The Silence of God

Hope posted this song on her blog recently, and I had to share.  I wasn't familiar with the artist, Andrew Peterson, but I've definitely decided I need to become familiar with his music.  This video is hauntingly beautiful.

Daily 5 - Year 2, Day 26

Today's Daily 5:

1. Thai peanut noodles
2. a long phone conversation this morning with L. in England
3. laughing with L, who knows me so well, and laughing with her in return
4. house church tonight - planning for the coming couple of months
5. watching episodes of M*A*S*H* on DVD

New Year

Today is the first day of the Jewish new year - of Rosh Hashana, which actually began last night at sundown.

A dear friend of mine marks this date each year as it comes, and from her I've learned to mark a new beginning each autumn as well.

Last night I ate the traditional apples and honey, and lit a candle I'd picked up from a Jewish shop in the spring.

And I prayed for the coming year - for the things that are imminent, and the things that still seem distant.

I prayed for the deep heart desires of friends and family.

I prayed with thankfulness for my upcoming vacation next week.

I prayed for some I love who are facing the imminent or recent death of ones that they hold dear.

I prayed for a friend with whom I spent four hours yesterday, talking about God, and for the new work he is doing in her life.

I prayed and looked forward to a new year.

Shana Tova.  Happy New Year. 

ראש השנה

Daily 5 - Year 2, Day 25

Today's Daily 5:

1. 1 year, 25 days of making these lists
2. a coffee meeting with a friend that turned into a four hour conversation that I can't wait to continue further
3. those moments when Jesus lets you see, just for a second, the blessings of moments in the past when you've been obedient
4. apple cider this morning
5. apples and honey at supper
6. baking muffins this afternoon
7. lighting candles for Erev Rosh Hashana tonight
8. a longer than usual, rather luxurious shower
9. catching up on a number of tasks that needed to be accomplished
10. counting down (6 days!) until my vacation
11. waking up without an alarm
12. buying a great groupon deal for a manicure and pedicure
13. the smell of the air just after the rainstorm ended

Daily 5 - Year 2, Day 24

Today's Daily 5:

1. A nearly full day (and an overnight) of solitude at mom and dad's.  I haven't had more than a couple hours in a row of real alone time since I moved into grandma's house at the end of February, and that made today a really lovely blessing.
2. a slow day, marking tasks off a list, but also doing restful things that I enjoy
3. pumpkin cookies
4. buying a few travel necessities for my upcoming trip
5. a natural health treatment tonight that went well
6. pausing to consider "breaking the silence" on some things... in a way that seems feasible, if not exactly "safe"