To what really matters. What interactions with others were significant to me today?What care and compassion did I show?What was going on in my head during these interactions? Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, -Written by Fr. We made promises to love and protect our families, "til death do . The COVID-19 pandemic has touched almost every aspect of our daily lives, especially the fun parts like dining at restaurants, traveling the world and celebrating birthdays. Though 20-year-old Aidan G. of Kensington, California, was home from college because of COVID, his girlfriend put together a video of college friends wishing him a happy birthday and sharing appreciations, which really touched him. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. One cousin even created a special online presentation for the call that included live and recorded music, as well as dance performances and poetry. I celebrate Your birth, Your life, Your death, and Your resurrection. Also you could probably say they fall under Warehouses. Pope's Prayer for Protection from Coronavirus, episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/us-disaster-program/faith-based-response-to-epidemics/, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822, https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229, https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/03/02/coronavirus-prayer, https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-francis-prayer-our-lady-protection-coronavirus.html, Multi Faith Calendar of Religious Holy Days, Foundational Documents on Jesuit Catholic Education, Xavier University's Center for Mission and Identity. Wine it is. I pause (breathe in and out) and ask for forgiveness for The days I falter and the disease takes over. Congrats on your success. Rather than debate how smart animals are, we should care for them because of their capacity to feeland perhaps even have spiritual lives. For social justice. Take some time to sit down and think about what you've learned and how you've grown. Public health issues have a way of making us recognize how interwoven our lives are with others in society. ( KLFY) A mother who witnessed her son's death in Opelousas Tuesday morning is speaking out. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And stepped in where needed. 21. What connections do you take for granted in your life? And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other, let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Toburnbrighter. God wants to be present in all parts of our livesnot just the easy or serene moments. Be with those who have died from the virus. // ]]> May our hearts be unified in You more than ever. Those who live violent lives tend to die violent deaths. Going old happens. } God, you gave me a life that day I was born, and I hope I will spend all my life and do as much as I can to show you my love and gratitude! As you think of the ways we are connected or disconnected to one another, pick a connection (or lack thereof) that seems important, significant, or is manifesting itself the strongest. - By Ray Angle, Assistant Vice President, Career and Professional Development, Gonzaga University, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You that will be enough." Help us to reflect again, on what Christmas is really all about. Our God is purposeful, setting us in our families, communities, even in our generations. Yes, we have finished this holy season. Our lives and our work are a constant series of endings and beginnings. Who can see through your mask? Whatever special message you want to deliver, Adobe Express is here to make it happen. We have had no time, no space, no moment to mourn. In scenes that would fit easily into war zones, they invade our honored spaces and violate standards of citizen behavior. For those who are sick.For those with chronic illnesses and underlying health concerns.For all those who are suffering. Thank you that youve carried us through the uncertainty of deep waters, through the flames of trials, and through the pain of hard losses. Happy Better Wiser 291k followers More information But there can always be a rebirth of love. Prayers for Strength during the Coronavirus Pandemic 1. My smiles, my thoughts, my mumbles, though these I know, but they are a greater mystery to others now. You at least had more. Like a rock settling on the bottom of a lake after its thrown in, let yourself settle. We worried about the youth. Gracious and Loving God,You are our comforter and our hope.Hear our prayers as we come before you.Strengthen us in this time of need.Inspire us to acts of solidarity and generosityand give us hope of a brighter future. Sustain bodies and spirits. I bet it feels as good as it looks. } Happy birthday. Help me see it as a human response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it overwhelm my spirit. What connections do you take for granted in your life? Some of these endings come suddenly or unexpectedly. 2023 The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. We give our hearts to You, now and forever. "We find ourselves afraid and lost . I pray that we continue to be inclusive and broad in our thinking, that we continue to be imaginative and innovative, that we have the energy required to sustain us. With love and respect for the past, we as a community face our new beginnings and journeys with anticipation, optimism, enthusiasm and care for each other creating our own New Normal. And our health and the health of all. And finally, take time to remember that God is with us through all the events of our lives, and that these endings and beginnings are no different. Love you. Strengthenuswhen we feel discouragedor overwhelmed. O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you for always providing me with hope, encouragement, joy, and support. Of course, the most important thing in creating any celebration is knowing the birthday recipients likes and dislikesand what matters most to them. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the best friend in the world was born. Help us, Lord, to move beyond our masks. I pause (breathe in and out) and remember that today, As in days before, I have survived. What connections to others are you becoming more aware of? Hopefully some of them will resonate with you. Though some may not mind having birthdays pass unnoticednever liked birthdays, never willresearch suggests that they can be a special opportunity to nourish positive emotions and fortify our relationships. Yes there is even death. When I wanted to hide, Ive faced the day. As I look ahead to the coming academic year, I pray that we make sound decisions for our students, our faculty, our staff, that protect them and serve them well, and also serve the institution well. Make time to reflect and be thankful for what is ending. The year we cried. The world has gone through upheaval. Yes there is fear. Happy birthday. And recently in this ordinary time we have seen our fellow citizens rise up in anger and violence, destroying, injuring, even killing others to push their narrow agendas. A Prayer of Gratitude. For others its from a deep sense of your true self. Public health issues have a way of making us recognize how interwoven our lives are with others in society. Cant imagine my life without you. God gifted us with limitless creativity and imagination. 1. Some meaningful approaches including thanking them, reminiscing on great times youve shared in the past year, praising their accomplishments, or letting them what about them you love most. Lives have been lost and upended. Please watch over everyone as times and routines are about to change once again. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine or your favorite beverage, and make a list of five lessons from the past year . Published: Apr 03, 2020 Praying the promises of God reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Whether the occasion is bittersweet and quiet or a party that rocks out in sheer exuberance, our designs convey the birthday message that hits exactly the right note. Amber's friends joined in a birthday car parade. twitter: { Get comfortable. Ordinary time? We hold in tenderness and prayer the collective suffering of our world at this time. Part must be the guardians of public safety who risk their lies and health, even give up that life, to keep order and peace. Another year to prove that older doesnt really mean wiser. And the courage to reach out. The year that taught us to minimize. You can also make this . Birthdays (and other temporal markers) can also be times to reassess our lives. I hope that todays wishes, smiles, and heartfelt words turn into many amazing memories. Make time to celebrate the new beginning and what we have to look forward to. Birthdays apparently help us to put our "old self" behind us in favor of a future, evolving self, which aids us in moving forward on our life path. 3. My faith in God is what's giving me hope in the midst of this pandemic. Celebrating a birthday while under stay-at-home and social distancing orders can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be boring! Birthdays remind us of who we are and what weve done thanks for being an amazing role model to myself and for many others. We grieve precious lives lost and vulnerable lives threatened. Hope all of your wishes come true, and then some. Archbishop Foley Beach recommends the following prayer for use in online services: For Spiritual Communion, p. 677 Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. There's nothing wrong with celebrating alone. Fermented grapes. On this wonderful day, I wish you the best that the world has to offer. And the number of deaths chills survivors in worry and guilt what should I have done, what should I do now? Happy birthday, friend. God, Thank you for helping us to make it through this difficult year. By noon, most of us have already faced challenges, and we may think we can handle these things alone; but the Lord says otherwisewe must look to and depend on Him. Call us to profound trust in your faithful presence. 2020. Perhaps, Lord, no time is really ordinary. For in all this, I grow closer to you. Pray for leaders responsible for making decisions about the pandemic. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. - Franz Kafka, Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust, Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. Unknown, Birthdays are nature's way of telling you to eat more cake. - Jo Brand, Old age is like everything else. Yeah, alright, here it is. For our. And it's faith that disarms my . This is why astrologers use completely different systems, based on all they know and trust. When the right words are hard to find, theres no shame in taking inspiration from someone or something else. Direct our hearts and minds towards you. May my prayers and support be with them all. The parade was filmed and posted on Facebook, which meant she could watch it in the months that followed whenever she felt the pandemic bringing her down. - Written and offered by Phil Chick on 5/17/21 post-pandemic. What connections impact you the most? Do some self-reflection. Old friends and colleagues are now out of control. Those in my community who are suffering need care. For the generosity of spirit.For hope in times of despair.For light in the darkness. 2. They remind us that we are not alone in the face of our own mortality. Well, I know exactly what youll say. Research suggests that birthdays help motivate people to make important changeslike exercising more or starting a healthier dietand to more deliberately pursue life goals. Theres no one on Earth Id rather celebrate more than you. What connections impact you the most? In contrast, continuing with important rituals, like birthday celebrations, can build positive feelings, social ties, and a sense of control over our lives that we need during this stressful, uncertain time. Friend, its been nothing short of amazing to see what youve accomplished in the past year. -Prayer originated fromhttps://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=229. Cover me with the most precious blood. The film received generally positive reviews from critics and was a global box-office hit. But her sister, daughter, and niece created a birthday car parade, with friends driving through her neighborhood in cars festooned with signs and balloons, blaring their radios or hanging out of their sunroofs to serenade her while she watched from her front yard. Happy birthday. Covid birthday cards 1. [CDATA[ Yes there is panic buying. A number of long-serving leaders, faculty and staff will be ending their work on campus, and their successors will be beginning theirs. We pray for your love and compassion to aboundas we walk through this challenging season. With . For her birthday on March 31, Sarah Solomon made the best of the circumstances as she was sheltering in place. Help us to give thanks within our sorrow, within our fears. We choose to press in close to you today, and keep you first in our hearts and lives. Alone and isolated. Simply acknowledge them, pay attention, and listen to where God may be speaking. May our breaths continue. Birthdays are a chance to let people know that they are special to you. -Prayer by Cameron Wiggins Bellm. I cannot sense if you are pleased with me or if you are waiting for me to do much better. Here's to another year of invaluable life lessons. Best friend, weve been through it all. 20 Prayers for the Sick to Make Them Stronger in Their Fight. Sending you love on this birthday. If you find yourself frustrated or stressed, acknowledge it. -Meister Eckhart. Happiest of birthdays. Our University rose to the many challenges. Happy birthday, friend. Let's raise a glass, light the candles, and have some fun." "Today's your special day, so you better go all out. Help usto focus on what we havenot on what is removed or changed. Its a tough job, from getting up pre-dawn to the physical toll it takes on my body, to the monotonous nature of the job, at times its hard to keep on going. Science Center And yet, we receive everything that we needed. Cant wait to see what wondrous things the next year holds for you. I cannot see if you smile or if you scowl. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God.Do not despise our pleas we who are put to the test and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin. My faith that keeps me steady as our entire country wakes up every morning to wage war on an invisible enemy. - Written by Rev. Take a moment to think about how COVID-19 has impacted your life. Its gonna be ok, were gonna make it be ok. Angela J. of Los Angeles, California, attended a surprise Zoom birthday for an aunt living in Philadelphia who was turning 90. - Prayer originated fromhttps://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=1822. We embrace this metaphorbecause we believeour purposeis inextricably linkedto helping othersclarify and attain theirs. Blessed is the Soul of the Universe, Breathing us in and breathing us out. Thank you for being a best friend, a role model, a shoulder to cry on, and a partner in crime. Every day, I am grateful to have you in my life. New ways of learning and working were created. Pause and reflect on where youre being invited to grow from that moment. Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. To those in pain. In Jesus' name, Amen. We pray that we try to understand each other in our struggles to make sense of the forces that are beyond any one of us, that we see beyond threats imagined or real, that we hear beyond shouted anger or mocking taunts or cursing threats and note the cries for help that rest mostly silent in ordinary times. As we transition through these times, we keep our faith as Bhagwad Gita, the Hindu Holy Scripture written more than 2000 years ago, says: 'Dharmo Rakshito Rakshita'those who keep their faith strong during trying times are blessed with their faith carrying them through these times. Be preserved. Additional benefits during the pandemic helped SNAP recipients reduce hunger and buy more expensive, healthy food. As we embrace this changed world for our students, our employees and our communities, some of us here today are entering our own New Normal with new and different roles, responsibilities, adventures and dreams for our future. 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