(Confession: I can’t count. My normal week for hosting the Friday Five is NEXT week… but this post came to me and so I posted it, with grace from Jan, a week early.)

I am an enthusiastic newspaper reader. Lately, however, world events have made it hard to read and process the pain in the world around me. Perhaps you have struggled with this, too.

So, with the events of the violence and tragedy from the Boston Marathon fresh in our memories, I thought it would be good for us to focus on where as RevGalBlogPals, we find healing, peace and strengthening. As a chaplain, there are: days where I never seem to catch my breath, and invariably, those are the days that I need it the most! So with all this in mind, share with us these healing things

1. A piece of music:

Ten Avenue North has an amazing song called “This Is Where the Healing Begins”…

2. A place:

HERE!

But also… here!

And… another shot…

3. A favorite food (they call it “comfort food” for a reason):

I am still a grilled-steak-and-corn-on-the-cob kinda gal. Mmmmmmmm…..

4. A recreational pastime (that you watch or participate in):

Ohio State Football! (And, oh yeah – BEAT MICHIGAN!)

5. A poem, Scripture passage or other literature that speaks to comfort you:

Evelyn Underhill:
There is no place in my soul, no corner of my character, where God is not.

Teresa of Avila:
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

John 16:33

(Jesus) “I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.”

Revelation 21:1-4

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

BONUS: People, animals, friends, family – share a picture of one or many of these who warm your heart.