I had a discussion the other day with a friend about guardian angels. Do you have one? I do. Here’s some poetry for my friend.

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

Angel of God
My guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day,
be at my side,
to light and guard,
to rule and guide.

I say this each night at bed. My guardian listens and watches nearby.
What about my friend? What about you?

As my readers know, I believe the Bible contains a lot of poetry. Further, you know I am particularly passionate about Psalm 23. Perhaps it is my favorite verse in the Bible. I have posted numerous versions. Here is another from the Saint Joseph Edition of The New American Bible (1992).

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepard;
there s nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me gaze;
to safe waters you lead me.
You guide me along the right path
for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley,
I feel no harm for you are at my side;
your rod and staff give me courage.

You set a table before me
as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.

Do you have a favorite version?

This poem is attributable to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s grandmother in the book “The Wheel of Life — A Memoir of Living and Dying” by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

Always when you think
You cannot make it anymore
From out of nowhere
Comes a little light.

This little light
Will renew your strength
And give you the energy
To go one more step.

band of gorillas
bed if clams, oysters
bevy of quail
brace of ducks
cast of hawks
cete of badgers
charm of goldfinches
clowder of cats
clutch of chicks
colony of ants
congregation of plovers
covey of quail, partridge
cry of hounds
down of hares
drift of swine
drove of cattle, sheep
exaltation of larks
flight of birds
flock of sheep, geese
gaggle of geese
gam of whales
gang of elks
grist of bees
herd of elephants
hive of bees
husk of hares
horde of gnats
kindle of kittens
knot of toads

– From the book “I Didn’t Know That!” by Lavinia Dobler, 1978

Interesting.

The Leader is best,
When people are hardly aware of his existence,
Not so good when people praise his government,
Less good when people stand in fear,
Worst, when people are contemptuous.
Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you.
But of a good leader, who speaks little
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
The people say, ‘We did it ourselves.’

~ Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher,
Founder of Taoism (born circa. 500 BC)

I wanted to share some poetry will help so many who find themselves in need to employment.

Oh Saint Joseph, pray with me as I ask from God, our Father divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment. I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lend me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents God has given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful and meaningful employment. Do not abandon me in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to God praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

This past Friday, I attended the funeral of Theresa Hummel. She is the mother of a very dear friend of mine. My prayer: May Theresa see the light and rest in peace.

Here is the version from the funeral:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose.
Besides restful water he leads me;
He guides me in the right paths
For his name’s sake.

Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are a my side
With your rod and your staff
That give me courage.

You spread the table before me
In the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

Only goodness and kindness follow me
All the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of he Lord
For years to come.

Judge your success
by the degree that
you’re enjoying
peace, health and love.

Judge your success
by what you had
to give uo
in order to get it.

Success is????

Author Unknown

Think left and think right
and think low and
think high.

Oh, the thinks you can
think up if only you try!

Author: Theodor Geise

I think I get it. Do you think too?

Thanks Theodor

“. . . Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Hebrews 12:1

Such an old proverb offers such modern advice.