Francis of Assisi

Cornell University Press is featuring my review of Francis of Assisi by Augustine Thompson.

Answer to prayer

At the beginning of the month, I started an experiment in prayer.

I have been keeping a list of things I've prayed for and the answers.  So far there are 20 prayers on the list.  Of those:

8--yes, including a job for friend of mine!!! (As well as asking God for a surprise and getting two rather unpleasant ones.)

1--no, at least as far as I can tell.

11--no answer.
 
Some of the "yes" have been rather minor, the "no" was major and the "no answer" have been mixed--some very big and some quite small.

I promised myself I wouldn't draw any conclusions until the end of the month, so I'm not.  But oh am I tempted to try!

Quoting Mother Teresa

From my book of quotes from Mother Teresa of Calcutta:

A Cause of Joy

Be a cause of joy to others.

Speak well of everyone.

Smile at all you meet.

Deliberately make three acts of loving kindness every day.

Confess any sin against charity.

If you offend anyone — even a small child — ask forgiveness

before going to bed.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

— Luke 6:31

 Attitude of Gratitude

The best way to show your gratitude is

to accept everything with joy.

We welcome this in every way and everywhere with utmost gratitude.

— Acts 24:3

Wonderfully Made

I am not here just to fill a place, just to be a number. He

has made me for a purpose. He will fulfill it if I don’t put any

obstacle in his way.

For it was you who formed my inward parts;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.

— Psalm 139:13-14

Sunday Gratitude Mother's Day Edition

Tough day, first in my life without my mother.
So succinctly:

1.  For Nefer who keeps me occupied enough to forget sometimes.
2.  Friends who invited me to dinner.
3.  A friend who brought over flowers.
4.  A phone call from my son.
5.  Warm day and sunshine.

And finally, the fact that the day is drawing to a close and tomorrow will be better.