Hi Everyone,
Since the holiday of Hanukkah begins at sundown tonight, I created this week’s Zenspirations(R) as a way of sharing the meaningful message of the Hanukkah story– Miracles do come true!
For those who are not familiar with the story, Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem two centuries before the time of Christ. The Temple had been desecrated by Antiochus IV’s troops, and when the Jewish people wanted to light the Eternal Lamp which acknowleges God’s holy presence, they discovered that there was only enough oil to keep the lamp lit for one day. The miracle of Hanukkah is that the one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days– enough time for more oil to be procured.
I believe in the power of prayer, and I believe that miracles happen daily… all we have to do is open our eyes to see them. One of my favorite quotes was written by Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.” I have been blessed to experience many miracles in my life… and am profoundly grateful for each one that I have noticed, and for those of which I’m not aware. At the moment I’m especially grateful for the miracle of mobility. A year ago this week I had a spinal fusion… before the surgery I couldn’t stand up for more than a few seconds without being in pain, and I could only walk a few feet. It’s been a long recovery, but I am able to walk a mile several times a week– a miracle indeed!
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts… what miracles have you experienced, and which ones are you most grateful for? Please leave a comment to let me know…
Stay Zenspired,
Joanne
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What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing the story of Hanukkah. I did not know the story behind the holiday so I am very grateful for you sharing that with us. I believe in miracles for sure!! Always have. My family being one cohesive unit after all the trials we have been through over the years is my most favorite and wonderful miracle of all!! I'm so very thankful for all my family members and I'm so glad we are all together this and every holiday season.
Happy Holidays to you and all of your families to everyone out there in the world. Even those who don't celebrate a holiday this time of year.
Big Hugs!!
Reeah.
Joanne,
This is such a joyful holiday,and again your artwork is wonderful ,and spot on.
Happy Chanukah ,
Craig Nelson
Thank you, Joanne, for your words on miracles. Yes, miracles do happen every day. One of my miracles is that I have lived so long, and still have a wonderful memory of things that have happened in the past, and fully aware of what is happening today. I am able to use the computer, create paintings in watercolor and acrylic, able to do myriads of Zentangle inspired arts, able to live alone (next door to my daughter) ,, thankful for a loving family and the fact that I am able to be creative as I near my 95th birthday next March. Praise God for all the miracles that He performs each day.
Wow! Each one of your posts leaves me speechless! I do believe in miracles… I pray for them all the time (not sure if that is appropriate) – however I must be honest …. I do! However, I have learned to see miracles in a different light! The first time my son called me "mom" which was music to my ears (he said it at age 16); I never thought he would understand let alone be able to say it!!!! Since having a bi-lateral mastectomy and a radical hysterectomy – I wake up every day and truly feel that i was granted another miracle which is life – (one of the miracles I prayed for – I need to be here as long as my son his here – he needs me to be his caregiver) – I am so grateful to have found your blog – I feel as though I know you through your writing! Your art – that is a bonus – I can't believe what your hands produce = the art today is magnificent! I think I will print it and my son and I will make a frame together …. Thank you for your gifts!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful and Happy Hanukkah!!!!!
I believe that overtime a baby is born it is a miracle.
This is, without a doubt, THE nicest Hanukkah greeting that I have ever seen. It's truly wonderful. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful Hanukkah.
Birth is, indeed a miracle. Also, the sprouting of seeds, the mysteries of the universe, each blessing we receive, as well as those we are moved to give. Miracles too many to count in our lives if only we will be open to seeing them. Thank you, thank you for this gentle reminder, for the Blessings you send into the world through your art, and for your steadfast presence that inspires a special community of unseen friends.
Thank you for sharing the story of the holiday. It was educational for me. Waking up and being able to walk around without assistance is indeed a miracle. The main miracle is waking up. Does that mean when a person does not wake up then there is no miracle? This is a question I have pondered over. Maybe somebody can help with some explanation. Peace and blessings!
Joanne,
I too thank you for the story. I'm a retired Oncology nurse and throughout my career took care of many patients' that was given miracles of life. I'm grateful for being able to enjoy each day. I appreciate your beautiful art, thank you for allowing me to enjoy it. Happy Holidays.