A New Year’s Prayer–“Surprise me again, Lord!”

December 31st, 2010 | Category: General

I absolutely LOVE this time of the year when we slow down for a few days and spend time pondering the last year — the successes, the failures, the disappointments and struggles, the joys experienced, precious new people who have crossed our paths, old friends who have walked beside us for years, important lessons learned, and most of all, thankfulness for the GIFT of each day of life.

Every year I choose a theme for my year. Several years ago a friend shared this beautiful New Year’s prayer with me, and it became my theme for that year, “Surprise me again, Lord!” Every day when I would wake up, I would pray this short phrase. I must admit that some of the “surprises” were not ones I would have chosen; however, because of this focus, my eyes were opened to small blessings that I might have simply passed by in the busyness of our lives. Since then, I have tried to make these words an ongoing part of my life, and I keep a “Blessings Journal” filled with the people and experiences that have touched my life in such precious ways.

My grandchildren are my greatest blessing!

Whatever your belief may be, I hope you enjoy this prayer, and that your New Year will be overflowing with delightful surprises! There is a wonderful thought from William Winter, “As much of Heaven is visible as we have eyes to see.” May we all live 2011 with our heavenly eyes wide open!

Blessings,
Barbara

A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER

RESPONSE: “God, surprise us again.”

When we miss the beauty and joy of earth’s goodness…….(response)

When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush…….

When our frailty outruns our strength……

When the hope in our heart fades away……

When it seems the darkness will never give way to the light……

When even You seem far away……

RESPONSE: “Walk closely with us, God.”

As we strive to live our lives well…….(response)

As we journey into the unknown territory of a new year…….

As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths……

As we stay faithful to our relationship with You……

As we open our hearts to the messengers You send to us……

As we accept Your constant love for us……

(Together)

God of this New Year, we are walking into mystery. We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring to us or how we will respond. Be Love in us as we journey. May we welcome all who come our way. Deepen our faith to see all of life through Your eyes. Fill us with hope and an abiding trust that you dwell in us amidst our joys and sorrows. Thank You for the treasure of our faith life. Thank You for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance of Your walking through the day with us. God of this New Year, we praise You.

Amen

A Beautiful Holiday Tradition

December 03rd, 2010 | Category: General, Ideas

My friend, Michelle Dolieslager, shared this beautiful family tradition with me today:

My sister, Kelly, loves to make cards with all the “Stamping Up” materials she has collected over the years. Growing up Navy Brats and having spouses, family members, and friends who have served in all branches of the Military, my family has always been very supportive of and grateful for the men and women serving our Country. Several years ago, we decided to combine my sister’s passion for card making – and my family’s support of the Troops – into a Dolieslager/Kiem family tradition.

Each year, we make over 100 Holiday cards with Kelly’s never ending supply of stamps, ink, ribbons, glitter, cardstock, and our “artistic” talents. You can definitely see they are homemade J. Then on Thanksgiving Day, the Dolieslager/Kiem family (including my awesome 12 nieces and nephews ranging in age from 5 – 23 years) get together at my brother, Bryan’s, house and write special notes of thanks and support in the cards.

Jackson and Erin making the cards

My Dad served 26 years in the Navy – so my Mom, brothers – Steve and Bryan – and sister Kelly remember how hard it was to be separated from him for months at a time when we were growing up. Kelly’s husband, Bob, was in the Air Force and served during Desert Storm. My sisters in law, Marieska and Lori have family members who have served. This year, we were blessed to have Lori’s uncle Chris and his family join us for Thanksgiving. Chris is currently in the Army and has served in Iraq. He and Bob gave us first-hand insight into what it is like to receive support from others when so far away from home and loved ones.

Some of the cards the family made

It makes us proud to know that our small gesture of thanks is appreciated by those who receive the cards. So, once again, the signed cards will be included with a box of goodies – cookies, candy, toiletries – and mailed to a friend currently serving in Iraq. He will share our cards and treats with those serving by his side. It’s a simple Dolieslager/Kiem family tradition, but one I will always cherish!

All the nieces and nephews who worked on the cards

It is not too late to do something like this as a family this holiday season. Not only will it deeply touch the people in our armed forces and be a fun family sharing time, but it will also remind everyone of the many ways that we can chooose to make a difference for someone else . Isn’t that the whole theme of the holidays?

To experience more ideas of caring things you can do for one another, go to www. barbaraglanz.com/ideas.

I have been thinking a lot about your message – and at least once a day someone quotes something you said.  One of our Directors came up to me today and said it was the best meeting he has ever attended with our company – and this is quite a compliment since he has been with the company a long time. I am still amazed at how impactful the day was!

Bonnie Scott ,
Vice President of Corporate Training & Development
Eat’ n Park

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Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. - Mother Teresa -