This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

50 States of Pray



      The Linky List can be found at Mark Koopman's Blog if you'd like to visit the other participants and share in their prayers, thoughts, memories, hopes, regrets about the past and/or wishes for the future.

My Christmas Prayer for New Jersey

        I don't live in New Jersey nor have I ever.  But my three daughters live there with their families.  This includes my three wonderful granddaughters whom I rarely get to see, but look forward to seeing during these holidays.  

       In the past I always pictured New Jersey as a dingy urban blighted place.  Now that I have loved ones there I've become more familiar with this fine little state.  There is actually some pretty countryside, ocean coasts, and small towns.   I wouldn't even mind living there one day if that's where my daughters choose to stay.

      New Jersey has had it's share of tragedy over the past couple years and I pray for the redevelopment of the areas that were affected by the hurricane in 2012.   I also pray for the economy so that many will find prosperity in their lives.   My prayers go out to the health and safety for all of the state's citizens.

       The United States despite whatever shortcomings it may have remains a great and mighty nation and this is due to wonderful states like New Jersey.   May God's abundant blessings fill New Jersey in the coming year.

      New Jersey, I will see you soon.  Take care of my kids and grandkids.


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32 comments:

  1. Shooting from the heart, eh, Mr. Bird :)

    Thanks for participating and I'm sure NJ would be a better place should you ever get to call it home.

    *(Maybe one of your daughters is the Keeper of the Brown Jacket :)

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  2. Amen and God Bless America.
    Perhaps you should move there. The East Coast is really cool.
    And check your daughter's closet for that brown jacket before you leave...
    Merry Christmas, Lee! Honored to have you as such a good friend.

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  3. Yes, God Bless America, I have been made most welcomed when I have visited there.

    Christmas Greetings.
    Yvonne.

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  4. There is beauty in every state if you look.

    Merry Christmas.

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  5. Hi, Arlee! A beautiful prayer for New Jersey.

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  6. A Merry CHRISTmas to ya, BOIDMAN!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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  7. Very well prayed. Merry Christmas to You!

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  8. Blessings to you, your family, New Jersey, and all the places that people call home.

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  9. I've got family in Jersey too. It truly is a beautiful state. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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  10. Wishing you safe travels and much joy with your children as you celebrate this Christmas! Merry Christmas Lee!!!!

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  11. Hi Arlee,
    Your brought out little more personal things thru this prayer
    I join you in saying Amen to this loving prayer for the loving people and nation. May God Bless the Big 3 and the Little 3 and ha, of course the people of Jew Jersey
    Have a Blessed Day
    Love
    Phil

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  12. I don't have anything to say about Jersey, but Merry Christmas to you!

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  13. Merry Christmas to you! I used to have that same perception of Joisey but my former inlaws lived down in the southern part and it was quite pretty.

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  14. These posts fill me with such joy. Yours is extra special. New Jersey has been through enough trials and tribulations to fill a ten year period. Time to let the healing begin I think.
    A Blessed Day to you and yours.
    Author of Wilder Mage at Spirit Called
    Facebook Wilder Mage

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  15. For some unexplainable reason, I've been fascinated by New Jersey since I was very young. I even chose that as the state where one of my long-running series and many of its spinoffs are set.

    Happy Christmas to you and yours!

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  16. Merry Christmas Lee and I hope you find your burgundy jacket (not brown).

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  17. Beautiful post, who doesn't want to be close to loving family? Merry Christmas.

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  18. Enjoy spending Christmas with your children, and granddaughters! I noticed that New Jersey was noted next to your name on the list, and I can't think of a better reason for moving there. Merry Christmas to you, and your family, Lee!

    Julie

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  19. Hi,bloghopping from England! Hope you enjoy your time with your children and grandchildren :)
    Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe
    x

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  20. My thanks to all of you for your visits and kind words.

    I wish you all the happiest times throughout this holiday season.

    Lee

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  21. Hi Lee,

    Your thoughts for New Jersey, profoundly important on so many levels. New Jersey will look after them and then you shall arrive and embrace the moment.

    I hope you and your loved ones are having a peaceful, positive Christmas.

    In kindness and goodwill,

    Gary

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  22. And a wonderful prayer for all states these days! I didn't think you lived in NJ. Thanks for clearing that up. Merry Christmas.

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  23. Merry Christmas, Lee. NJ gets a bad rap. My husband lived there until he was thirteen. When we go back and visit, we always notice how kind and friendly the folks from the Garden State are. And yes, there are lovely places in New Jersey.

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  24. Hi Lee - your New Jersey entry seems wonderfully appropriate ... and I do hope you can get across and see your daughters and grandchildren more often ..

    We are blessed with what we have .. and will enjoy each and every day .. with thoughts - Hilary

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  25. Blessings to you and your family, Lee! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  26. It's very nice to read such nice things about Jersey. It's like the nation's scapegoated child - no thanks to Snooky.

    Blessings to you and yours, Arless.

    xoRobyn

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  28. I pray for New Jersey's redevelopment as well.

    Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. :-)

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  29. HI, Lee. I lived in New Jersey for 22 years and yes, it is a state full of contradictions and suffers from a very poor public image but it is where my son came of age and I met the love of my life. I can only appreciate my time there. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you from "New Hampshire" (although I now live in CA!)

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Lee