Dear Reader:

I slept in later than usual yesterday when I looked out the window drowsily and heard the rain pattering down. It would have been an easy day to just stay in the old p.j.’s and have a lazy, hazy day at home.

By noon, however, the sun was breaking through, the blue skies were sapphire and I decided it was time to match the cleanliness of outside in God’s Home with my not-so -clean kitchen.

Isn’t it amazing how we put off such simple chores for so long? When we finally get around to doing some down deep cleaning..it makes us feel so good. I left the kitchen shining and smelling ‘lemony’ wonderful from the floor mopping and cleaned out frig.

Then I felt ready to go outside, peruse my garden, and then run errands with smiles for all I met. Everything smelled and seemed so fresh after the rains had come and the winds had blown debris away. God’s way of helping us keep this world beautiful. (Of course now I have to play “pick up sticks” all over the yard before the truck comes tomorrow)

Jack Kornfield (“Little Buddha”) paraphrased an old Buddha thought/quote into:

“Each morning we are born again…what we do today is what matters most.”

To be given a new chance every day to make a difference in this world is unbelievably generous of God…no matter how many times we mess up…He helps us clean up.

Mollie sent this ultrasound she had taken yesterday….the doctor told her the baby was going to be another big one…probably around 9 pounds if full term and lots of hair.

I couldn’t believe how much the baby looks like Rutledge in the dark hair coloring and features…the newest little Dingle will definitely share a resemblance to its older sibling.

Okay…let’s have some fun. Since Mollie and Walsh are letting the gender be a surprise at delivery….I would love for all of you to let me know whether you think the baby is a boy or girl. I will keep the tally secret and then we can have some fun all together when the baby comes next month. Name of the Game- “Boy or Girl…Give it a Twirl”

(Isn’t it wonderful to play in a ‘win win’ game…there can be no losers because, at the end of Mollie’s pregnancy, a beautiful child of God will be added to the family and world.)

Your one and only clue: the rather distorted (always) ultrasound photo and your “gut” instinct.

The photo really makes the next little Dingle’s arrival feel more real now. With that in mind…I would like to share this poem with you for today’s story. A great reminder for us to keep on…keeping on…the world awaits our better selves as we grow wiser each day!

Beginning Today
By: John McCornack

Beginning today I will no longer worry about yesterday.It is in the past and the past will never change. Only I can change by choosing to do so.

Beginning today I will no longer worry about tomorrow.
Tomorrow will always be there, waiting for me to make the most of it.
But I cannot make the most of tomorrow without first
making the most of today.

Beginning today I will look in the mirror and I will see a person worthy
of my respect and admiration.
This capable person looking back at me is someone I enjoy spending time
with and someone I would like to get to know better.

Beginning today I will cherish each moment of my life.
I value this gift bestowed upon me in this world and I will unselfishly
share this gift with others.
I will use this gift to enhance the lives of others.

Beginning today I will take a moment to step off the beaten path and to revel in the mysteries I encounter.
I will face challenges with courage and determination.
I will overcome what barriers there may be which hinder my quest for
growth and self-improvement.

Beginning today I will take life one day at a time, one step at a time.
Discouragement will not be allowed to taint my positive self-image,
my desire to succeed or my capacity to love.

Beginning today I walk with renewed faith in human kindness.
Regardless of what has gone before, I believe there is hope
for a brighter and better future.

Beginning today I will open my mind and my heart.
I will welcome new experiences. I will meet new people.
I will not expect perfection from myself nor anyone else: perfection does not exist in an imperfect world.
But I will applaud the attempt to overcome human foibles.

Beginning today I am responsible for my own happiness and I will do
things that make me happy . . .
admire the beautiful wonders of nature, listen to my favorite music,
pet a kitten or a puppy, soak in a bubble bath . . .
pleasure can be found in the most simple of gestures.

Beginning today I will learn something new; I will try something
different; I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer.
I will change what I can and the rest I will let go.
I will strive to become the best me I can possibly be.

Beginning today. And every day.

……………………………..

 So until tomorrow…I think “I will savor all the various flavors life has to offer” by stopping by Tastee Freeze and getting a “Rainbow” cone….savor all the flavors! Got it covered!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*Rutledge, in the immortal words of James Brown says: “I Feel Good”..no pain…ears clear….and a big “Cheese” to one and all! (Thanks for all the prayers and continued inquiries about Rutledge’s ears…Mollie and Walsh are thankful for your thoughts and prayers.)

* Rudy (Kaitlyn’s dog and loved by all) is having some potentially serious health problems which requires surgery. Kaitlyn has had this precious dog for many years and Tommy adores him also…very upsetting…thoughts and prayers are appreciated for a full recovery.