Another Thursday Thirteen (#3) on the topic of "Ice" as I consider the question of what happened to "Inspire Me Thursday" this week?

After discovering Inspire Me Thursday a few weeks back and leaving my first two links (one to a previous gratitude post on Sacred Ruminations here) and (another here linking to a similar Thanksgiving Day post at Small Reflections), I intended to participate weekly in Inspire Me Thursdays on this Blog and do my Thursday Thirteen posts at Small Reflections. However, Melanie seems to be making some changes and there's no topic for today. Since I skipped last week's topic on "Ice" ... I've decided to take it up today in a Thursday Thirteen sort of way.

So here's my 3rd T-13 post!

Random Thoughts on Ice

1. Here at the beach we have no "weather -related" ice or snow, but here are some links to lovely winter weather at Blogs I enjoy: Spilling Out 2. here and here, Imagined Life 3. here and 4. here, and Living in the Light I Find 5. here and 6. here.
7. Diamonds ... "ice" I'm adding to my Christmas list :)
8. Chocolate "icing" on cake and cupcakes is my favorite.
9. I like my wine with ice.
10. I'm feeling like I'm on thin ice because the ideas aren't flowing as quickly as I'd hoped and I need to leave the house soon.
11. I love to watch figure skaters perform on the ice.
12. I like ice sculptures like those created in Groundhog Day.
13. My toes felt like ice until I put my fuzzy slippers on.

Okay ... I'll admit this isn't a wonderful list , but it's the best I can come up with Molly pestering me for a walk, and still make my Weight Watchers meeting this morning.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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See also my official Thursday Thirteen post #2 at on my other Blog.

As a quick follow-up to my Google Reader issues shared in yesterday's post, I've discovered that choosing to "mark all as read" doesn't make them disappear from the list ... so I can check out earlier posts at my leisure (without feeling overwhelmed and/or finding it challenging to keep up with current posts on favorite sites). As of this moment, I'm pleased to report that my GR count is 134 even though I've added many new Blogs while visiting other T-13 sites already today. Unfortunately, my MSN email dilemma continues.

On Obstacles, Forgiveness, and Light

Tuesday's "daily email message" from Renaissance Unity said:

"You'll encounter many obstacles along the road to living your dreams. Some obstacles may be real, some imagined, some may be tangible, and some may be intangible. Some of those obstacles will be created by others, and some will be self-imposed. However they manifest, you will always be given the choice as to whether you give them power."
~Francine Ward

The affirmation suggested was:

I am able to move around, over or through every obstacle with God's help.

I'm not sure they had in mind what's been happening with my computer and my challenges with Blogger, but it sure fits. Most of these seem real, but who can say for sure? :)

Today's message seems like excellent advice. It reads:

"The forgiving state of mind is a magnetic power for attracting good." ~Catherine Ponder

And the Affirmation says:

I release my hold on the past and its problems.

It's positively uncanny how often these daily email messages "hit the mark" and I supposed that's why I continue to subscribe, even though my email box contains more messages than I'm ever likely to read because I tend to ignore much of what's there most of the time.

Yesterday's message was my favorite of the three:

"...this by the tender mercy of our God who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
~Luke 1:78-79

The accompanying affirmation:

I am lifted up out of darkness and into the Light by the power of God

This message (and it's accompanying affirmation) seems all the more appropriate as we prepare for Christmas celebrations and remembrance of Christ's birth. Each daily message also contains a prayer. Yesterday's was:

Dear God,
You are the light of the world and the light in our hearts. At this holy season may we all remember to share our love with everyone. Help us make room for You and for each other in our hearts and in our lives.
Thank You, God.

I think I'll make this MY walking prayer today.