Happy Sunday Betty - thank you always for your service and for this awesome daily.....I too started practicing prayer/meditation well before I got to the steps that mention God simply because all else had failed and I figured....why not?

I had a warped belief that the God of my youth and FOO did not want me or like me which brought me doubt. Tons of it actually. My thinking was distorted enough that I figured I would show all that there are 'some of us' who God had forgotten and left to blow in the wind.

What happened actually was extremely different than what I expected - imagine that. When I practiced prayer/meditation, I felt calmer and more peaceful. A few practice sessions like this gave me just enough faith to consider that perhaps I was not left behind and I too could restore some sanity to my life and my being.

I too embrace this step daily. I am so grateful that others shared their ESH without 'forcing solutions' on me so that I could practice what was suggested and 'feel' my own small miracles, success, healing and growth. When we experience it vs. when we are told it - for me - gives me the necessary push to keep trying new things and to venture beyond my comfort zone.

May your day be blessed - I am skipping my meeting (sad face here) to venture instead to do some service work. Softball this afternoon, Royals games too (TV) and then more softball this evening. We have spring temperatures currently and the cool-down with lower humidity is a welcome blessing. Should be 'there' in a day/two! (((Hugs)))

Great share Rose You have a huge heart.  I am  glad that you were able to find a 4 legged friend to enjoy .

Had to pop back in as I know how special my fur-baby is!!! Her name is Layla and she was the first 'adult dog' I ever adopted/rescued. My previous dog died suddenly as the mobile vet was heading to the house. No warning, just one day would not eat, the next day would not be 'touched' and then would not get up. I used google to see about mobile vets. as I could not lift him by myself - too big and angry over pain/suffering/???

Anyways, he passed before the vet could arrive. I was devastated and he passed in my office right where my feet go. That was close to 10 years ago. Being more immature and a bit melodramatic back then, I cried and packed up everything - dog food, treats, bowls, toys, beds, cages, crates, etc. and took them all to a local shelter - I could not bear having another loved pup pass like that!!!

Well - it was too quiet. I couldn't think without my shadow and knee nudging fur friend so I decided I'd just 'look'. Went to one adoption place and they had gray hounds only. Lovely dogs and gentle creatures but I really wanted a smaller dog this time - just in case. Went to another adoption place and there were a few available. The young were happy go lucky, jumping playful and what not. And then there was Layla. She was serene, full of grace and just sat in the middle as if she did not have a care in the world.

My youngest was with me and asked if he could walk her - off they went. I got to talking with the volunteers, and it appears she'd been trained at the prison for obedience and had been available for adoption for 8 months. Each week, they brought her out and each week, younger pups went to forever homes and she did not. Yet they said, she remained full of grace every day and never appeared depressed, sad or other...talk about living in the moment.

When my son and Layla did not return shortly, I went to find them. The two were sitting on a bench, my son on the bench and she right at his feet. Both where just looking as if they did not have a care in the world and my boy wanted to bring her home. I groaned just a bit because she was bigger than I truly wanted (65 lbs.) yet I had to agree that she was a lovely creature.

They did not know her age. They guessed her between 2-4. Could be older...might be a bit younger. Nobody knows for sure but she's still here, almost 10 years later. She is a great companion and truly has awesome manners. What a great gift it was to bring home a new fur baby and have her just sit in the middle of the room waiting for instructions, rules, etc. No sleepless nights, no accidents on the floor - I may never go 'puppy' again!!!

I have learned so, so much from her. She doesn't care who yells, what's going on, etc. - she's always serene and unconditionally happy to 'be'. Ironically enough, I've really struggled to go into my office since Max (previous dog) died. I would walk in and just be profoundly sad - always wondering what happened. I just cleaned it out and changed up the furniture and things, and have been easing back in for my work. I walked in the other day and heard the message loud and clear - "A rescue dog is grateful for a forever home - whether it's a lifetime or a weekend." My sadness has now dissipated and I am sure Max is at peace at the rainbow bridge!!

I've gotten/grown way more because of pets than I've given to them....Thanks for the shares and letting me share too!