MARCH 2023

During the forty day period before Easter many Christians observe the season of Lent. I did not grow up participating in Lent; however, as I read and study about it, I find it to be a good thing for me. In this time we may remember the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus Christ. It is a time of repentance and thinking on Christ.  Some people give up certain things during Lent. Some fast for a period. Fasting means giving up food (or something else) for a period of time in order to focus thoughts on prayer and on God. I read something written by Pope Francis which was meaningful to me, and thought you might find this helpful as well:

"Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.

Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.

Fast from worries and trust in God.

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.

Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.

Fast from grudges and be reconciled.

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen."

I would love to hear from you. You may e-mail me at 

sandykwright@yahoo.com 

Those of you who know me, know I love birds and flowers. These make me happy and fill my life with joy. In my home I incorporate these into my decor often. When the weather begins to turn a bit warm, out come my spring decorations. The above picture is of an iron bench in my hallway where I have placed a favorite pillow with a bird design and a small nosegay of spring flowers. If you haven't started yet, now is the time to spring clean and decorate your home for the season.

Some spring cleaning tips to get you going:

• Clean one room at a time, so as not to become overwhelmed.
• Clean from top to bottom. Use a feather duster or swifter to dust or sweep ceiling, dust walls, fans, light fixtures, walls, etc.
• De-clutter and organize drawer and closets.
• Have two trash bags - one for throw away items and one for give away items.

A non-chemical general cleanser to use on almost anything:

In a 32 oz (1 qt.) spray bottle mix:

• 1 teaspoon borax
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Enough hot water to dissolve borax (swish around to dissolve borax)
• 2 drops of essential oil (lemon, mint, eucalyptus, etc.)
• Fill bottle with cold water and shake to mix. 

No rinsing is necessary after using this cleanser.

In your toilets just pour in about 1/4 cup of straight vinegar and swish with your toilet brush to make sparkling clean. It doesn't smell quite as nice as the cleanser mixture above, but a flush will take the odor away and toilet will be shiny bright and clean. 

One of my favorite memories from childhood was sitting around the table with my family, laughing and talking. I still love to sit around the table with loved ones, eat a good meal, and talk. We sometimes get too busy and don't make time to do this as often as we should.  Hopefully we will realize this and make the time to sit and listen, to talk about happy things, and enjoy the food and time together with friends and loved ones. 

"What we plant intentionally, water with love, and cultivate over time is what will grow throughout our lives."

-Sally Clarkson

This is true with gardens and it is true with friendship and family.

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring."

-Bernard Williams

"No winter lasts forever; no Spring skips its turn."

-Hal Borland

"The beautiful Spring came; and when nature resumes its loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also."

-Harriett Ann Jacobs

"Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect to have your prayers answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons of life do not last. The Spring rains will come again."

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

"The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air."

-Song of Solomon 2:12

I wish you a Spring filled with light, love, and laughter, an abundance of birds and sweet smelling flowers, good food, good friends, and loved ones surrounding you. HAPPY SPRING!