Faith
Where is My List?
Praying to God is like meeting with a doctor. You take a list of questions with you to ask. You write down the things that are bothering you to tell him. You have just so much time at the appointment and don’t want to forget anything important. Sometimes one leaves the appointment with useful information. It may be a phone number to call or a test to schedule. Other times, one leaves with a sense of peace and tranquility that all is pretty natural and normal. A sigh of relief is always pleasant answer.
Once every 10 days or so, I blog about faith. Today is one of them. There have been a few spiritual mentors in my life. My father was one of them. He’d walk into church on a Sunday morning and hesitate inside the entrance. He’d focus on the Altar and thank God for the past week. I have used that time as my opening prayer for many years since he shared that habit with me. Just being thankful is so very calming and helps me to gather my thoughts.
When I sit down to pray I often have my ongoing list. I thank God for the things that hav
e been resolved. I may not appreciate the way things have worked out, but many times the answer is better than I thought possible. I have the requests for friends and for things I need help with that I ask Him about. I jokingly say that “the Lord knows me well, because I talk with Him often”, but it isn’t a joke! Scripture, songs, formal prayers, and ongoing conversations connect us to God. I use all of them.
When things are answered in a way contrary to our understanding, I guess we just stay the road and keep praying. Only God knows how things will play out. Now is not the time to stop praying!
I try to apologize for the times I have messed up. I think there may be plenty of moments when I unintentionally hurt others. I apologize and ask that He fix up my errors. I ask for healing for others in pain, in the hospital, or alone. When I am anxious or annoyed, I may request insight and help. So many times, a situation develops that has to have been sent my way in response. It has to be the Holy Spirit because the timing is so right!
My day starts with a prayer and ends that way. Throughout the day, I lift up even the smallest thoughts for insight. It is a good thing God is on duty 24/7 for all of us. How often do you take time to converse with him? He is waiting for you to check in; no need for an appointment. Feel free to bring your list.
Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”.
For I know well the plan’s I have in mind for you…
You may wish to “Journal” about this topic and discover self insight . . .
“For I know well the plan’s I have in mind for you says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:11-12NAB
As children, parents have plans for their children. In school, teachers tell us where and what we are to do. As adults, bosses have plans for our time. Is it any wonder how we all become so different as individuals? 
Not at all, because each person is so unique and created as one of a kind. This concept is still boggling to my mind. To think that we are all in a sense commissioned to greatness in some way is even more remarkable. God has extended himself and His spirit into each of us. Together, we are meant to work as a team and help one another.
So when I first read this, many moons ago, I wondered “Well okay God, tell me your plans?”. “Tell me fast so I can get busy with the assignment and execute it!” Instead God takes His time; he does things in His own time. He drops small bits of insight to me in prayer. Sometimes a person will reflect something back to me and I get this “A-ha” moment that maybe I’d better pay attention. Have you ever thought about this? Am I the only one? Does God seemingly toss a detour in whatever path you are taking?
I feel grateful knowing this insight is there from scripture for us. It is meant to give us peace. Does it give you peace? Does it help you find the best in yourself? Does it stop you long enough to meditate and pray?
When things go wrong, and we know they do, do you question God? Or do you Praise God and ask for continued guidance?
Take the time to cultivate a relationship with your creator. He knows you well. Blessings for a super day, Delight in Living!
Running Scared or Learning Fast
When I was a small child in school, I walked to the nearby grade school. Usually I was with other children, but on this particular day I was walking alone and returning early from lunch. The doors of the school were closed during lunch so if we got there early we could play on the slides or swing sets.
As I was prancing down the street I passed a high hedge of bushes that lined the front and side of a corner home. Behind the house was an alley that went through all the way back to near where I lived. It was a long block. I turned the corner. From there, I could see the school about a block away. I had two more streets to navigate.
I watched as a Big Red Truck pulled in the alley ahead of me. I saw it had two men in it. The truck stopped at the sidewalk. The passenger side door opened and a man was reaching out to me with candy in his hand. I was not about to take the bribe.
My dad had warned me about taking candy from strangers. At school we had been made aware there had been abductions. Now here and what was I to do? I wished my big brother was with me or some of my walking to school friends. I turned and ran back to the corner, as I heard the truck roar down the alley.
Were they coming down the alley and around to catch me? I turned again and ran to the school. I was in a panic. I got to what was the Kindergarten door and began pounding. “Let me in”, I repeated until an adult came to the door. I remember trying to explain and had an indifferent teacher. I don’t remember anything more after all these years, but I often walked a different way to school.
When I was about 22, I remember seeing one of the men from that truck in a candy/cigar store. I was with my dad, and waited until we got far away from there before telling him. He was really protective and I didn’t think there was much to be done. I didn’t want him to over react and nothing THANKFULLY had happened to injure me 16 years before.
I have always grateful that nothing happened to me and took warnings of any type to heart. As a child that loved candy, this could have been enough to lure me into that truck. I think the situation made me more observant in years to come.
Listening to others is good. It allows one to take on different perspectives. It provides insights on what opportunities are available. Listening helps us grow in our attitudes and become a bit more worldly.
Be safe and Delight in Living!
Marriage 101
Marriages often look well to the outside world, but may be splintering within the walls of their home. Couples are called to be teams; two people working with one another. Working to encourage, grow, and protect each other. Sometimes it means that one must put aside their own agenda to help or care the spouse. There is no equality when it comes to sickness, aging, job losses, or unexpected problems. Both spouses are affected!
Marriage commitments once meant forever; what has happened? They were not temporary arrangements. People didn’t just live together; they created a covenant with God. Through good or bad circumstances, people forged ahead and tried their best to keep going.
I have noticed in the recent 10+ years that people give themselves excuses to dissolve a marriage or be unfaithful. They spend weekends and evenings apart with other friends to the exclusion of their mate more frequently than they spend time together. They begin taking vacations separately saying it is necessary, because of schedules.
More and more children commute each week back and forth between homes. They have two sets of parents and may have 4 or more sets of grandparents. It becomes confusing for the children even though they have to adapt. Rules are different at each location; sometimes the kids are used as leverage. What’s up with that?
They say people are living longer and they can’t be tied down into a loveless marriage. Instead of focusing on the positive things that are working, they want out. Two people get married for a reason. Something united them whether it was a look, habit, or attitude.
So it is time to reconnect. Find common interests. Look for things that you love in the other person. Start dreaming together about how to resolve problems and create new goals. Lose weight together or walk every evening with one another. Go out for a simple cup of coffee. Talk about things in addition to the children and recall the things you loved about one another. Go to your spouse for company, not friends on Facebook. 
Listen and learn what you can do to make your mate #1. This means making PRIME TIME for each other; even if it is only for 1/2 hour. Take a short walk together either outside or through a mall. Go to church together. It’s an hour of time to hold hands and thank God for one another.
Be grateful for the things you’ve accomplished together. Raising children, paying off bills, wallpapering a room, or simply walking through some past crisis is an accomplishment. You can accomplish more things together. Work as one to resolve financial, housing, and/or personal issues.
It may mean simply cutting back and enjoying what you have, more than spending money. See a counselor, but keep your marriage together. You’ll be glad you did. Envision your life together as happy, unified, and healthy. Don’t run away from disagreements; learn to resolve them.
Finally, if your marriage has already dissolved into a divorce, take the time to reflect on what part you played in the division. We can all change ourselves for the better. Forgive yourself and the other person. Visit a counselor to analyze what really happened so you can avoid future relationship failures. Smile and move forward.
With those thoughts for the day, “Delight in Living”!
Priorities Change!
Prioritizes Help Make Us Healthy!
I usually have things ready the night before so I can flow through the morning activities with ease. My priorities are to get myself ready. I make the bed and utter a few prayers of thanksgiving. Today I was especially happy and grateful to see the sun! I woke up feeling really refreshed and not achy. Praise God. Usually I go outside for a first-hand weather report with the dog and then feed her. I make sure Tony is set for the day, and zip out the door with my bags on my arm.
The last few days have been cold and sleety outside. Sweeping outside the door, adding salt to the sidewalk, and grabbing the morning paper usually get done without thinking. As I entered the house I noticed Rosy’s favorite stuffed squirrel was slightly torn. 
She has had this toy for over a year. I can’t tell you how many times I thought a “real squirrel” had entered our house.
This particular morning I grabbed a needle and thread. My priorities changed from racing through the laundry/sewing room changed on the spot. I quickly sewed up the tear in squirrels tummy and set it back on the counter so I could snap the photo. I knew it wouldn’t get stitched up for weeks if I put it on the mending pile. That is one thing that seems to be last on the normal priority list. Yet sewing and ironing is one of my favorite times to relax and pray. And it was a joy to see Rosy sitting and waiting for me to give it back to her.
Our priorities change as our lives move along. We may no longer do things for money; we may become more conscious of those that have less. We may try to bring a little sunshine and grace to others. I thought of a friend whose mom held a “dear spot” in my heart. She was retired, but certainly not inactive. As a matter of fact, she kept herself busy crocheting hats for kids with cancer. I had once sent her some yarn for her projects and she graciously sent me the kindest note of thanks. What a great example our senior citizens set for us. They teach us to use our talents all the time; to keep abreast of the news, to be grateful for everything and to keep learning! This is actually a photo of her crocheting away! Thanks Jo Anne for the picture.
Next to work an
d all the other things that demand my time, is working on puzzles. It is a great joy for me to sit at the end of the day or on a Sunday evening working puzzles. We just finished this one. Quiet time for us to share a moment of time together is a big priority. Rosy “nestles-in” on her bed nearby and seems to relish the family time. As time has gone on I realized this priority takes place of going out to dinners together. It is indeed necessary and fun. 
If you notice, the spirit is at work as we move through the day. Hopefully we are able to laugh as we fumble or make mistakes and not get angry about the mishaps. Earlier this week when the weather was being unkind to us, I chuckled as I saw a neighbors lawnmower under a blanket of snow. Our weather last week was awesome. Warm and breezy. I suspect he got ambitious, but then the weather flipped to cold and nasty.
Although there are so many things we cannot control, there are things that we can certainly enjoy. Looking around now, what are the things that are good? Are you driving in a nice working car? Are your kids creating times of laughter and joy for you? Are you feeling good today? Have you encountered friendly colleagues or finished a project? Let joy shine brightly as you meet new people and move along your day. Peace to all and happy Friday!
New Life
“New Life” comes in all forms. From the empty branches on the January trees outside our windows, new life will present itself in a few months. Tiny buds will blossom into lovely leaves to shade our buildings. the green will give us brighter and fresher days ahead. Already the days have been feeling longer, because the days are brighter for long periods of time. That is always very life giving.
There is the new life that comes when we finish a project that we have been working on for a long time. The feeling of accomplishment makes the long days and hours of labor worthwhile. During the past Holidays, I felt extremely pleased to get the house, the yard, and the office decorated for the coming of Christ.
New life came into our family with the Blessing of another grandchild this past December too! 9 months of waiting for this child was long for me, but surely harder and more difficult on his mother. This small and welcomed child only made the Christmas Celebration in our home seem more joyful. His safe arrival and his mother’s good health were so appreciated.
This baby will make many changes in the next year. Developmentally he will add height and weight. His ability to lift his head (already doing that), reach for things, focus on colors, smile, make more sounds, and recognize people will advance. Each step gradually helping to develop his personality. What joy to see him grow and mature. We too can do that no matter what age we are at or what job we are doing.
Perhaps that is why we are all inclined to start thinking of New Year Resolutions. We want things to be fresh, new, and better. We aim higher and believe we can be stronger and more resilient.
So I have a suggestion to offer here. Divide your year into seasons or quarters. Decide to change or better yourself with one resolution each term. Make small changes that may last longer and/or make you stronger. Be kind to yourself and gentle in spirit. Take some of the pressure off of yourself by doing one thing at a time. It really works and brings new life in small steps.
If you are religious, focus on a new prayer or learn a new scripture. If not, aim to be more community oriented. Develop a family relationship with the intention to harmonize more. Heal with someone who needs to be forgiven. Maybe it is just getting up earlier or following through we a promise to yourself.
Enjoy the New Year!
Losing Sight or Regaining It?
It was a rainy and dark evening as I left my daughter’s home for the first time. I had traveled there in the daylight, but now the rain was a coming down so fast that the wipers on my little red Jeep had to struggle just to keep up with the intense jets of water. I suddenly realized when I came to an intersection that I was going in the wrong direction; I was not on the road I wanted to be driving on. With care I found a place to turn around, but I still did not recognize anything and with the extreme weather 
conditions I realized I was indeed lost.
I stopped the car in a parking area. With some reluctance, I called my daughter’s cell phone. I am a bit of an achiever and asking for help is not my greatest gift. My son-in-law seemed to know exactly where I was and gave me directions; I had gone off onto a different main street. He also offered to come to meet me, which I thanked him for volunteering, but decided I would now figure it out and continued down the paved road. Affirmation that asking for help is wisdom; not weakness.
It was now pitch dark as I headed out of St. Charles down Route 31. I prayed for the rain to ease up. I found myself going slowly as an occasional car would pass me in the opposite direction. Trees along the roadside had branches bending from the intense rain and wind. Images of swaying branches were being distorted. All of a sudden, I had the urge to simply stop! I did.
I stayed still hoping no one would hit me from behind. When the rain let up, I saw a huge tree had fallen across part of the road; I would have crashed into it. Words of thanksgiving to God poured out of my mouth. I had stopped. I have no answer other than it was divine intervention. I have driven in all kinds of weather, but that was a memorable moment indeed. My sight was restored and I was encouraged to move ahead tentatively.
We all have times in which we are called to DETOUR! Illnesses, accidents, and job changes often derail us. We need to simply stop to order to help defend ourselves. Flunking a class can be devastating to our grade point average, but in the long run teaches us we are all vulnerable and that there is more to learn. We may have to study more. Perhaps we realize this area is not the one we are to pursue.
Ways to regain sight!
1- Acceptance is a hard thing, but once we face reality one gains strength and momentum to move ahead.
2- Detours usually teach us new skills and ways to manage. We get new sight from moments of darkness.
3- Signs are good for us. They keep us to be safe and provide direction. They teach us to be not afraid!
4- Living life is good especially when we keep involved and connected with one another. We can weather many things with the help and advice of one another.
5- Prayers are answered when we least expect them. They bring great joy and promise into our lives.
Reality 101
Several years ago I bought a bear dressed up a monk. He’s pretty big and heavy for one person to move around. I managed to get him into my car with the help of a brawny teenager, but when I got home it was a different scene. No healthy muscle man was available to help me!
Now picture this, if you will? It is pouring rain outside and I had to tip him sideways to get him out of the car. I got him onto a cart with wheels, but dragging him across the lawn a good 50 feet was a project. The wheels were sinking into the ground. I was determined to get him into the center of a large circle. It is raised about 15 inches and now both of us were muddy and wet. I ended up putting a concrete platform under him so he wouldn’t sink too far.
This garden is a sort of burial grounds for all our pets from the past 40+ years in this home. The bear is a reminder of St. Francis of Assisi with the birds on his shoulder. I thought it was a fitting place for “Oso”. I was just beginning to learn Spanish. Can you tell?
This move to our garden was just one little challenge and not a big deal in comparison to the things life throws our way. There are important things like job losses that cause family stress. There are diseases that are not controllable. Financial disasters or natural catastrophes upset whole communities. Wars leave people with post traumatic issues. The reality is that there are consequences people deal with after these incidents. None of which are easy or pleasant.
This bear; however, was meant to bring some levity into our yard. He has been there for several years now and has been a great conversation starter. Last year we had baby bunnies hiding behind him in a grassy area. Our dog doesn’t go in there, so they were pretty save and hidden. I bought him on a whim and I think of the condition I was in afterwards; namely, wet and muddy.
The reality of things can be gripping. Muddy is fine, unlike fears that pop up out of nowhere. One suddenly feels isolated and doesn’t know where to turn when things change quickly. This is when knowledgeable people become essential. And people who can bring humor to us. Remember the class clown who was always in trouble, but made the day fun? Do you recall a joke from the Late Night Show or some situation comedy that has lightened your load? I think of Lucille Ball when she was with Ethel and they were packing candy; packing in their mouths, because they couldn’t work fast enough! Silly, indeed, but a smile came to my face thinking about it.
Take time to smell the roses; time to laugh and play. Join people who are lighthearted. Listen to music and comedies on television. Shut off the news and the heaviness of the world. Work a cross word puzzle or join the “coloring craze” that has taken over adolescents and adults. Coloring is no longer just for children.
Enjoy your week. Let the fresh air inside and take a walk. Surrender to a higher power and relax. Go for a walk with your dog or visit a pet shop for free entertainment. Let peace be your friend!
Kindness is contagious; help spread it!
Kindness comes in various forms. Back in 1982, my mother and father were both extremely ill. I had a wonderful neighbor who would run over to watch our children on a minutes notice so I could run to the hospital or care for emergencies. She helped me when my mom died and was there 90 days later when my dad died. I was ever so grateful for her willing spirit to help out. I later learned that someone had been there for her when her teenage daughter was killed in a car accident. When I thanked her she asked me to pay it forward. That time did come when I could help out a different neighbor in a crunch. What comes around does indeed goes around!
Today a roofer showed up to clean out our gutters from the collection of leaves and sticks that had been falling from our trees. He does this twice a year for us when I call him, but today he showed up before the rains and wind began. Now that is service beyond the call of duty. He is really a respectful businessman and one I’d refer over and over again.
A few weeks back on a Friday afternoon, I went to the drive-up at Starbucks. When I went to pay, I found the person 2 cars ahead of me had picked up the tab. Wow, she made my day even though she had already pulled away. I only wish I could have told her how much it brightened my day.
A few months back I was going through a rough patch and feeling gloomy. Suddenly my daughter-in-law appeared at my side to talk. It took effort on her part to find a baby sitter and take time out of her week to be there for me. What a blessing to have her in my life!
Then there was the time when I went to make a bed and saw a shiny corner in the room. As I went to wash it, the corner of our bedroom wall collapsed to show a maze of wasps nests woven in the plaster board space. I was alarmed and not sure what was there so I sent an SOS to my daughters house. My son-in-law was able to empty the 36 in square of nesting, replace all the insulation and put up plaster board to rebuild the wall. I am sure it was not his idea of how to spend his Sunday, but I was grateful not only for his efforts, but for his quick thinking and good spirits. How lucky we are to have him in our lives too!
These random acts of kindness all mean so much to me. They remind me to be more open to impromptu invitations of caring for those around us. Whether it is in business or just being neighborly, we all need to reach out.
With the recent sad events in Paris this past weekend, so many people in addition to first responders reached out to help one another. Across the world, prayers were being said. The majority of people in the world look out to help each other during times of crisis. In Africa when the Ebola outbreak happened, volunteers, nurses, and doctors helped out even at risk of getting sick or dying. As a result of their bravery and the help of pharmaceutical companies many that might have died, lived. As the cycle of disease passed through the land, medical updates were made. Hopefully, the Ebola outbreak may have in some way, helped protect or perhaps prevent future diseases.
Social media plays a big part in how we learn about things. Let’s all share the best we have in the forms of talent and good will. Let’s give kindly advice to one another and spread the spirit of life whenever we are able to help.
Bridge to Success
Bridge to Where? To What?
I love bridges. They support us. They give cars, trucks, trains and other important modes of transportation access into areas over water or valleys. This little bridge goes over a small body of water and allows foot traffic to move across without a person going all the way around the pond.
I have walked on suspension bridges that took me over gorges and valleys. Those were very nerve racking indeed. They were not strong enough for vehicles. This bridge is much easier to navigate. This one was build as an Eagle Scout project several years ago and seems to be weathering well.
Some bridges allow us to pass from a place of danger to one of safety. They may make a trip quicker.
Some bridges like those in downtown Chicago fold up so barges can go through. Bridges have been used as temporary crossings or created during times of war. Others are worked on for several years to connect people from one village to another.
We create bridges for ourselves all the time. Some bridges allow us to connect with one another on emotional and spiritual levels. We network and discuss with each other. We decide which people are good to contact when we need help or have projects to complete.
What are the bridges you use? Are they helpful in making your life better? Are you aware of the people who help you navigate over rugged territory? Are you finding the contacts you need?
Bridges that lead to success may start out small. They can take the shape of education that lead to better careers. There are the bridges for professions. Music lessons, apprentice positions, cosmetology classes, on job training, or other specific hands on skills. Bridges don’t have to be physical in nature, but thinking in terms of reaching from on place to another helps us to navigate through life seeking /great joy.