Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Wisdom from Anne Lamott

“If I were going to begin practicing the presence of God for the first time today, it would help to begin by admitting the three most terrible truths of our existence: that we are so ruined, and so loved, and in charge of so little.”

"Love falls to earth, rises from the ground, pools around the afflicted. Love pulls people back to their feet. Bodies and souls are fed. Bones and lives heal. New blades of grass grow from charred soil. The sun rises.” 

“I pray not to be such a whiny, self-obsessed baby, and give thanks that I am not quite as bad as I used to be (talk about miracles). Then something comes up, and I overreact and blame and sulk, and it feels like I haven't made any progress at all. But it turns out I'm less of a brat than before, and I hit the reset button much sooner, shake it off, and get my sense if humor back.”

“And as it turns out, if one person is praying for you, buckle up. Things can happen.” 



All quotes from Anne Lamott's book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers


I just got home from my small faith group.  That's what Sister Theresa likes to call it.
Many prayer requests were offered.

I send love and peace to those who are overwhelmed with heavy burdens.

Keep swimming.


DSC_6587-5



Love
Donna

16 comments:

  1. Love it all. I was just now writing in the same vein for class tonight...

    I was raving about Lamott to my roommate last evening who lost her mom earlier this year.

    Anne Lamott and Dr. Seuss. My favorite authors.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love Anne Lamott and her writings.

    I remember when I read her first book, back in 2001. Talk about making an impact. I have Help, Thanks, Wow on my Kindle and need to dive in.

    I am feeling burdened for some dear ones, one many miles away and another nearby. I'm so glad I can cast my burdens on Him, knowing He will sustain me - and more importantly, them.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous1:33 PM

    Amen to Anne Lamott, Amen to keep swimming and Amen to sending prayers for peace to all those suffering.

    Love your "seven of us" statue. So special.

    Mary Z

    ReplyDelete
  4. Juliette Wilkie1:51 PM

    so lovely and loving

    ReplyDelete
  5. I can get super grumpy about her sometimes, but then i see a series of quotes like these and i realize that i'm the one with the problem and the small vision. she's really quite wonderful - and she lives with such freedom. there's something to be learned from her, for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. I have issues with a particular 'political, moral' stand she takes. I know she is wrong.
      But I love her anyway. Her ability to share her faith, her story is exceptional.

      Delete
    2. Perfectly said. I'm so happy you've found a little faith group. But we sure miss you!

      Delete
  6. I love how a friend once told me there are people praying (nuns mostly) for when we cannot even lift our hearts or voices in prayer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was told that same thing by my Jewish friend...it carried me thru Susie's illness and passing.

      Delete
  7. My mil has that circle of seven in her living room and I keep thinking of your encouraging words to me before I left for her home. Thanks for these quotes today...perfect timing. I am buckling in as I know many are praying...and I will keep swimming (metaphorically, of course) here in gorgeous Whidbey Island!

    Mucho love,
    Di

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous6:18 PM

    Love this. Love it all.

    I will pray for all who are suffering.

    A dear friend told me recently to ask my guardian angels and Archangels for help when I pray. It's helped me.

    Sarah P. from Iowa

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous7:31 AM

    A day behind, but please know I am praying for you all here and especially for those in need, sorrow, sickness or any other adversity as we pray in our Book of Common Prayer.
    That Circle of Seven is sacred, the photographs always bless me. love and prayers, jep

    ReplyDelete
  10. “And as it turns out, if one person is praying for you, buckle up. Things can happen.” Love this!

    ReplyDelete

Hello. So nice to see you. Would you like to leave a comment? Be very kind.