What I prayed at the Washington State Legislature on the eve of Washington’s birthday

O God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (and Jesus),
O God of Abraham and George,
on this the day before the actual birthday
of the one after whom our state is named,
I cannot tell a lie.

Having pledged our allegiance
to a tri-colored fabric
that symbolizes our unity as a nation,
we stand before You only too aware
of those things that threaten to divide us.
We acknowledge our need of Washingtonian-like honesty,
courage, vision, civility,
diplomacy, humility and faith.

Today we honor the memory of one
born to be our first president
who resisted the temptation of ambition
refusing to be a king.

But we also honor our heritage
as descendants of this one
we call the father of our country,

By George, may we be mindful of our birthright
in the causes for which we advocate,
the choices we make along the way
and the manner that punctuates our discourse.

Help us, Creator God,
to embrace our calling
as those created in Your image
to create (and recreate)
ways and means
for freedom to flourish
and justice to prevail
for Heaven’s sake (and ours). Amen.

An expression of love from my heart

I want to be Your Valentine
surrendered to Your will, not mine.
I pray the love that I express
is more than just a card.

I want to live in such a way
that what I do and what I say
will be the hallmark of my love
resulting in Your smile.

And though I first gave You my heart
before I knew “How Great Thou Art,”
I offer it again to You
with gratitude and praise.

Mark Zuckerberg’s baby is growing up

Mark Zuckerberg is getting old.
There’re gray streaks in his hair.
This week his little baby turned fifteen.
His pride and joy (although still young)
is part of all our lives.
It’s everywhere! At least that’s how it seems.

Yes, Facebook’s reached that awkward age
of adolescent change.
There’s growth spurts, hormones and those nasty zits.
Somedays it seems it’s quite mature
and other days… “Oh my!”
It has been known to have some hissy fits.

Like other teens we’ve learned to love,
Mark’s brain child has some quirks.
We’d all do well to give it time and space.
It’s still a kid in many ways
with growing up to do.
Me thinks it is entitled to some grace.

What is Howard Schultz thinking?

The Starbucks king has venti dreams.
I think he’s “full of beans.”
He’s testing out a presidential run.
Yes Howard Schultz has made it known
he’d like a house that’s white.
It seems his campaign has almost begun.

His caffeinated goals are strong.
He’s not your average Joe.
This independent thinks that he can win.
Gen Xers like the way he brews.
We Boomers aren’t so sure.
And late-night comics roast his edgy blend.

It’s just too soon for campaigning.
I’m weary of it all.
I wish we took our cues from Canada.
Why not two months of talking heads
before we cast our vote,
instead of all the hype and lah-di-da?