November 2009 Archives - 3/5 - Momastery » Momastery

Well, Hello There

Nov 122009

“Coincidences are God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

-Albert Einstein

Last night, after the kids had finally surrendered to sleep, I sat down at my computer to work on a draft of today’s post. I noticed that there was a message in my inbox from Cathy.

TheCathy. Cathy, my personal hero. Cathy, the American hero. Cathy, who I haven’t spoken to in eight years.

My hands shook a little as I opened her greeting. I assumed that someone had forwarded last week’s essays to her, and I was praying that she approved of them.In her message, Cathy mentioned that Paul had been redeployed, that her kids were doing well, and that she had been thinking about me. She did not mention the blog. I took this as a bad sign. I thought perhaps she disapproved and was going to break it to me gently. I got nervous and blurted out on the keyboard…

“Cathy, what did you think of the blog?”

And Cathy, of course, replied … “What blog?”

God is good, friends.

Expect miracles.

We Honor You

Nov 112009

My friend and neighbor, Pablo, made this for you. The flag is made up of all of your heroes’ names, and the names and ranks of those who died at Fort Hood. Please click on the image to see the details.

Please add Dustin Dinola, Winston Churchill Mani, Jim Ullrich, Charlie Moore, R. Harwood Staples, and Paul Hurley to your heart’s list.

As a child I spent my weekends on a boat called the Irish Heir, sailing the Chesapeake Bay. The four of us – my dad, mom, Sister, and I – sailed all day and when evening approached, we dropped anchor and lay on the deck to watch the twinkling stars.

This is the song that my dad played for us on those evenings, again and again.

God Bless the USA

Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,

I’d worked for all my life.

And I had to start again,

With just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,

To be living here today.

Because the flag still stands for freedom,

And they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,

Well at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the ones who died,

Who gave that right to me,

And I’ll gladly stand up…

Next to you and defend her still today.

Because there ain’t no doubt I love this land…

God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee

Across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston, and New York to LA

Well there’s pride in every American heart

And it’s time we stand and say….

That I’m proud to be an American,

Where at least I know I’m free.

And I won’t forget the ones who died,

Who gave that right to me,

And I’ll gladly stand up, next to you

and defend her still today.

Because there ain’t no doubt I love this land…

God Bless the U.S.A.

If you didn’t get a chance yet – please leave the name of your veteran or a message of gratitude for the heroes already listed.

Happy Veteran’s Day.

Love, Pablo and Glennon

Today’s the Day

Nov 102009

“There isn’t a contemplative tradition anywhere that doesn’t ask its adherents to govern speech to a considerable degree…in the Islamic tradition speech must pass through the “Three Gates” before it is spoken:

1.I 1. Is it true?

2.I 2. Is it kind?

3.I 3. Is it necessary?”

-At the Root of this Longing, Reconciling a Spiritual Hunger and a Feminist Thirst

I have always suspected that hushing myself would lead to more peace and joy in my life. When I consider unburdening myself from the compulsion to constantly express my opinions, it feels like offering myself a peaceful bench upon which to sit and relax. So today, I am going to hush. I am going to concentrate on listening, and try to say only those things that are true, kind, and necessary.

I chose to begin this experiment today because I am ill, and unlikely to get out of bed. I have found that getting out of bed increases exponentially the likelihood that one will encounter people in need of a helpful tongue lashing. I always like to set myself up for success, so today’s the day. I’ll report the results of my experiment soon.

While we’re on the topic of speechlessness, I’d like to share the most beautiful picture I’ve ever seen. Spend a moment with it if you can. I won’t pretend that there are any words to add to its perfection.