Monday, November 30, 2020

The Sound of the Falling Rain

 



I welcomed it

in the wee hour of

the morning. 

I must be in a 

good mood.

I did not see it as a metaphor

for tears washing

away pain. 

Instead it evoked 

childhood memories.

Not specific visions.

Just that feeling

I got then in the

Philippines.

Of rain pelting

on the galvanized

iron roof.

I did not see the

floods it had brought

Instead just my

expectations that

I could play while

it showed off how

strong it was.

The force of it as it

fell on my shivering

skin.

Does ones mood dictate

everything?

I am not overthinking

it. Whatever. 

I hear the joy of sunshine

in the falling rain.

One word. Grateful.


Sunday, November 29, 2020

Instant Pot Omelette




Early mornings call for something comforting yet easy to prepare. With the help of the Instant Pot,  this omelette comes together perfectly everytime. Paired up with toast or doughnut or cinnamon rolls, this will tide you over till lunch.  Oh don't forget to have a side of fruit and coffee and you are good to go.

You do need 15 minutes cooking time at high pressure but it is worth it.  I tried a shorter time period but the omelette did not get done. Watch tv or do some meditation while waiting.

You can use any vegetable or meat you like and any type of cheese. The amount you use for the ingredients is up to you.


Instant Pot Omelette

  • 1/2 red pepper, chopped 
  • 1 stalk green onion, chopped
  • 1/2 Italian sausage, chopped
  • 1 pepperjack cheese slice, whole or cut into pieces
  • 5-6 eggs
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

 

Add 1/2 cup water into the Instant Pot.

Place a trivet on top. 

Grease a baking pan or casserole dish that fits the instant pot.

Place the dish on top of a trivet in the Instant Pot.

Place the red pepper, onions, sausage and cheese in the dish.

Break eggs into a bowl, add seasonings then whisk.  

Pour the seasoned whisked eggs into the dish that has the vegetables.

Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes, then 5 minute natural release and then quick release.




Wednesday, November 25, 2020

gratitude 2 pray share and chat nov 25, 2020 meeting

 


1. Meditation music


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VADfDjLrYRA


2.  Practice:  A Prayer of gratitude

Source:  https://cac.org/introduction-to-christian-mysticism-weekly-summary-2019-07-20/

Prayer is sitting in the silence until it silences us, choosing gratitude until we are grateful, and praising God until we ourselves are an act of praise. Mature prayer always breaks into gratitude. This week’s practice is a body prayer from Beverly Lanzetta. Adapt the movements to your body’s needs so that you’re comfortable. Focus simply on the feeling of gratitude and, as you are able, do the following as you read through the stanzas: bow, kneel, lie down, rise, put your hands over your heart, place your hands together, bow your head, and open your arms wide.


Holy Earth, Holy Cosmos,

I bow before you

With my whole being.


Holy Creatures, Holy Nature,

I kneel upon the earth

In honor and thanksgiving

Of your blessed bounty.


Holy Waters, Holy Mountains,

I lay my body on your temple

In gratefulness for nurturing

My tender soul.


Holy Passion, Holy Longing,

I rise up before you

A devotee of truth,

Following wherever you lead me.


Holy Silence, Holy Solitude,

I place my hands over my heart

Breathing in serenity,

Breathing out your peace.


Holy Sorrow, Holy Suffering,

I close my hands in prayer

May I bear every wound

With compassion and nonharm.


Holy Humility, Holy Emptiness,

I bow my head before you

I have become open,

For your All to shine in my soul.


Holy Freedom, Holy Rejoicing,

I open my heart to the world

Offering myself to this day,

In joyfulness and gratitude.


Amen. [1]


3.  giver of all gifts video by david steindl rast meditation.  click link below

Reference:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=david+steindl+rast+gratitude+video&&view=detail&mid=B8113BC8DA0FD2023222B8113BC8DA0FD2023222&&FORM=VDRVRV


4. sharing


 5  .Thank you lord  song by don moen

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K44trVhtZX4



6. gift to you song for kids

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n3iG1gkW9R0





7.  optional what a wonderful world by louis armstrong

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=21LGv8Cf0us



what am i thankful for

 



that my heart's too full

to count them all. let me just

enjoy this joy. thanks.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Dark Night

 





Tragedies  define 

us not but transforms us. Our choice   

Our journey with Him. 



Monday, November 23, 2020

i wonder why

 




just thankful that i am not anxious

during this wee hour in the morning

could it be all the upbeat thank you etc songs

i have been playing trying them out for zoom prayer meetings 

or could it be i am done shopping for the thanksgiving dinner

except i need still vegetable broth and chickpeas Aldi ran out of.

not sure why. 

what did i eat or did not eat that triggered this good mood

the veggie pizza or the divine chocolate covered marshmallow?

is it because i am getting used to using google meet

and the osv ccd website 

could it be watching  my past third grade class video of their year long work

satisfaction unexpected but happifying

is this why God gave us memory neurons

or could it be hormonal glands turned not mean

or nebby

not sure but i will take it while it lasts

it is early morn and i have twelve or so more hours to live life

as best i can good happy mood or not.

but thank you lord while i am ahead.


Friday, November 20, 2020

Reverence for Death and Dying Let It Be








As heaven meets earth
I stood in awe. Soaking it
in. His presence felt.


Note:  I am trying to make sense of the shocking death of our friend Julie.  I came  back to this  proverb stated in the haiku above for consolation and clarity.  Still.I felt disbelief but acceptance is growing.  At the same time I am in awe at the presence of God as tears fell reminding me I must allow Julie to take the first step in a new beautiful chapter in her life. I need to let her say hello to Him.  It is time.   Our journey here on earth is cyclical.  Birth, death and birth again.  Let it be.



Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Zoom Pray, Share and Chat Nov 18, 2020 (Gratitude Reflections from Monica)

 


1.  Video suggested by Monica Maghrak in her email on gratitude.  click on the link given.

Brother David Steindl-Rast, an elderly Benedictine monk, has been described as a “Zen Christian” and “The Gratefulness Guru.”  Although he is Catholic, his work is of relevance to everyone, no matter what your religion, and even if you have no religion.  Everyone needs to practice gratefulness, especially now.  I am attaching a link to a beautiful meditation on gratefulness by Brother David.  It only takes about five minutes, and I encourage you to take the time, as it is well worth it.  You can find more at gratefulness.org.  Blessings to you all.  

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=david+steindl+rast+gratitude+video&docid=608050713570314491&mid=43CBCD92C120BC49905843CBCD92C120BC499058&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

 



2.  Meditation music.  Click on arrow to start video music.




3.  Sharing.  


I want to share what Monica wrote in her email below.

A group we have offered for the patients here at TSH is based on the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.  The idea of the book and the group is that if you count your blessings instead of your troubles, you are better equipped to deal with your troubles.  There was a song written by Irvin Berlin for the 1954 classic film White Christmas entitled “Count Your Blessings.” The gist of the song is that when you can’t sleep because of your worries, don’t count sheep (a common practice at the time) but rather count your blessings.  Berlin reported that he based the song on advice given to him by his psychiatrist when he complained of insomnia.

There is such wisdom to such a practice.  John Colbert wrote an article earlier this year entitled, “Gratitude in a Time of Coronavirus:  How Giving Thanks Builds Resilience.”  In it, he stated, “Being grateful highlights the things and people you have in your life, instead of the things you don’t have.  When you aren’t thinking about what you’re losing, your brain is less likely to feel in a state of threat and you’ll be more positive, focused and able to tackle challenges that come your way.”  Rose Zonetti, in her article entitled “The Dynamic Interplay of Resilience and Aliveness” stated, “While gratefulness helps us cultivate resilience, drawing on our resilience expands our embrace of life, which in turn makes us more grateful.” 

We really need to be resilient to work at Torrance (or anywhere else, for that matter) at this time.  Because of the continuing nature of the Coronavirus, its ebbs and flows, we never know what we will face when we arrive at work in the morning.  Will we be on lockdown?  Will we wear full PPE?  Will our patients be allowed to leave the wards?  Will ancillary staff be allowed on the wards?  Those of you who are parents of school-aged children face a whole separate set of questions.  Will there be school today?  Will my child be safe?  What if they are dismissed early, and I am here at TSH?  Those of you with family in hospitals or nursing homes face even more questions.  Will I be allowed in to see my loved one?  What measures are being taken to protect them?  What if there is an outbreak there?   No matter what our circumstances are, these days we have many questions, and, depending upon the answers, we may have to change our plans on a moment’s notice.  We need to be resilient in order to do so. 


4.  Count your blessings Song YouTube video. Click on arrow to start song.




 


5. what a wonderful world song by louis armstrong.  Click on arrow to start the video.



Let us thank the Lord for He is Good.  !!!!!

Thanks to Monica for her wonderful reflection and to Rosemarie C,  Mary Cay, Linda B., Donna C., Natalie, Carrie, and first timer to the meeting. Eleanor S. for their presence and sharing of their thoughts and feelings. And thanks to you all for being with us all as you read this. God bless.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Consoling thought.

 



I was sad. But my friend 

wanted to leave. Not alone.

But with God.  Shalom.


RIP JULIE. Love ya and will miss you. Say hello to all our PAEC friends up there and to Him.

Sunday, November 15, 2020

Grateful for Knowing

 

He came and showed me

the way. Easier yes but

hard. Not alone though.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

evolving love

 




love"s not static. but

grows with actions through good and

bad times. willful joy.

Saturday, November 7, 2020

we can try, can't we

 




i just woke up

a challenge i have to take

rohr's meditation invite went

to be a saint

i almost fainted

how when i have

dishes to wash

clothes to fold

maybe prepare pumpkin bread

cook enchiladas

exercise online

walk and talk

while tv is on

worry

be sorry

try not to be a b...

curb my tongue

live, sigh, laugh

hey i just did it

i lived every minute

i tried. 

did not wait to be

in heaven to do it. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

outline of nov 5 2020 pray, share and chat meeting on presence is our ministry part 2


1.  meditation music

 


2.  eckhart tolle on spirituality of presence



3.  Continue with the presence is our ministry retreat notes.  The second half featuring letter from associates and questions were covered.  See below:

Click here for  the whole retreat  notes.

The eloquent letter written by an associate from their congregation, Joy Cownie, was shared with us by Maureen. This letter encapsulates the meaning of being an associate.  One part answers the thought provoking question "Does it matter if I am there at the celebration-meeting?".







More questions were asked of us in this interactive and engaging retreat.  In the afternoon we were given each one question from the following 7 questions given below. Answers were generously shared after some reflection by the associates.  What would be your answers to these?  

4.  End music

a)  susan boyle make me a channel of your peace song



b)  a happy one.



Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Air Fryer Orange Marmalade Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

 











I love orange marmalade. Yes even on my pizza. It is perfect to satisfy my cravings for something sweet and savory just like when I woke up for breakfast the other day

I used Ruk's Orange Habanero Marmalade but a plain one can be used too especially if you or a family member are not fond of heat from the habanero. Ruk's does not use preservatives nor corn syrup and its products can be obtained at the Farmer's Markets around the Monroeville or Murrysville PA area or online.







I also used vegan seitan pepperoni called veggeroni I purchased from Honest Pastures long ago that has been sitting in my fridge for ages. This pepperoni has just the right texture and flavor, and not strongly spiced.






One can top the pizza with any vegetables you like.  I went for black olives, red pepper, green onions and cilantro. I used store bought personal sized pizza dough from Giant Eagle which luckily barely fitted in my air fryer.

As I mentioned previously, I love having this for breakfast when I am craving something sweet and savory but it is good anytime of the day. Move over tomato sauce, pesto or cheese toppings.  Orange Marmalade has arrived.


Air Fryer Orange Marmalade  Vegan Pepperoni Pizza

Inspired by this site


  • 1 personal sized pizza dough that fits in your air fryer
  • 2  tbsp orange marmalade 
  • 5 olives any kind, halved
  • 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
  • 1 stalk green onion, chopped
  • 1 inch seitan pepperoni, sliced
  • cilantro leaves, optional


Spread the marmalade on top of the pizza dough.  Distribute the olives, red pepper, green onions on top.  Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 or more minutes.   Add the pepperoni slices on top at last 3 minutes.

Top with cilantro leaves if you like.



Sunday, November 1, 2020

Pantry Friendly Instant Pot Vegan Stew

 



One day I wanted to eat a comforting stew but I did not want to cut any vegetables. My pantry came in handy. And so did my Instant Pot.  I also cooked rice in my rice cooker at the same time.  Then after a short time later I ate happily ever after. 








Pantry Friendly Instant Pot Vegan Stew


  • 1 - 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 -15 oz can sweet peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 - 15 oz can mixed vegetables, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup from 1- can black olives, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large piece of roasted red pepper in a jar, chopped
  • 4 pieces dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small piece chipotle pepper from a can, chopped
  • 1 tbsp dry onion flakes
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup catsup
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water

Add all the ingredients in the Instant Pot and cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes then quick release.

Serve over rice.

This stew is even better the next day.