So we've officially entered the holidays. Yay. Am I the only one underwhelmed by it all this year? It always turns August to Thanksgiving all too quickly these days. The sunny 80 degree weather doesn't help (I know, poor things....), and Costco.
Seriously, Costco with their joyful Christmas decor and gifts at the ripe October 1st.
All that to say, I'm not ready. But really, when am I ever ready? I'm not ready to be married... I'm not ready to have kids... I'm not ready to have a 4th kid.... On and on.
It's December 2nd and I'm just now reflecting on what a hard year it's been for us. I'm one of those people who, I like to think, is pretty positive. I like my glass half full. My husband would call me a dreamer. And while all the time keeping my chin up, it kinda comes crashing down on me when in reality things aren't truly on the up and up.
One of my most favorite people on the planet, my Grandma, went to live with our Maker in March. We're renting (in hopes of buying again in the ridiculous market of SoCal) for the 3rd year, with no end in sight. I've thrown our curriculum out the window and decided to "wing it" to benefit our outside-the-box kids' learning styles. Things are great!!!
What I've learned (and keep learning) is, we're just never ready. So this year I'm lying and resting in hope. The hope of Him wiping away my tears, taking me under His wing and feeding and nurturing my soul.... The hope of this not being our final resting place, but living in eternity with Him and our loved ones we've lost... The hope of not being perfect, but choosing His perfect peace and refuge... This season I choose Hope.
"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
With thankfulness in my heart, on the other hand... We had a houseful and an awesome time celebrating thankfulness this year! Hubby worked, so it's always fun visiting his station and indulging in Firehouse cooking. ;) Hopeful and thankful- for full bellies, healthy bodies, faithful family and friends, shelter, and love in our home.
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[Shurangama Sutra]
[The Diamond Sutra]
[The Heart Sutra]
~oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ~
/Six samsara /
/Cause and effect/
/Engages in introspection sees the nature/
/Do not beg abhiññā/
Ksitigarbha
Maitreya
Akșayamati
Samantabhadra
Mañjuśrī
Avalokiteśvara
Mahāsthāmaprāpta
Amitābha
"Bhaiṣajyaguru
The Twelve Vows of the Medicine Buddha upon attaining Enlightenment, according to the Medicine Buddha Sutra are:
To illuminate countless realms with his radiance, enabling anyone to become a Buddha just like him.
To awaken the minds of sentient beings through his light of lapis lazuli.
To provide the sentient beings with whatever material needs they require.
To correct heretical views and inspire beings toward the path of the Bodhisattva.
To help beings follow the Moral Precepts, even if they failed before.
To heal beings born with deformities, illness or other physical sufferings.
To help relieve the destitute and the sick.
To help women who wish to be reborn as men achieve their desired rebirth.
To help heal mental afflictions and delusions.
To help the oppressed be free from suffering.
To relieve those who suffer from terrible hunger and thirst.
To help clothe those who are destitute and suffering from cold and mosquitoes."
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