Friday, March 16, 2007

Rainbows, and Shamrocks, and the pot of gold . . .

We saw a double rainbow coming home one evening from the northern part of a state. Low on the horizon shimmering over the river, the sight was magnificent.

My eyes searched immediately for the tips of the rainbow. I know that in real life no one can find the end of the rainbow . . .


Or can we?

Isn't the rainbow a promise that we can grasp? Isn't the spirit behind the Irish blessings and beliefs--even though they bridge the gap between life and make-believe--what we NEED to realize? That in spite of hardships and setbacks and problems and worries, there are good things that deserve our attention and appreciation. That there are beautiful flowers and beautiful people out there . . . that occasionally there are rainbows, and grandmothers who are good at finding four-leaf clovers, that all of us have some kind of gold in our life if we only realize it and believe in it and accept it?

So many of their blessings and proverbs and sayings are based on an inherent belief in good and rich well-meaning to our lives.

There's a rainbow after the storm.
There are lilies in the valleys.
Behind every dark cloud is the face of Jesus.
Lucky stars, four-leaf clovers, charms, and wishing wells.
The sun shining on a couple's marriage day.
Whistling in the rain.
Soft rain and warm sun upon your face.
Joy in work and play, friends within reach, coins in your pocket.
God's blessings and protection.

Aaach . . . God, help us stretch our imaginations and beliefs and appreciation just a wee bit more . . . today and tomorrow.



Magic Green Cookies

Mix together:
1 pkg INSTANT Pistachio pudding mix;
1/4 cup vegetable oil;
1 egg;
3/4 Bisquick mix;
Roll into 1 inch balls, flatten gently on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Feel free to decorate as you wish (icing, sprinkles, add nuts, whatever . . .). Makes 15 cookies.



Here are a few more hints to a less stressful lifestyle.
1) Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

2) Live within your budget. Don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

3) Have backups; an extra car key, house key, stamps, etc.

4) K.M.S. (Keep mouth shut)! This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

5) Do something for yourself everyday.



An Irish blessing for you today and tomorrow:
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.



1 comment:

Caroline said...

I sure try, but sometimes don't succeed too well. Thks for reading. I'm working on getting new readers. Any hints on making my blog better? Is it too long?

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