life safari 2008e

What a nice morning I've had ! Slept in a bit, read my daily meditations and readings with candles and incense to set a mood of tranquility and peace. This habit is one that I happen to enjoy and have practiced for some time now.

I am struggling with my habit of eating at night-sweets, and too many of them. Very compulsive and self-defeating. Tonight, I have vowed to myself and God to get out and walk rather than eat those things. Even if I only walk once around the cul-de-sac of my street, I must make a start. I Will Make The Start !

Weekend plans: yard work tomorrow, dinner out with Frank, Mass at 11:00 Sunday, walk again on Sunday. I will print this out and keep it in front of my today, tomorrow, and until I get a new habit established. It helps to talk about this. Thank you for listening and allowing me to make a contract with you, God and me.
I, Peanut, will walk at least one time around the cul-de-sac on my street every night.
signed, x ______K.M.F. - Peanut______

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...
I am alive and well
Precious of daily joy and love in my life
I am sober, clean and smoke-free another day
God's Grace and the gift of my faith
God's patience which I consider Salvation today
the friends and family I am Blessed with
I know I will "wake up" those endorphines when I get off high-center and will feel better
Thank YOU
Peace be with you all

life safari 2008d

Wow, it has been a while since I've had or taken the time to blog. I seem to lose track of time.

It has been a period of trying to get back on a schedule after the Easter Celebration. What a wonderful and beautiful Mass we had at Easter Vigil (Sat. 3/22/08).
During that time I was having some back problems (too much weight) and not eager to get out of bed and start the day.

I am wondering what the summer will bring as far as scheduling at work. I may not be able to have Thursdays off after my RCIA program is over. I will miss the classes and people but will be very happy to be in full Communion with the Church on May 4th (Sunday 11:00 AM Mass). I have been very ready for the opportunity to exercise the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. I have been holding my breath for months, it seems. I am very excited to be close to being able to participate fully as a Catholic.

On the job front, I feel uninspired and a bit bored lately. I think I am in need of a real vacation !
Frank and I are going to France and Italy in Oct. or Nov. 2008. Time seems to be passing by so quickly - it will be vacation time before I know it. We must get our plans ironed out.

Well, my back is beginning to ache. I guess it's time for the heating pad. I am very disappointed that basketball is taking so much air-time on television. But,

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the joy of living in Precious' domain
God's Grace and patience
to be sober, clean and smoke-free
tomorrow is Friday !
to be alive and well
for the folks that I love being alive and well
Spring break being over soon and the church schedule going back to normal (during the week)
for LOVE
coffee with milk and honey

Good Night

life safari 2008c

Tuesday of Holy week.

Going to Sears and shop for clothes. Just an outfit or two. I am tired of the same two things I have to wear. So is everyone else !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for dAAve's support regarding my smoke-free status - thanks dAAve !
that I am alive, well and loved today
that I have the capacity to love other's today (genuinely, love)
God's Grace

life safari 2008b

Happy Monday of Holy Week !

This is going to be a very busy week and weekend. I look forward to all the activity and yet have much saddness regarding the Passion of Christ.

Today is a volunteer day. The second time I am involved in the front office doing computer work and phone work. I hope it goes well today.

Also, I will have a new boss today. Mike was transfered to downtown. I hope I will be happy with the situation. If not happy, at least patient, adult and reserved in my reactions to the newness.

I don't much like change, ya know? I have said my prayers and will "let go" of all today and just be a worker bee.

I am Grateful to be sober, clean and smoke-free
for the weekend and rest
that I can get up and around today-my back is very unhappy with this weight on me
that today I will stay in an attitude of Gratitude
thank YOU
Peace !

life safari 2008a

Good morning. Could not get to sleep last night. I have not wanted to go to sleep at night for many nights lately for some reason. Good programs to watch on TBN while awake, however.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be alive and well
for the sacrifice made for my sins 2000 years ago
that God is Patient. That is salvation in and of itself
sleep this morning
I get a haircut tomorrow
that next week will be very busy but very Spiritual and solemn
for a gratifying life
that I have calmed down and some areas of challenge have smoothed out
to be Blessed with so many loving, Christian fellows in my life who are on the journey or, safari, as I like to refer to it
that one more shift at work and I can be off for two days
for Precious and her ways and cat love
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 2008

Good morning. Oh how sad I am about the comments posted on my blogs from "Micky."
This is an example of insanity and harassment.

If ever I became as judgemental as he, I would want to die. I also could not live with myself if I called myself a Christian and a catholic and said and did the things this poor, bankrupt soul is doing.

I am ashamed for, and of you Micky. Your comments and views of AA are foul. You are foul. I can smell the aroma of sulfur over the computer that you ooze, Micky.

I am Grateful and Thankful for/that...

I am a catholic but not the brand that Micky "claims" to be - Praise God !
I am aware that the Devil is alive and well in our daily lives - he is making his presence known in his vulgar comments
having a good and kind heart. I simply must follow it and not become a "Micky"
not a chance of that happening as he reveals more of himself to us
God's hand in Micky's life - Micky is exposed for what and whom he is
this gorgeous new day, a day the Lord made
to be happy, joyous and free today
for the blessings of being who I am - Get Behind Me SATAN !
Micky=walks like Satan, talks like Satan, smells like sulfur, speaks like Satan, hates like Satan...

God, deliver us from this EVIL
Amen

life safari 2008 (31)

Another banner day in Houston. What a delightful day it is !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be alive
to be sober, clean and smoke-free
that I am on a life-changing journey of Faith. The path has turns and detours like other journeys
I am proud to be Catholic and support the precepts and doctrines of the church
that tonight is Birthday Night and Frank celebrates 32 years of sobriety (I got the number wrong prior)
for the fact that I live differently than I did some years ago. I had nothing to do with that Blessing. I realize that God was doing for me then, so that I was prepared for now.
that my faith deepens and matures as the days and weeks pass
I perhaps had little or no control over my early development but I sure have control over my life and development as an adult
I have made some bad choices in the past. Most of my choices have caused a life-time of hurt-for myself and other's whose lives I touched
I will live my today and tomorrows in living amends
Precious
God's Grace

life safari 2008 (30)

Oh, dAAve is very ill. Poor baby can't even keep water down right now. I hope you get better very, very soon Dave !!

And, this Saturday my AA Sponsor, Frank J. celebrates 35 years of sobriety - Happy Birthday Frank !!!!! That is a long time between drinks.

Thank goodness it is Friday. I woke up with a cold - sore throat and congested. The weather changes has many of us in the same situation. Oh well, I am glad for the week to soon be over. One more shift.

Today, I am Grateful and Thankful for...

Spring is around the corner - everything is blooming around here !
my live-in companion, Precious. What a beautiful gift from God she is
the gift of my faith. Had a very challenging talk last night. It made me think about what I really believe and what I do not
to live in a country where I can worship as I wish and I will not be killed for doing so - other's do not have it so, unfortunately
that my past of straddling the fence on issues has everything to do with taking a solid stand on issues today, for me. I messed around and was a "people pleaser" enough for one lifetime
that I have been a loner all of my life. It may come in handy now because - well, what I believe may not be accepted/popular by others - oh well
God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (29)

Happy Wednesday. What a beautiful full moon last night.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to be happy, joyous and free today - free of smoking, drinking, other behaviors which block me from God
to be compassionate for those who are in pain. Emotionally and physically
to be settling into a good weekly routine
to have already been through many difficult times regarding death of loved ones
God's Amazing Grace
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (28)

Another beautiful day !

Going to an AA meeting. Have a couple of stops on the way. It's a wonderful morning and I feel very alive, happy, joyous and free in Spirit.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to have another day of life
a job
a Precious cat as a roommate
to be a Christian
to be Catholic and very proud of the religion I have chosen
that I have had a wonderful conversion in my journey becoming a Catholic
St. Anne Catholic Church has a wonderful, rich history - over 75 years strong
to be sober, clean, smoke-free
for the strong role models in AA
my family of friends has grown over the past few years and keeps getting larger
that, although I may not see my family of friends often, they are carried in my heart and I am in theirs - every day !
for the gift of my faith
that my faith gets stronger and more mature with every week
God's Grace and forgiveness
the feeling of love and happiness I have today
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (27)

What a beautiful day ! These weather days are what is so great about living in Houston.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

that Pat is hanging in there and having visitors who love her dearly
at times we do not know what God is telling us through the experience of someone else
but, I know for fact today that, there is a message of hope and faith in all things that happen
I believe that by "hanging in there," praying and listening, the answer will be revealed to us
that my life has changed so much in the past months
I feel secure and comfortable (at peace) in myself today and, Trish H tells me that it shows
God's Grace
the gift of my faith
Precious - what a wonderful addition in my life !
that "things" are not my focus any more
It is by Grace that I am alive, sober, clean and smoke-free
for the way I feel today. I try every day to share my joy and happiness with people everywhere I am. This is a far different attitude than I once had-Glory to God !
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (26)

Happy Saturday !

On a 'not so happy' note, Pat U. is in hospice care now. Her health has been compromised for several years. God Bless you Pat !! I know you will be in a better place before long. Pat has silently and couragously been very patient in her life change the past few years - Dave and his sister were troupers in showing their mother care and love for this difficult period.
A vibrant woman, happy and caring. I am honored to have met you and spent an evening with you on Dave's AA birthday that night ! Peace be with you, Pat !

life safari 2008 (25)

Good Tuesday morning. I hear thunder out and apparently, we are in for more rain today.
It is fine with me.

I am happy, joyous and free today. It's good to be alive and healthy and I hope all of you are feeling well and doing well.

I just E-mailed Hillary Clinton. I asked her to please change her stance on abortion. I will not be able to vote for her unless she does. I doubt seriously that she will - that subject is so polarizing a topic, especially for women's rights.

When I decided as a 57 year old to convert to Catholism, I was ready and prepared to believe the precepts and doctrines of then Catholic Church. That is in all ways. I am no longer sexually active and have no plans of being unless the Good Lord sends a man into my life for marriage.

I had no idea when that Danielle's words to me, when I told her I was becoming a Catholic, would ring so true in my life. On the issue of abortion and being gay, she told me that her opinion was that, if I could not agree with the Church teachings on these issues that I was disingenuous. Those words hurt but, upon searching my conscience and much prayer, I realized that she was correct.

Now, I realize this may drive some away from me but, we all must answer to our God Conscience. I am doing what I believe that God has for me to do in the things I read and the way I feel comfortable interpreting.

That is what we all must do. I do not feel judgemental about other gays and how they live. I may not be a part of some activities today but, we all must do as we believe we are called to do in our best understanding.

I believe that I have been hesitant to share this part of me to anyone except my Sponsor and boss but, to be open and honest with you, my friends and family, I give you me. Some may decide that I have nothing that they want. I must be prepared for that. If you can not except me as I am now, I understand and will hold you in high esteem and wish you well.

I admit, I have been fearful of sharing this with you. But, I must now. I want to live as a devout Catholic comfortably and be open and honest with my friends and family.

May God bless each of you and keep you. Thank you for allowing me to share - finally.
Now, my soul can rest in peace and I can go on to do God's work without having feelings of lying by omission.

Peace be with all of you.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

to have the courage to tell you my Truth today
God's Grace

life safari 2008 (24)

Happy Monday !

Had a relaxing morning. Slept in.

After the horror of being lost trying to find a church yesterday and driving for over an hour looking and trying different directions, I decided to give myself a nice break.

Read and did my devotionals and will have my lunch before going to work.

I do not know who most of these people who appeared or won awards at the Grammy's are anymore. I am way behind times !

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for good sleep last night and a restful morning today
that I have time in my workday to read
for my consistency in my lack of road rage. It's becoming a vague memory
for the inspirational reading and music that excites me today
for the changes I have made and the promise of further work to change
to be sober, clean and smoke-free
for the gift of Precious in my life
for the gift of faith
and for God's Grace
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (23)

Good evening. Have been running all week and not had time or energy to do much but get to bed in the evening.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for the opportunity to serve other's at Christian Community Service Center - this is the organization that I am volunteering some time to on two days
that the other volunteers there are kind, friendly and giving people
to Trish, my hair dresser for her activism, energy and eagerness to help get donations of food for the CCSC -thank you Trish
that tomorrow I get closer to becoming a full fledged Catholic- it is our Rite of Sending and Rite of Election
My Confirmation to Catholicism will be on Sunday, May 4th at the 11:00 Mass at St. Anne Catholic Church - ya'll come ! I'd be thrilled for you all to be a part of this process
for the gift of my faith
for Precious-what a God given gift of joy and love
for my AA friends and family who still stay in contact even though I don't see them often-I love you all !
God's Grace !
I consider God's patience Salvation
Thank YOU

life safari 2008 (22)

Well, what a storm we had this evening ! It blew in and out in a short, violent time.
Haven't had a chance to write lately. I am finding it difficult to find enough time in the day and evening these days.

It is a busy season and will be so for the next month and a half. But, very enjoyable and worthwhile.

I am staying up to do things I have not been able to get done today. I am enjoying my days and evenings like I never have in the past.

I am putting in volunteer time with a charitable organization that I am very taken with. It is well run, helps people right here in our city and has been caring for others in need for 27 years.

The organization is Christian Community Service Center and 27 years ago began with Emergency Services and attracted 6 area churches who donate necessities for those who are in need of basic things.
Now, they operate 7 programs and have 37 area, multi-denominational churches who volunteer and donate.

The mission of Christian Community Service Center is to serve the poor, hungry, disabled, and otherwise needy while respecting their religious, ethnic or cultural differences.
CCSC serves the innercity of Houston. A very densely populated area.

I am Grateful and Thankful...
to feel so alive and fulfilled right now
that I am getting more involved during Lent (prayer, fasting and charity)
Precious and her beautiful spirit
God's Grace
the gift of faith
my understanding and reliance upon the Lord has been growing and becoming stronger since September - thank you RCIA
that the RCIA team has directed my study and interest
that I have eagerly done the work
for the suggestion to read The Purpose Driven Life - by a cashier at Wholefoods
the above book goes right along with the goal of Lent- an awesome message and easy to read
that I am a new person in Christ
yes, Born Again/Born for the First Time (?). I just know that I have given up an old way of living for a new way of living and it is a comfortable fit !
I am not living for ME, I am living for The Lord - finally !

life safari 2008 (21)

What a wonderful weekend. I have had a nice day. Church and came home and ate lunch. I have stocked up on some things to eat on the days of fasting and abstinence during Lent and Easter.

It is a very exciting time for me. I have been studying and really working to learn the Order of the Mass, what it means to be a Catholic and so many other exciting and interesting concepts and practices of my new Faith.

My full Communion (Confirmation) into the Catholic Faith will be Sunday, May 4th at the 11:00 am Mass. I was Baptised in the Baptist Church when I was 12 years old. There is only one Baptism for Christians.

I have begun recycling paper, plastic and cans recently. I am involved in a charitable organization and truly excited about helping our Houstonians have better lives. I am working with Christian Community Service Center. We serve a large densely populated area in the inner-city of Houston. We have 7 exciting and worthwell service branches and many churches in the area are involved. All are different denomination, congregational churches.

I am happier than I've been in a very long time. I enjoy what I am doing and the doing has changed me in so many ways.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for life itself
for miracles
Precious
God's Grace
58 years of a Blessed life
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (20)

Happy Saturday everybody !! It is a banner day weather-wise and otherwise.

Rosie is home and Trish, Lucie and Rosie are doing much better now that they are all alive and back as a family. I am very thankful for Rosie's daily recovery. Poor little Lucie shows the strain of missing Rosie while she was gone (to that wonderful Vet. College - A & M) and the worry is still on her lettle face in in her eyes. But, all are happy and resting well.

Trish is one of the most awesome women I know. I have known her for years but, not being very mature for years, I am now seeing her anew and appreciate her beautiful Spirit.
Trish is a remarkable hair stylist, cutter, colorer and waxer. Many of my aquaintances go to her for her work. The other think about Trish is that she is such an informed person. She has always been an activist in so many, many causes. She is a woman way ahead of her time in many ways. In other ways she has lead others, such as myself, to begin to get actively dedicated to making a difference in our world and for people around us.

I expressed a cause I was trying to get off the ground and guess who was the first to get donations for that cause? You guessed it - Trish ! Thank you Trish and the two Dentists who were so gracious to contribute.

I have determined that a few of us who enjoy singing should form a loose group for an choir to go to Nursing homes and hospitals to lift our voices for God through song. My thoughts are to sing acappella. Just a loose, love to sing for the heck-of-it group. If any of you are interested, please let me know.

I am Grateful and Thankful...

for Frank and his wonderful, loving sponsorship - he has his hands full, you know (teehee)
that Rosie, Lucie and Trish are a happy family again
Rosie is resting well and recovery is coming along
to be sober, clean and smoke-free
that it is my 58th birthday today and a splendid weather-day
for the gifts from Frank and Trish - Thank you two for your love and peaceful demeanor for soooo many years
for the beautiful and peacefulness of the Lambda Center now. If you have not been there lately, go by and see what I mean
for my sweet Precious. Every day I get to enjoy her love and company is a blessing
When I see upsetting things during the day, I go right in the house at night and pick her up and hold her tight. Then I feel better
for the gift of faith today
that tomorrow is Sunday and Mass at 11:00 am
for the longevity in AA. I am the person I am today because of AA and my family there
that I get to enjoy getting older and the level-headedness getting older brings
God's Grace and patience with me-that is Salvation today (His patience)
thank YOU

life safari 2008 (19)

Well, there is to be a scheduled outage at 4:30 pm PST this day.

What a wonderful 15 hours I've had at the house. I stayed up all night working on my service project. I love to stay up all night on occasion on Wednesday night since I'm off Wednesday.

I got the presentation written - it wasn't anything like I thought it was going to be. Isn't that the way it usually works out !? Usually what I end with is better than what I planned in the start. I just have to "work it, Baby !!

I am very busy right now. My dance card is full for a week. I'm happy, joyous and free. That's when I feel the Holy Spirit in me.

I got to the noon meeting at Lambda today and what a pleasant surprise. The Center absolutely looks fantastic !! Kudos to all the workers who did the work and Mark J. for having the vision and _alls to get it done !!
It looks beautiful in every nook and cranny. It looks like a nice coffee shop rather than a Baudyhouse. I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed seeing and being with everyone today.

I love you men. Mi Familia, La Corizon !!

I am Grateful and Thankful today.

life safari 2008 (18)

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged.
Happy Monday everyone.

A friend of mine is suffering because her sweet Golden Retriever fell down some steps and broke her artificial hip joint. The dogs name is Rosie and the woman's name is Trish. Rosie is at A & M University. Rosie is having surgery today, perhaps she is in surgery now or has already had it.

Wish you both the best and my prayers are with you.
Let's all hug our precious pets a bit tighter.

You know, I have much I wish I could explain for why I have not been around the AA meetings in a while but, I do not feel that I want to go into it right. I don't even know if I will ever want to put it into words.

I do love you - my friends and AA family. It isn't that I do not love and miss you all, I do.

One of the things I can put into words is that, for all these years AA has been the "Church" that I needed. I had trouble for years seeing myself involved in any religion or church.
But, I have found a religion I am comfortable with and a church that I want to attend. It isn't that AA doesn't count any more to me. It is that Church and being a Catholic fills the need that I had when I was going to so many AA meetings.

I am an alcoholic in recovery. I do not forget that fact. If I had not been so involved in attending meetings I would not have been in a Spiritual place to recognize how much I wanted and needed a more structured Spiritual life. The church and Catholic faith brings me much joy and happiness.

This is all I think I want to share at this time. My life is certainly far from perfect. I still battle my food addiction daily, I have not begun to exercise and clean house (literally).

I do take my Catechism classes seriously and I study and read more than I do anything else.

This time of the Liturical Year will be filled with going to church very often. So, I will not be around for a while yet. My mornings are devoted to prayer and meditation before going to work. It is comforting and helps me stay on tract most of the time. The ox and cart are not off into the ditch nearly as often any more.

However, I find myself wandering in the Spiritual Desert from time to time. I keep seeking ways out of that place and enjoy doing the work of removing myself from there. I am not perfect and I will never be perfect - I believe some think that I think I will achieve that status at some future date. No ! but, let those believe what they wish.

There are some beliefs in the Catholic Faith that my conscience dictates that I reconsider and amend for my comfortability as a Catholic.

And do not get me wrong. I am a proud Catholic ! I do not wish to be disingenuous in regards to my Faith.

Please accept my new life and do not think harshly of my lack of being present in the meetings with you. You are in my thoughts and I am with you in Spirit.

Just realize that, I am seeking answers and I still have a ways to go and will no doubt, have more information as I go forward. I am just a Baby Catholic just now and can not partake in many of the Catholic Rites as yet. I look forward to the day that I will be able to fully participate in the Religion of my choice.

thank you and I hope no one gets put off by my explanation of where I am at present.