Hello Friends, and Welcome New Members:

Like so many others, I too cannot stop watching the television to see was progress has been made to help the hurricane victims. It is so hard to fathom that such a devastating castastrophy has occured not just here, but anywhere. I think the people from so many other countries who have sent aid to America are just wonderful. Some of them don't even think very much about us, as we have always been the "rich and ungly Americans." We have been exposed to the very core of our being. There is no place to hide. Hurricane Katrina has blown the lid off of us. I really thought 911 was supposed to be a wake-up call, but I guess someONE pushed the snooze button.

Well, after seening the events of the past week, it is obvious that we are not rich at all. In fact we are poor. Very poor. Oh, yes, we have money and power...lot's of power. Infact, we have so much power sprade around here that there is no room for anything else. Let alone compassion. I pray to God that all of this did not happen for nothing. I pray that we all, all over the world come to our senses and to realize that all God wants for us to do is to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Here is a prayer that I hope many of you will enjoy reading. I hope that it brings comfort to you and opens your heart and mind in regard to all of our sisters and brothers of the world. One prayer can go a long way if it is said with sincerity. I realize that there are many non-believers, but humor me and just come along for the ride... it certainly can't hurt you.

A little inspiration..... PRAY THIS --EVEN
IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT!! You never know when GOD is going to bless you!!

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day.
I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. !
I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And it's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You ! listen to my heart.

Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately.

I pray for those that don't believe. But I thank you that I believe. I believe t! hat God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households.

I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.

God I love you and I need you. Please come into my heart and help me to understand your way. I pray for strength, wisdom and knowledge. I pray that you teach me, and show me the path of righteousness. I pray for your goodness, grace and mercy upon us all.

Until then.
Love you much,
Leona