate Rosh Hashanah and healthy and happy wishes to all!



First on My List: The Twenty Third Psalm

This morning I was scheduled for an MRI. The purpose of this test is to see if there is a recurrence of the spinal cord tumor I had removed in June, 2012. The tumor was benign, but there is a ten per cent chance of regrowth. The recommended follow up is every two years, but due to anxiety and concerns about the contrast material I need for this test I skipped/delayed it. But prudence won over anxiety and I found myself at the imaging center and 8:30 this morning.

I knew I was anxious, but until I was actually in the machine, I didn't realize how anxious I was. Thoughts of getting stuck in the MRI tube popped into my head, and I knew I could spiral into hysteria. I needed to calm myself quickly and with virtually no conscious thought "The Lord is my shepherd..." came into my mind. The Twenty-third Psalm is the only psalm I know by heart and the verses soothed me and brought me back to a calmer place. I recited it at least twice and then proceeded to a series of Beatle songs, followed by the streets in the neighborhood I grew up in. It was an odd combination, but I was able to get through the test without panic.

For my friends who are praying women, what prayers do you turn to? What prayers would you have turned to in this situation? For my friends who are not given to prayer for calming, would you have turned to music? Would poetry be your go-to? I've memorized a lot of poetry, but it didn't cross my mind this morning. Prayer, music and childhood memories saved my day. What would save your day?

I expect to get the results of the test early next week. I'm optimistic that the outcome will be clear and no recurrence, but until I hear from my neurosurgeon, "The Lord is my shepherd...: will stay in the center of my mind, continuing to clear the anxiety away.

As ever, thanks for visiting, and have a great weekend!

       

Pray A to Z

The words "I will pray for you," are often part of my posts on Facebook or when I'm visiting a friend in Buttercupland. But there are times when I am beyond words. Amelia Rhodes' Pray A to Z gives us the words when we are struggling to find them. Each letter of the alphabet has several entries -- Bullying, Bankruptcy, Bulimia and Eating Disorders, are part of "B" -- and include a quote from scripture, a description of the issue and a prayer.

So many of the topics gave words to concerns that I have and met a need that friends had shared with me. The prayers for Job Seekers, Refugees and Lack of Medical Care spoke specifically to issues I have been praying about. I also found the prayer for Ordinary Life -- the place where we spend more of our days -- beautiful and touching. I'm grateful to Amelia Rhodes for putting this collection together and giving words to the prayers of my heart. I'm also grateful to the Litfuse Group for the opportunity to review not only this book, but others throughout the year.

I didn't see a prayer for blog friends -- if I wrote a book on prayer there would be one -- so I offer this one. My prayers for all I've met on my blogging journey. Prayers for you, your families and your good health. I pray that the year ahead gives us all and our world the gift of peace. Let us say Amen.

I've enjoyed taking a few minutes out of the whirl of busyness to read, pray, and to reflect on G-d's place in my life. Deeply grateful for this opportunity and for all of you.

As ever, thanks for visiting. Keep cozy and take good care. 

Please note: I was given a copy of Pray A to Z by the Litfuse Group in exchange for my thoughts. My opinions are all mine.

Wishes for Peace

In just a few hours the year 5777 will begin. My tzimmes -- root vegetable casserole -- is once again baking in the oven. And as I did last year and will most likely do next year -- if the opportunity presents itself -- my thoughts go to family and friends. Some I can no longer send greetings to and others are no further than a phone call or text message.

I spent time this morning looking through my grandmother's collection of greeting cards. Most were sent between 1910 and 1920 and they are well loved and well worn. My grandmother looked through them often, remembering her young life and the family and friends who filled it. I doubt if any museum would be interested in the collection. They are torn, stained and discolored through decades of handling. But they are as precious to me as any of the treasures I saw at the Metropolitan Museum.

As I've shared before, my mind wanders during the next two days of services. I've found bringing a list of prayer requests with me helps me focus and to remember my friends and family. Please feel free to leave a request in the comments and I will be honored to add you to my prayer list for 5777.

May 5777 bring peace to our hearts, peace to our homes and peace to our world.  

Every Word That is Said Shall Be Received

My tzimmes is finishing in the oven and my thoughts are turning to the focus of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. I think of the year past and the year to come and my prayers turn to prayer and my prayers for my family, friends and the sadness of our world.

One of the high points of the year soon to be past was my congregation's prayer retreat in February. One of the three days was devoted to petionary prayer. I took away from that day the sureness that it is an obligation and a blessing to pray for others. As we begin the long days of services and reflection I will have a lot of time to pray, both the liturgy and prayers of my heart. It will be my blessing to bring your prayers with me as I begin this year's journey. No prayer is too small to be offered to G'd.

The title of this post is from the first service of holiday season last week and one I will strive to remember throughout this new year, 5776, in the Hebrew calendar.

I will be honored to pray for any of your intentions in the next ten days of prayer and will keep all of my blog friends in my prayers, as I do every day.

Thank you all for your friendship and prayers for a sweet new year!  

Pink Saturday Thank You

I got back to New York on Wednesday night, but it's been tough getting back to blogging. Actually it's been tough getting back to lots of things in my daily life, but finally I've gotten back to the gym, grocery shopped and happily, here, I am at the computer, just in time for some Pink Saturday fun.

Waiting for me when I arrived at home was a package from one of my favorite bloggers, Lavender Dreams, and it was decked out in pink. I was the winner of the "Sunshine and Sweetness" giveaway. Since I had just spent time in minus degrees weather the gift of sunshine and sweetness was a perfect welcome home.

 The wrapping was so pretty in pink...

 

...and I'm delighted with my pink floral makeup bag, sea shells and sweet card. 

Many, many thanks!

 

 

The phrase "life-changing" is used often, and I tend to be wary of it, but the prayer retreat was life-changing. I can see changes in my life already, but I am also aware that it may be many weeks or months before all of the changes begin to be part of my life. I am so grateful that forty people took four days of their lives to discuss faith and prayer and to pray. It was deep, it was intense and I am striving  to carry the experience forward. 

 

 

 

Blogger is being it's more petulant self and I can't enlarge the photos. I will try again in the next few days and hope it's being more cooperative. 

 

We had glorious warmer weather today and everyone who was able to do so, was out and enjoying the sunshine. Lots of slush, but what a treat.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting. Take good care and keep cozy! 

New Snow, New Day

I'm at our congregational prayer retreat. The weather is freezing, but we are wrapped in so much warmth. My blog buddies are in my prayers, but if there is anything specific you would like added, please let me know.

Sunday (to) Sunday...

It's just a week, but the days go by so fast. I've often thought about what I was doing the week past, especially after a vacation. The thought struck me yesterday. I was walking on city sidewalks to meet friends for a Gospel concert...

   We heard the wonderful Community Gospel Choir from Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. For many, many years Dr. Norman Vincent Peale was pastor of the church.

 

 

...But just the Sunday before I was at an herb farm in the Massachusetts countryside. Yes, there's countryside in Massachusetts. I was enjoying the scent of wood smoke and leaves crackling underfoot. On a map I was only 150 miles from Manhattan, but in spirit I was a million miles away.

 



This sign greeted us at the gift shop

 

 



I was taken with this autumn display. It was so simple, yet so beautiful.

 

 

I spent a long time trying for just the right goat picture. I think here the goat was most cooperative. 

 

And of course, the herbs. I loved walking outdoors and knowing that the herbs that were growing would one day be available for all things herbal at the store. 



 

I hope you've enjoyed our city Sunday and our country Sunday, only one week apart. Next Sunday I will be in Savannah for a very different Sunday experience. Two things that run through all of these days. I'm sure I will have a good time, and no worry, there will be pictures!

 

I spent some time with my friend, Jackie, on Saturday, who has just been diagnosed with colon cancer. Her attitude is great and she has a terrific medical team, but it is still a difficult diagnosis. She has asked for prayer and know she would appreciate the prayers of all of Buttercupland. Thanks for being part of Team Jackie.

 

Tomorrow I've got laundry and I hope to make a few Halloween cards. But I will also make a trip to the gym and I'm looking forward to the first session in my synagogue class on prayer. 

 

I hope you had a great Monday and will have a great week. As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

 

Wishes for a Year of Light, Love and Peace

Apples and honey are the traditional way to start the new year

I'm in the midst of chopping, peeling and cooking for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which begins at sundown tonight. I'm the designated cook for tzimmes, another traditional food. This recipe is pretty close to my recipe, but I like to add apples and a white potato or two for a more varied. taste. I've got a lot of sweet potatoes peeled for dinner tomorrow. I'll be with friends I've known for not quite fifty years and their extended families, who have become my family, too, over the years.

I'm grateful for people I love to cook for and grateful for people I love to worship with. It's a blessing I don't take lightly.  I enjoy the liturgy and music of the holiday, but the services are long -- tomorrow is a four hour service -- and to be very honest, my attention can wander. I've found the best way for me to bring my focus back to prayer is to bring a prayer list with me. This year peace is at the top of the list, but there are many other items, small and large. I would be honored to add any requests you may have to my list. My blog friends are families, your health and well-being, are definitely something I am very grateful for. Please leave a comment or feel free to email me. 

I'm returning to my sweet potatoes. I'll pray while I chop and count the blessings of this year almost past and pray for peace, light and love in the year to come. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and sweet new year. 

Flowers for Leontien

My sweet blog buddy Nancy, who blogs at A Rural Journal is hosting a blog event for her blogger buddy Leontien, who is battling cancer. I'm happy to send these beautiful lilacs to Leontien. My thoughts and prayers are with you! If you'd like to join the blog event, please stop by Nancy's blog.

Thank you all for your prayers for me. I was moved to misty eyes to know that in just a few hours there where dear friends all through the country praying for my health. I am a lucky woman!

Dear Baby Crew,

Source: stampinat6213.blogspot.com via Brandis on Pinterest

I am praying for a complete and quick recovery from your surgery. I am praying for your mother and father and all of your family. My prayer is that very soon you will be home and cuddling with your Mama and Daddy and giggling baby giggles.

Baby Crew is in the hospital in Arkansas following a very complex surgery. Our blog buddy Grammy Girlfriend posted about him and suggested we email his beautiful mother, Marie, with our prayers.  I asked Marie if she would like me to do a post asking for prayers and her reply was "we would love that." Crew has had a few very tough days, but things looked up this afternoon. Spending time in the ICU waiting room is difficult at best and Crew's family needs all the prayers that we can offer.

Baby Crew, I am praying for you!

P.S. Please click the link to read about Crew and to meet a lovely blogger, Grammy Girlfriend. 

My Heart is in Missouri

I have a few blog posts in my mind, but they will have to wait until tomorrow or the next day. My prayers and thoughts are in Missouri, especially Joplin.  I don't know how to make any sense of the devastation, but am praying for shelter, for strength and courage in the face of great tragedy.

I have several blog friends in Missouri and want to share these two links from Melinda and Donna. Blogging certainly makes the world a much smaller place and brings both sorrow and joy closer to us.  

Hot Cocoa Time

Both the weather and my day call for hot cocoa. I just need a few mini-marshmallows! The day was a whirl of meetings. I scheduled what I thought was a quick appointment to remove two small growths, which are pre-anything serious. Our office is closed tomorrow and I thought I'd have a nice long evening to catch up on blogging and generally relax.

The best laid plans... My appointment was at 5:30 and I got home less than an hour ago, having spent over three hours with the doctor and now I'm armed with many directions to follow. I'd never met the surgeon before and most of the reason it took so long was her careful and kind precision. She was great, and I am very thankful to have been guided to such a caring doctor. As she stitched I had lots of time to pray and I offered that time for all the prayers that you all have asked for in the past, as well as any intentions I might not be aware of. You were all in my prayers tonight.

I'm going to make a cup of hot cocoa and cuddle up the Land's End catalogue and look for some warm fleece for the months ahead. More Memphis pictures tomorrow.

Sweet, sweet dreams!