Palm Sunday

Posted on April 14, 2019 by M. E. Murray

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Palm Sunday, the last Sunday of Lent, marks the beginning of Holy Week and the Lord’s triumphant entrance to Jerusalem where He was greeted by people carrying Palm fronds; only to be crucified later by the same people who welcomed Him.

Palm Sunday is a time to reflect on God’s love for us. He sent us his only begotten son to save us from ourselves. Jesus suffered immensely. After His terrible death on the cross, He resurrected three days later. That action proved Jesus indeed was the son of God.

I look forward to Easter Sunday. It is a reminder that God loves me, and has always been by my side, especially through tough times. Today, and every day, I thank Jesus for loving me, my husband, relatives, pets, and friends.

The Swinger

Posted on April 2, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Marty

Marty

“The Swinger” is the nickname that my husband and I gave to our cat, Marty.

When Marty lived in our backyard as a feral cat, we tried to befriend him by trying to pat him. But each time we tried, he would quickly turn around and swing at us with a paw. Hence, that’s how he acquired the nickname. Now, he’s strictly an indoor cat, but his swinging habit hasn’t disappeared, yet, he loves pats!

St. Patrick’s Feast Day

Posted on March 17, 2019 by M. E. Murray

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick was the bishop and patron saint of Ireland.Today is his feast day. During his lifetime, Saint Patrick performed many miracles. I regard him with the utmost respect, and pray to him for help which I really need.

Many folks celebrate his feast day by drinking green beer, wearing green clothes(In my school days, I recall that if I wasn’t wearing anything green, I would get pinched.), and looking for shamrocks, specifically a four leaf clover . I don’t know where or when these practices originated.(If you know drop me a line.) I have never had the pleasure of tasting green beer. (I don’t drink now, so I will never how it tastes.) However, I admit looking for a four leaf shamrock when I collected insects, never saw one, though. If you want to learn more about St. Patrick click here.

Ash Wednesday

Posted on March 6, 2019 by M. E. Murray

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Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Today is Ash Wednesday. Many Christians participate in this religious ceremony, and I was fortunate to attend today’s ceremony at St Peter, the Apostle, Catholic Church.

What Ash Wednesday means to me. Ash Wednesday, like Thanksgiving Day, is another opportunity to officially give thanks to Jesus Christ for tolerating 40 days of fasting; depriving Himself of luxuries; and finally suffering excruciating pain on the cross to save mankind. Therefore, when I think of how much Jesus Christ did for us, it is not a big deal, for me, to give up something that I like to do during Lent.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season which lasts 40 days. The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the burning of palms blessed in the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebration. Also, some churches cover statues and images with purple shrouds during Lent.

The ashes remind me of the words: “Dust thou art, and into dust thou shalt return,” and that eventually, I will die, and that I should use the time I have on earth wisely, in spite of having a debilitating chronic illness. Life is precious. I’m so grateful to be alive.

Beautiful Orchid Bloom

Posted on February 27, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Orchid Flower

It’s 45° outside, cloudy, and there’s a threat of rain. But my orchid started to bloom two weeks ago, and I thought it would be nice for my readers to see one of its flowers. I think the orchid will have six. Seeing them will be relaxing.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted on February 14, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Happy Valentine’s Day

What Valentine’s Day Means To Me

I don’t expect chocolates or anything special for Valentine’s Day. Gifts disappear and so does tasty food, but being with my family (hubby and pets) doing things together mean a lot to me. Those memories will stay with me forever, and memories are the reason why I celebrate Valentine’s Day every day.

Our Kids: Kliban, Marty, and Twister

Posted on January 30, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Kliban resting

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Marty Resting on Kitchen Counter

Twister relaxing in sunroom

Dawn

Posted on January 22, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Doing the Happy Dance!

Dawn

by M. E. Murray

I was deeply honored to learn that my Haiku poem, DAWN, was accepted for publication in the Fall 2018 issue of Poetry Quarterly.

Hoy México celebra el Día del Mariachi

Posted on January 21, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

Today Mexico celebrates Mariachi Day. I didn’t know this until this morning when I tuned in to “La Ranchera”, my favorite Mexican radio station. Local national mariachi bands are also being honored. Yay! I love to sing and listen to that music!

Celebrating Martin Luther King

Posted on January 21, 2019 by M. E. Murray

Martin Luther King Jr.

Born: January 15, 1929 Died: April 4, 1968.

Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important voice of the American civil rights movement, which worked for equal rights for all. He was famous for using nonviolent resistance to overcome injustice, and he never got tired of trying to end segregation laws (laws that prevented blacks from entering certain places, such as restaurants, hotels, and public schools). He also did all he could to make people realize that “all men are created equal.” Because of his great work, in 1964 King received the Nobel Peace Prize — the youngest person ever to receive this high honor. King was also a Baptist minister. He was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was just 39 years old. His birthday is now observed as a national holiday on the third Monday in January.

Note: The Library of Congress is the source of this information.