The Blessing of Charm

You reach into the blessing bowl and pull out a small metal token embossed with the word CHARM. Why has it come to you today? What does it mean to you? My reaction was interesting. First, I thought of the leprechaun from Lucky Charms cereal: “A magically delicious blessing.” Then, I saw an animated version of Prince Charming, kissing Snow White, a twinkle in his eye. Of course, there is charm school with white gloves and impeccable manners. I’m having a difficult time taking this one seriously. Still, perhaps we all could use the blessing of charm now and then.

May your personality dazzle wherever you go.
May you be the one whose parties everyone wants to go.
May people be attracted to your magnetic charm.
May you be the one with whom they want to walk arm and arm.

The Blessing of Resolve

You reach into the blessing bowl and pull out a small metal token embossed with the word RESOLVE. Why has it come to you today? What does it mean to you? This is another blessing that I feel that I, almost desperately, need. Lately I feel that I could so easily give up on everything, absolutely everything. Just when I want to give up for the last time, I will hear a song or read a story that renews my resolve to carry on. Whether you want to quit smoking, lose weight, find a job, have a more abundant life, realize a dream, be a happier person or achieve some other goal/resolution, I wish for you the blessing of resolve.

May the Spirit of Resolve bless you today.

May your goals be your North Star, guiding your actions.

May you feel a Divine momentum, so that each day it becomes easier and easier to keep on the path to what you want.

May you persist until your goal is finally yours.

May you know the satisfaction of a goal achieved.

Prayer for the Nuclear Power Plant Workers in Japan

Dear God,
Please be with workers of the nuclear power plants in Japan that were affected by the recent earthquakes. Fill the workers with your guidance and wisdom so that they can make the plants safe and stable. Send your courage and strength to them so that they can continue on with their work. Help them feel your love and the well-wishes of all those around the world who are thinking about them. Protect them and infuse their bodies with your perfect health. Lastly God, please be with their families and loved ones, helping them to feel your comfort, strength and love. A-men.

Prayer for Japan

This is a revised version of my prayer for the people of Japan.

Dear God,
Please be with the people of Japan today and in the weeks and months to come. Send your wisdom and guidance to those involved with the operation of nuclear power plants, guiding them to make the plants stable and safe.  Be with the searchers and rescuers, helping them to find any missing people quickly. Be with the injured, giving them courage, healing them of their physical and emotional wounds. Be with those who have lost loved ones, wrapping your love around them and comforting them. Be with all of those affected by the earthquake and tsunami, giving them strength, wisdom, good health, and hope as they rebuild their lives and their communities. Let them know that you are always with them as a stable presence in their lives. A-men.

The Blessing of Grace (Personal)

This morning I read an article in which Holland Taylor commented on Charlie Sheen. I confess that I have never been a fan of Two and a Half Men—I can’t relate to the style of humor—but I was very impressed by Taylor’s gracious comments. A few weeks ago I wrote a blessing about Divine Grace, God’s gift to us, the blessing written about in the song Amazing Grace. But, we can also possess a personal grace that makes us a blessing to others.

May the Spirit of Personal Grace bless your life.
May you move with beauty and elegance.
May you speak words of kindness, even when you could easily speak words of ridicule or anger.
May your actions embody your highest ideals.
May people feel better about themselves after being in your presence.

March “Bloem”

This is a hybrid blessing and poem.

May the lengthening days lighten your Spirit,
As new life begins to stir around you,
Robins returning, rain nurturing young sprouts,
Changing from frozen dreams to forward momentum,
Hope’s warmth feeding your courage to grow.

March Poem

Last night I was reading about acrostics and decided to try to write a few.

Moody from the long winter dark
Afraid hope will make me appear foolish
Resigned to cold, ice, and snow
Casually I look for signs of new life
How joyful the first buds of Spring.