Take A Chance On Me (Pop Song, Abba, 1970s)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 in my corner of blog land. How is your December rolling along and you with it?

I like to have some quiet time for about forty-five minutes three or four week-day mornings per week. I call this post, Take A Chance On Me, for that is what life feels like this week for yours truly.

The quiet time today, resulted in my curiosity over the possibility of prayers by a named associate of the Apostle Peter from the Biblical record whose name is Clement.

I found this prayer, lengthy but concise, and online, assumed to be by the same named person and love its straightforwardness:

Lord, enlighten my understanding, I pray:

arouse my will, 

cleanse my heart,

sanctify my soul.

May I weep for past sins,

repel future temptations,

correct evil inclinations,

nurture appropriate virtues.

Give me, good God,

love for you, hatred for myself,

zeal for my neighbor,

contempt for the world.

May I strive to obey my superiors,

to help those dependent on me,

to have care for my friends,

forgiveness for my enemies.

The Universal Prayer Attributed to Pope Clement XI

May I conquer sensuality by austerity,

avarice by generosity,

anger by gentleness,

lukewarmness by fervor.

Render me prudent in planning,

steadfast in dangers, 

patient in adversity,

humble in prosperity.

Make me, O Lord, attentive at prayer,

moderate at meals, 

diligent at work,

steadfast in intent.

May I be careful to maintain interior innocence,

outward modesty, 

exemplary behavior,

a regular life.

May I be always watchful in subduing nature,

in nourishing grace,

in observing your law,

in winning salvation.

May I learn from you

how precarious are earthly things,

how great divine things,

how fleeting is time,

how lasting things eternal.

Grant that I may prepare for death,

fear judgment,

flee hell,

gain paradise.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen. 

 

In a real sense it's asking the Almighty to give another chance at life and to be merciful and take a chance on one's life and being.

As an author of short story fiction, I often receive emails from supposed marketers wanting me to take a chance on them. Over time, I have become quite cautious in doing so and mostly endeavor to accomplish marketing myself. Advertising asks us all the time to take a chance, and personally, others do too.

Until we meet again here on the blog, know the peace of God that surpasses human understanding in your life. It's one of the best things received!

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell, Author

A Little Good News (Song, Anne Murray)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, in my corner of blog land.

First, thanks to you if you read and liked my latest story, Love You Each, posted at spillwords.com this past Friday. I had over 65 readers like the story; again, thanks from all over my heart!

Second, My wife and I returned two days ago from visiting our son and his family in another state. The flight was full both ways, people were generally considerate and courteous! So were we, too. It was a pleasant visit and our grandsons are alive and well!

Third, my published book, Human Being Human Doing, will soon become unavailable. I am moving toward short story fiction in anthologies, and making plans to create two chapbooks featuring 2-3 short stories each in the coming two years. Stay tuned please!

Finally, as December is noted to have over 20 international holidays within the 31 days, I was delighted to see this news headline in my inbox today from "The Christian Science Monitor" newsletter.

Monitor Highlights

Boston broke a record last year for fewest homicides. It’s on track to do it again.

We each have brokenness as part of life, and times like this holiday period may exacerbate the awareness of our individual and collective brokenness. May the Holy One, blessed be He, guide us through our broken parts of life, and renew a right spirit within each of us.

Thank you for dropping by, and feel free to leave a comment or hello. This blog is one opportunity to experience connected.

Happy Season,

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author

 

Story: Love You Each (David C. Russell)

    https://spillwords.com/love-you-each/

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Winter snow has arrived today or overnight in my corner of blog land. I suspect the acumulation is at the most one inch, 25.4 mm, respectively.

Good news too has fallen for yours truly. One of my stories is selected for publication online, effective December 6, 2024. See below!

Dear David,

Thank you for submitting your piece titled "Love You Each."

We are excited to share the news that your work has been scheduled for publication on 12/6/24 at 1:30am Eastern Time (ET).

You can access your published piece through the following link:

https://spillwords.com/love-you-each/

We appreciate your valuable contribution and eagerly anticipate the impact your writing will have on our readers.

My Note:  The story is about a young child raised by folks in "the village" as it were during her formative years. Please consider reading, and leaving a like at the above URL.

May The Holy One bless and keep us today!

Mellow Rock,

David C. Russell, Author

 

Doctor, Doctor, Give Me The News (standard, Bob Seger)

Hello Grafted In Reader,

Today is Tuesday, December 3, in my corner of blog land. This morning, I participated in a Pre-Christmas season sale and bought three writer coffee mugs from Cafe Press online. They're due to arrive early next week! How are you doing with the seasonal flurry of activity?

The title to this post means a health topic is on the horizon. 

I have some info, provided by the Mayo Clinic email, to share with you about a drug and supplement known as Colostrum. Evidently, it's catching on as a popular wellness option from what is noted.

Here is the key excerpt from the article offered by Mayo Clinic:

Research is still in early stages when it comes to how colostrum supplementation can benefit those other than newborn babies. Currently, areas of health being evaluated include immune function, gut health, athletic performance and diarrhea prevention.

Colostrum is rich in protective antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G, known as IgG, and immunoglobulin A, known as IgA, making it potentially advantageous for bolstering the immune system. This might appeal to anyone looking to take fewer sick days; however, the current research mostly supports this benefit only in elite athletes. 

Until our next visit, may the Holy One bless and keep us daily!

Feel free to say hello and or leave a comment. As always, much thanks for dropping by!

Mellow Rock

David C. Russell, Author