Blessings

Angel paintings by my dear friend,
artist Julie-ann Bowden

I must apologize. I've been away too long. But I didn't want this year and this decade to pass by without posting one more time. When I found these Irish blessings, I knew I wanted to share them with all of you.

In the New Year,
may your right hand
always be stretched out in friendship
and never in want.

May the road rise to meet you,
may the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rains fall soft upon your fields and,
until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May God grant you always...
a sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering angel,
so nothing can harm you.

Speaking of angels, as I seem to do quite often these days, the beautiful angels at the top of this post are just two examples of the outstanding art by the talented British artist Julie-ann Bowden. To see more of her art, be sure to visit her blog Heavenleigh Art (here).

And I have a special request. If you could, would you please put in a special prayer for my dear blogging friend Renee at "Circling My Head." She is having a particularly difficult time right now. Renee has been living with Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer for quite a while, and she needs our prayers. While you're at it, please add her sister Jacquie, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, to your list, as well. This family has had more than its share of suffering and tragedy in the last few years.

Remember to be grateful for all your blessings. The big ones, and especially the small ones that we so often overlook. I consider each and every one of you a blessing in my life.

Have a safe holiday, and a Happy New Year.

I'll be back here again in 2010.