Casual Cancer Connections

Cancer.  The word itself makes my heart pump.  I don't like the reality of the disease.  I don't like it at all.  But, I accept that it is here and it takes and it kills without prejudice.

I came across a woman (employee) at the neighborhood bulk store (which is decorated in RED and the employees wear red (and khaki) and I avoid wearing red when I go there) and she tried to steady herself on my cart.  When this happens one quickly checks on the person to see if they need help. So, I followed suit.  Then she leans over and tells me, "I am fighting cancer and I feel sick and nauseated too.  I had my chemo this morning and it is really taking it out of me."

I didn't know what to say.  People just say things to me, I don't always say something back.  Most of the time I just listen and let them talk.   I asked her if she needed to sit down or for me to call someone to come help her get to a resting place.  She declined, said she needed to work and that she was fine just tired and woozy.  She chatted with me about her four year old daughter and how she loves certain bubble bath and body washes.  And how she loves to play dress up.  We talked about skin care and eczema and motherhood.

She eventually said, "I am not worried. I have a good outlook on this thing.  I will go in for my numbers next week and they will go down." I told her that I am sorry she has this battle to deal with and that she is not alone. She smiled.  We exchanged pleasantries. I wished her well and walked away.

I haven't stopped thinking about her.  She made an impression on me.  Despite what she said, I know she is concerned about her well being.  But more so, I know she is concerned about her daughter.  So, I pray for the woman in red (and khaki).  May her spirit be held up and her courage maintained as she battles this horrible cancer.  May her worry for her daughter be soothed.  May she regain her healed body. Amen.

From my Altar

Here is a little piece o my prayer table.  I light a candle to remind me of my prayers for my family and loved ones.  It also helps me focus on the light of Christ, which permeates the darkness in my life.  A candle is such a wonderful symbol of God's love.  I burns bright, warm and is long lasting.   It doesn't burn hot and fast like desire. It burns slowly and cleanly like devotion.  I love that.

I have lots of people on my prayer list. Today, God answered two of my prayers for people I love--I thank you my God, you amaze me.  Just for the world to know, that when I say I will pray for you, I really do pray for you. 



God's merciful blessings to all my readers.  May you feel his warmth and comfort in your days. Amen.

Good Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer

Gracious God,
Thank you for the gift of today.
Refresh me. Invite me to discover your presence
In each person that I meet
And every event that I encounter.
Teach me when to speak and when to listen
When to ponder and when to share.
In moments of challenge and decision
Attune my heart to the whisperings of your Wisdom.
As I undertake ordinary and unnoticed tasks,
Gift me with simple joy.
When my day goes well, may I rejoice.
When it grows difficult, surprise me with
New possibilities.
When life is overwhelming, call me to
Sabbath moments
To restore your Peace and Harmony.
May my living today reveal your Goodness.
Amen.
-Pat Bergen, C.S.J.

A Little Prayer from My Prayer Book

Not sure who shot this beauty but, thank you.

Dear God, thank you for my good digestion and for providing something to digest. :)

Give me health of boday as well as the sense to keep it healthy. 
Give me a holy soul, o God, which keeps its eyes on beauty and purity, so that it will not be daunted on seeing sin.
Give me a soul that knows nothing of boredom, groans, and sighs.  Never let me be overly concerned for this inconstant thing that I call "me".
God, give me a sense of humor, so that I may take some happiness from this life and share it with others.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

National Day of Prayer

Learning Christ
Teach me, my Lord, to be sweet and gentle
In all the events of life-
  in disappointments,
  in the thoughtlessness of others,
  in the insincerity of those I trusted,
  in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Let me put myself aside,
  to think of the happiness of others,
  to hide my little pains and heartaches,
  so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes across my path.
Let me so use it that is may mellow me, not harden nor embitter me;
That it may make me patient, not irritable. That it make me broad in My forgiveness, not narrow, haughty and overbearing.

May no one be less good for having come within my influence. No one less pure, less true, less kind, less noble for having been a fellow-traveler in our journey Toward ETERNAL LIFE.

As I go my rounds from one distraction to another, let me whisper from time to time, a word of love to Thee.
May my life be lived in the super-natural, full of power for Good, and strong in its purpose of sanctity.