Brothers and Sisters,

Now the day is over,
Night is drawing nigh.
Shadows of the evening
Steal across the sky.

Jesus, give the weary
Calm and sweet repose;
With Thy tender blessing
May mine eyelids close.

Grant to little children
Visions bright of Thee;
Guard the sailors tossing
On the deep blue sea.

Through the long night watches
May Thine angels spread
Their white wings above me
Watching round my bed.

When the morning wakens,
Then, may I arise
Pure, and fresh, and sinless
In Thy holy eyes.

Words and Music by Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould (1865) and Joseph Barnby (1868)

Blessings to each of you this evening, and in the week ahead!

p.s.  Pastor Dan is away at a family celebration this evening.  This is my first diary, and the beautiful words above are my favorite childhood hymn.

•  Thank you for this

  I've been missing "Brothers and Sisters" tonight.  

  by elveta on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:24:46 PM PDT

  •  Here, too! n/t

    by texasmom on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:46:02 PM PDT

  •  Here, three! :)

    I so love this weekly thread.  The thoughtful, compassionate, and heartfelt prayers and comments I read here every Sunday truly make my heart sing!  

    by joyful on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:27:15 PM PDT

•  May joyful and everyone have...

  wonderful, stress free and restful weeks.  May you have peace from the news of the world, and time to appreciate the little goods that happen all around.

  Well done, joyful.

  T.R.

  by ThaliaR on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:25:43 PM PDT

•  My offering for tonight

  Thanks for doing the diary joyful. Instead of sharing prayers tonight I thought I'd share some quotes from wise men.
  Peace and hugs to all of you.

  From Black Hawk, Sauk

  "How smooth must be the language of the whites, when they can make right look like wrong, and wrong like right."

  Black Elk Oglala Sioux Holy Man
  1863-1950
  

  You have noticed that everything as Indian does is in a circle, and that is because the Power of the World always works in circles, and everything tries to be round..... The Sky is round, and I have heard that the earth is round like a ball, and so are all the stars. The wind, in its greatest power, whirls. Birds make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as ours....
  Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing, and always come back again to where they were. The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.

  Mourning Dove Salish
  1888-1936

  ...... everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

  Red Cloud(Makhpiya-luta) , April, 1870

  ...I am poor and naked, but I am the chief of the nation. We do not want riches but we do want to train our children right. Riches would do us no good. We could not take them with us to the other world. We do not want riches. We want peace and love.

  by FireCrow on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:28:56 PM PDT

  •  Very beautiful, FireCrow.........

    When we moved to the house we live in now, ten years ago, we built a round patio with a round fireplace. Stone walls surround the patio that slope in a downward spiral that edge the patio.  Above the walls are planted fruit-bearing bushes for the birds to enjoy.  We burn pinon in the fireplace, which important in the south-western Indian culture.  I call this my 'kiva', for when I sit there and watch the sunset, while being warmed by the pinon-scented wood as the birds pluck their dinner off the bushes, I feel a wonderful connection to the universe and all things alive.
    I may not have a drop of American Indian blood running through my veins, but I have always admired their beliefs and the way they honor the earth.  I hope you understand why I built my kiva.  I, too, feel the power of a circle.

    by Cronesense on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:01:42 PM PDT

    •  That sounds like a beautiful space crone

      I certainly do understand. I don't have a drop of native american blood in my veins either, but my heart is and has always been connected to their beliefs and awareness. That consciousness has led me to seek mentors I could learn from and from there to other experiences and paths that brought me to a place of spirit that feels like home. Sometime when I have more time I will tell you about the name FireCrow and how it was given to me. It is one of the most powerful experiences of my life and also one of the most unusual. Good to see you tonight Crone.

      by FireCrow on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:38:14 PM PDT

      •  FireCrow.......

        Thank you for your reply.  I look forward to hearing that story someday.  
        Even when weather prevents me from sitting in my kiva and watching the flames, I put myself there in my mind to find peace.

        by Cronesense on Mon Oct 16, 2006 at 07:38:55 AM PDT

  •  Thank you for these quotes!

    I especially love the last two and have cut and pasted them!

    by vox humana on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:11:51 PM PDT

•  Let's Go Mets!

  Let's Go Mets!

  Pass the Peace Pipe.

  moon

  by Keith Moon on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:30:41 PM PDT

•  Thanks for carrying the torch,

  joyful.

  Thoughts tonight for those who live in fear, for those who suffer injustice and bigotry and for those who struggle to live and teach equality and acceptance.

  I wish each of you a place of calm and quietude this week, however brief it may be.  

  Pray for those whom you think least deserve it.  They may benefit.  You definitely will.

  by CJB on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:33:12 PM PDT

•  Good Wishes to all in Hawaii

  Hope all Kossacks (And everone else) and thier families & loved ones are safe and secure.

  by SFJen on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:39:08 PM PDT

  •  We are, SFJen. And I can't thank this "family"

    enough for the good wishes and shout outs today in
    several diaries, voicing concern and thanks. On Oahu,
    the major issue after the quake was just power outage
    (ongoing). On the Big Island, many lost possessions, no
    one lost a life.

    After standing as my condo building shook, then shook
    worse, sort of thundering as it shook, I couldn't help
    thinking of Lebanon, Darfur, Katrina, Iraq, Afghanistan--
    the "this is what it's like when you don't know what will
    happen next" gut emotion.

    I pray for anyone who is in danger of, or already having
    that feeling day-by-day.

    by begone on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:58:10 PM PDT

    •  true.......

      and how Eldad Regev and Ehud Goldwasser must be feeling. May they be returned unharmed.

      be safe begone,,,,,,,

      by Keith Moon on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:04:39 PM PDT

    •  begone......

      I am very happy to hear you are okay - as one can be under the circumstances.
      How like you to think of others in harms way in the middle of your own fear.
      I pray that you and your loved ones remain safe.

      by Cronesense on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:05:42 PM PDT

    •  is bhudy ok?

      I havent seen him post, but my laptop is having issues with the high comment diaries.

      by SFJen on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:08:15 PM PDT

      •  Yup

        I saw that he posted his usual "Ask a Kossack" diary earlier this evening.

        by Zoskie on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:12:24 PM PDT

      •  buhdy is so okay he posted his ask a kossak

        this afternoon! Yay! Somehow his power didn't go out.
        I'm sitting in the dark typing this, trying not to click on
        any pic comments. I couldn't head into buhdy's diary,
        either, on dial-up back-up. Soon my laptop will be all
        out & I'll sit on my lanai, looking at an unusually dark
        Honolulu, thanking God no lives were lost (and trying
        to prep my new term that starts Monday, in my head!).

        by begone on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:13:17 PM PDT

        •  Then, I will post this wishing you

          and all those on the islands well.  Thank you for giving the rest of us reassurance and comfort, when really those there need it most. We will think of you and pray for the best for all.

          I had heard of fatalities. I hope those reports are false.

          Wishing you all the best,

          by vox humana on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:18:57 PM PDT

•  I am giving thanks that my friend Hono is ok

  I am praying for internal peace and strength.

  by Irish Patti on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:42:12 PM PDT

•  Thanks, joyful, for stepping in!

  Thoughts and prayers for all affected by the earthquakes tonight.  Also, thanks for the lovely fall days we've had lately and the joy of watching my kids and their friends enjoy anticipation of Halloween, fall festivals and pumpkin patches.  It's easy to get too caught up in all the ugliness in the world and forget what a glorious and yes, joyful, place it can be.

  Peace to all tonight.

  by catleigh on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:43:20 PM PDT

•  Thank you joyful.

  Thoughts tonight include those I said I would think about in and around this site.  People tell you so many incredible things here and it is worth our while to pause and send some caring thoughts their way.

  For our regulars who post and give such momemtum to the process I offer up my gratitude.  For all those who respond and move the process forward.

  For those who have suffered loss, who are ill, who are supporting their brave wife, who are lonely, who are caring for ailing parents, who are raising their children, who are divorcing, who are suffering depression, who are unemployed, who are feeling hopeless, and anyone with a general sense of malaise (feeling like shit), my thoughts are with you. I mean that.

  one bite

  by One bite at a time on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:46:59 PM PDT

•  Joyful,

  Thank you for this hymn and for filling in for pastordan.
  Peace.

  by DeannaHawk on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:48:11 PM PDT

•  Thanks, Joyful!

  Prayers, thoughts and meditations, please, for our world, our society, and our communities.

  For the people of Buffalo, many of whom are still without power in the wake of this week's blizzard. As a denizen of Cleveland, Ohio, I understand Lake Effect snow, but this storm is one of those once-in-a-lifetime occurrences.

  For the 2665 US Soldiers who have died, the 20687 wounded, and the 141,000 still serving in Iraq.

  For the small group of hardy souls (including myself) who began Verger training today at our Cathedral. We who would be "Servants of the Servants of God" have a long and interesting year ahead of us, learning history, procedures and traditions.

  by Timroff on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:49:45 PM PDT

•  Thank you for this diary

  I spent last evening and this morning with my parents.  Packed up my son and drove the 4 hours to Minden NV to drop in on them.  No particular reason, just wanted to see them.

  After a couple of sad, stressful family weekends, it was nice.

  I'm glad I still have them around and that my son knows them both.

  by DMiller on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:53:12 PM PDT

  •  Good for you!

    that warms my heart.

    by One bite at a time on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:55:02 PM PDT

•  A chilhood hymn seems appropriate tonight

  All praise to Thee, my God, this night,
  For all the blessings of the light!
  Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
  Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

  The Tallis Canon, words c. 1674.  I sang this to my children at night for years.

  Peace to all.

  by texasmom on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:54:34 PM PDT

•  Thank you for the day at the

  state fair with my 11 month old granddaughter who enjoyed the animals, the rides (the wilder, the better - for kiddie rides at least), and who still knows how to live in the moment.  She squealed with delight petting the cows, camels, and even an ostrich...  She was awestruck with the events at the fair.

  May we all be able to look at life like a child with innocent eyes.

  by BluejayRN on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:55:19 PM PDT

•  I am joyful for Jon Stewart

  and all the other comedians that turned out for Night of Too Many Stars.  They have raised around 2 millions dollars for autism education.  As a mother of two autistic boys, I am grateful that attention is being made toward this disease.  Please give Jon and many other kids and parents a little love and Donate.

  by franziskaner on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 08:56:28 PM PDT

•  as always

  when i see the title "brothers and sisters" i immediately hear m/a/r/r/s in my head (not necessarily a sacriligious concept).

  .

  .

  by skippy on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:04:54 PM PDT

•  thanks, joyful for your hymn

  sunday nights are for chinese take-out and brothers and sisters on dKos. well, i just got around to my fortune cookie and it said:

  "Good Luck and Happiness are standing at the door to your house."

  fine with me! here's hoping it will be true for all of us this week.

  by isis2 on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:08:31 PM PDT

•  Thank you, joyful.

  That's always been one of my favorite hymns too.  Here's another one that seems fitting.  I'm sure many of you know it well.

  Abide with me, fast falls the eventide;
  The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
  When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
  Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

  Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
  Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
  Change and decay in all around I see;
  O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

  Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
  But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
  Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
  Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

  Come not in terrors, as the King of kings,
  But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
  Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
  Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

  Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
  And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
  Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
  On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

  I need Thy presence every passing hour.
  What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
  Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
  Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

  I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
  Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
  Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
  I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

  Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
  Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
  Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
  In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

  -Henry F. Lyte

  by slksfca on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:14:04 PM PDT

•  Thankful for a busy day

  First was the adult ed class that I help facilitate at our parish - such a great group of people. We joke now that our job is to make coffee, shut up, and listen. It's one of the highlights of my week.

  Then I drove out to meet my kid, his godparents, and another friend & his new SO for breakfast. A leisurely few hours of food and laughter, and a great way to spend the late morning.

  Back into town to visit with the kid's dad & his SO - had some yummy stew and retrieved a few things the kid left there the other night.

  Home briefly, then over to see my mom & dad. Mom's health is precarious, so any chance to see her is a good one. They're both fighting the crud that's going around, but it was good to visit with them, and to let them bask in the grandchild.

  Finally back home - cooked dinner and generally hung out with the kid. He's asleep now, taking advantage of the one night per week that I let him crash in my room.

  Glad to hear the Hawaii Kossacks are all well. A coworker headed there on Thursday for a week's R&R on Kauai - haven't heard from him, but I trust he's safe, and knowing him, he'll see it all as an adventure, and will be out helping out if there's anything useful he can do.

  Peace to all of you tonight - may your dreams be sweet and tomorrow bring new blessings.

  by paxpdx on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:19:25 PM PDT

•  Good stuff. Thanks for that

  by The Lighthouse Keeper on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:20:07 PM PDT

•  Beautiful hymn

  "Grant to little children / Visions bright of Thee" reminds me that my own little boy could use some comfort, prayers, and grace. Nothing tragic, just some worry and some pain. And we will, in turn, be thinking of all of you.

  by jamfan on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:29:34 PM PDT

  •  Prayers for your son

    As mom to a sensitive kid for whom the world is just too much sometimes, you & he will be in my prayers tonight. Mine's easing into a place of more comfort with himself and with this crazy world - I hope yours finds peace and joy as well.

    Peace.

    by paxpdx on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:33:22 PM PDT

    •  You've got it exactly right

      Many thanks for your understanding.

      by jamfan on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:36:49 PM PDT

•  Peace. n/t

  by whl on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 09:54:00 PM PDT

•  amen

  by lubarsh on Mon Oct 16, 2006 at 06:55:59 PM PDT