A big part of being a disciple of Christ is evangelizing. Some walk the walk, and some talk the talk. Now just because you hear someone talking the talk, it does not mean they are not walking the walk. They could also be talking the talk without walking the walk. We are called to do both walk the walk and talk the talk. I believe that if you are walking the walk you cannot help but talk the talk.
Is it reasonable to only walk the walk, keeping those treasures learned hidden in our hearts? Not sharing the things that are more precious than pearls? More precious than gold? We should indeed be walking the walk, but we should also be talking the talk. Isn’t that what the great apostles did? Isn’t that what the great saints did? Isn’t that what great priests do? Doesn’t that desire for evangelization come naturally as a gift from walking the walk?
As Pope Paul VI puts it:
“The person who has been evangelized goes on to evangelize others. Here lies the test of truth, the touchstone of evangelization: it is unthinkable that a person should accept the Word and give himself to the kingdom without becoming a person who bears witness to it and proclaims it in his turn (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 24).
It is impossible for someone to encounter Christ, experience the grace of conversion, and not be filled with the zeal for souls. Impossible.
As we are not yet perfect, walking the walk, we all stumble and fall, but with faith, determination, and trust in God, we rise again and continue the walk. So walk the walk, talk the talk, and keep getting back up when you fall. But in all things, start everything with prayer.
Continue to 2nd new year blog. Prayer. Without prayer, we have nothing.
While I was in Trader Joe’s two weeks ago, I noticed they had cartons of figs. I checked them out, and they looked pretty good, so I decided to buy a carton. After dinner, I took the figs out of the fridge, washed a few, and took my first bite. With that first bite, images flooded my consciousness with love. Images of my dad and all of the stories of his lifelong love of figs. Oh, the joy he experienced just talking about those figs of his younger years. He had a lifelong love affair with figs that started in his early childhood days in Monterosso, Italy. I believe figs are what he loved best (food-wise anyway). While he always said “food is food,” I am sure he didn’t feel like “figs were figs.” I wish I would have said to him, “you wouldn’t say figs are figs. I could hear him thank laugh and say, “figs are different, oh how I love figs.” Growing up, we had a few fig trees in our yard. There is nothing in this world like a freshly picked ripe fig! Even our dog loved them and would jump up and grab the ones on the lower branches. I always wanted my own fig tree but could not have one where I am. When we buy a house, I will certainly make sure to have multiple fig trees. I only wished my dad had passed in August rather than May so that I could have gotten him figs to have for the last time.
That one bite of that recently eaten fig was delicious, and I could relate to the joy that filled my dad’s heart with every bite he took. Figs will always only remind me of my father. And they will always make me smile. Figs are certainly not just figs. Figs are heavenly. They were even around in the days of Adam and Eve. I wonder if they have figs in heaven. I sure hope so!
I don’t know why but I never remained friends with my childhood friends. I was so close with them, and I still love them, Laura, Lori, Karin, Robin, and Jerry. They were true friends and friends that are in my heart forever. We have all reconnected (except Jerry; I don’t know where he is). I look forward to spending some time with the three still on the island. We all reconnected through Facebook.
I wrote this a couple of weeks after the wake and funeral of a childhood friend’s father. I cannot remember the year Laura and I became friends or when we stopped spending time together or talking. All I know is we spent a lot of time with each other. We played everything together. Barbies, house, store, library, king of the mountain, kickball, rode bikes, created dances, put on shows, etc. She was at my home often and I at hers. While I remember all the fun we used to have and the snapshots of memories that fire off in my brain, I only really remember these times well – we used to perform standing on my picnic table on my patio. We would practice our performances in Laura’s garage and put on shows there. One day we lay on my couch and hugged each other so tight with our eyes squeezed shut and our hearts beating fast, fearing the end of the world that was supposed to happen at 1:00 P.M. that day; we wanted to go together. I remember the different color phone wires that Laura’s dad gave us that I believe we used to make bracelets. And then there were the times’ Laura’s sister came tagging along. I remember Laura trying to get to my house quickly, and then there would be her sister running down the street after her. Sometimes Laura made it inside my house. Then we would hear a boom boom boom at the door accompanied by “Laura, let me in, mommy said I can come” It wasn’t awful; it was just that Laura and I liked to have our own time to play, just us, and not have to share that with her little sister. But regardless, we always had fun. I will never forget her french provincial canopy white bedroom set. It was like a princess’s room. A big contrast to my room as I had all hand-me-down furniture. Not that I minded; I just dreamed of having a room like Lauras. I did get it when I was 15, but that is a story for another day. I also remember her very long hair, which I envied. But not when I saw her mother washing and combing it out. Ouch! Still, it was so beautiful, and I admired it so much.
I have many other memories but nothing where I remember the whole scenario. Memories fade, but one thing I know is that feelings remain forever. Feelings can fade, too, with little contact, but it doesn’t take much for them to be re-ignited. I learned that last week. Laura and I reminisced about her dad. I shared my memories of him; a quiet, gentle, kind man. I remember he threw her the most fabulous parties. Pin the tail on the Donkey and other party games had the best prizes. Sitting side by side talking with Laura, all of a sudden, I was around eight years old again, or nine, or ten, or any of those ages I was when Laura was one of my best friends. I sat by her side, missing her from all those years ago. Feeling her grief. My father took his journey to Heaven only two months before. I sat there by her side … it was like 1968 being with my friend.
Laura was with me when I heard my mother died. That was in 1973. Poor Laura, I can’t even imagine witnessing the trauma of that event. Things changed for me after that tragic time. The joys of childhood seemed to have ended with misery taking its place. Now all these decades later, I was sitting next to my BFF, feeling her pain. Knowing her like there was never a time I didn’t know her. It felt like we were children again. Like time was suspended and nothing else ever existed.
At the funeral, I received communion and then went and took her face in my hands and kissed her cheek. That was neither my 62-year-old self nor my 8-year-old self, but an intermingling of both. I have been to many funerals before and have never done that. But that was Laura, my buddy, playmate, and wonderful friend. Even though we never see each other and barely talk to each other (except for two times 15 or so years ago). I was right back there as if no time had passed. It was Laura and Mary once again.
Leaving the church, I told her I wished we never grew apart. I wished we had remained close all those years ago; sadness flooded my heart.
The days of our friendship were about 49 years ago, but something happened last week. Those years seemed erased. We were the Mary and Laura from yesteryear. Yes, I went back in time two weeks ago, and it was bittersweet. Bitter because Laura was feeling the pangs of grief and mourning the loss of her father. I shared in her grief of a kind, gentle father that she loved so much, for the man who helped make childhood fun. My heart hurt, knowing her journey forward would be a painful road without him. A road I am only newly traversing myself. I grieved the loss of her father, I grieved the loss of my father, and I grieved for the missed years of friendship. The sweetness came because I got to be with my dear friend. Still special to me after all these years. I got to feel as if all those years in between were only a comma. Only a pause. I got to experience the love and closeness I felt during some of the most precious years of my life with someone who still lives so deeply in my heart. That was such a beautiful gift. If you are reading this, thank you, Laura, for your friendship so many years ago. I felt it all over again, and thank you for your friendship now. I love you.
Laura, In closing, I want to tell you that directly after the funeral, I went to Walgreens. In Walgreens, the song that was playing resonated in my heart. It was “Lean on Me” from back in our time. You always have someone to lean on. I am only a phone call, text, or car ride away. Remember, it may be a while until you hear his voice call your name, but you will hear it again when you see him in Heaven. That day, with much delight, he will be calling out your name!
Regarding the most recent Eucharist: The Eucharistic Miracle that took place on July 22, 2022, at Our Lady of the Rosary parish in the town of Zapotlanejo, near Guadalajara, in the Mexican state of Jalisco
After Mass, the Eucharist was put in the monstrance for adoration, and it started beating like a heart. Supposedly not everyone saw it, but a few people did take a video, and you can see it in the video.
Milagro en mexico mientras el padre Carlos Spahn exponía el santísimo la hostia empezó a palpitar. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💖💖 pic.twitter.com/DkOjnBzgQi
I am not surprised. I think Eucharistic miracles happen more often than we think. I have experienced a Eucharistic miracle myself. It still blows my mind.
I was on a pilgrimage in Medjugorje in Bosnia Herzegovina. The peaceful, beautiful village where our Blessed Mother has been appearing since June 24, 1981. Medjugorje is a peaceful, prayerful, joyful, beautiful village. Our days were spent going to Mass twice a day with lots of prayer sandwiched in between.
One day during our pilgrimage when we went to Mass, my daughter and I entered the crowded church but there was no place to sit except on the floor in front of the first pew, which we did. When it came time for communion, I walked up and received on my tongue and returned to where I was sitting. I knelt on the hard marble floor, and suddenly the Eucharist spread out all moist and warm on my tongue and then started rhythmically beating like a heart. I don’t know for how long. Maybe about five seconds? I don’t know. Then it just slid down my throat, and as it did, I felt the warmth go all the way down. It all felt like slow motion. During all of this, I was, what I call, encapsulated in love, peace, and joy like I have never known. I was not aware of anything else around me. It was an incredible feeling. I stayed in that state for quite a while, for after I received, the whole church had to receive, then the ending of the Mass, then the blessing of the religious articles, then the Mass had to empty out and refill again with more pilgrims. The next thing I knew, a woman that was sitting in the front pew pulled me up onto the pew and said, “the Italian Mass is about to start.” I was still not really with it when she leaned my head onto her shoulder and kissed my head. I think she knew something mystical had happened. I got up to leave, and I don’t even remember if I said thank you. My legs were all wobbly and felt like jelly. I walked out of the church to look for Fr. Peter.
Upon finding Fr. Peter, I told him that something had just happened to me and that I had to talk to him. He told me he really wanted me to hear Fr. Slavko’s talk and that we would meet for spiritual direction afterward. After the talk, I told Fr. Peter. He said, “you received a gift.” I said, “why me? I believe in the true presence” he responded, “why not you? You received a taste of heaven. Go journal exactly how it happened. Don’t add to it or take away from it. You will have this to draw upon for the rest of your life.” It was quite overwhelming to think this had happened. I never ever in my life felt that peace, love, and joy. No one has. Well, maybe some have, but only through the same beautiful gift from God. But that is what we have to look forward to in heaven. Peace, love, and joy like you have never felt before. That is what life is like in heaven. I am so very grateful that God graced me with that precious gift.
What I experienced with the Eucharist that day in Medjugorje was undoubtedly the most amazing, beautiful experience of my life…to feel that much love, peace, and joy. To have once felt it, you want to feel it again. I remember returning home and receiving Eucharist and wanting it to happen, but it never did. It was a once-in-a-lifetime gift, and I will never forget it. Well, I shouldn’t say once in a lifetime because that is up to God. You never know.
As I read the story today about the Eucharist beating like a heart in a church in Mexico, my own heart overflowed. Jesus was so good to me. He still is always good to me. He has had mercy on me, a poor sinner. By the grace of God, I will spend the rest of my years close to Him, walking with Him, and trying my hardest to follow Him and His will for me. Then one day (God willing, as my dad, always said), I will be with Him in heaven, immersed in His love, joy, and peace for all eternity.
God bless you.
Here is a video about three different confirmed Eucharistic miracles. Check it out. You can google to read about them and more. And please leave a comment.
Amen = I believe. It means both God’s faithfulness towards us and our trust in Him. But it means even more. It means we put our lives forward for that truth. As Fr. Jerome Magat says, “And so, more than simply I believe, the word “Amen” means that I place my life forward for the truth of a particular claim. It is more than an idea that lives in the mind. It is also an act of the will expressing God’s trustworthiness and my desire to believe, trust and love Him. AMEN!
The other night my husband watched the movie “Lillies of the Field”. He loves that movie. I have not seen it since I was a child. The three things I remember are:
1. Sidney Poitier 2. Nuns 3. The song “Amen.” I remember as a child singing the chorus and even breaking out in song on certain occasions when you heard a big “Amen.” Click the link to see the video. Sing along. It will bring you such joy! How could it not?
I watched the movie this morning and I have to say it is now one of my favorites. Superb acting by Sidney Poitier and a beautiful message of humility, simplicity, and reliance upon God in all things. Watching all these things unfold in this timeless classic was heartwarming.
How many times can you look back on your own life and see God’s hand at work? Some may scoff at Mother Maria’s idea that God sent Homer to build a chapel by saying she thought God sent Homer. No, Mother Maria “knew” that God sent Homer. There lies the difference between true faith and none. Mother Maria was fully reliant on God. Homer appeared to marvel at her innocent dependence on God for everything. She just knew. A modern-day “Mother Maria” is Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica relied on God too, fully trusting her prayers would be answered if it was His will. She started a television network out of the garage and ended up building a global television network, a monastery, and a shrine. Oh wait, she did not build it… she was just the instrument needed. Just as Homer was the instrument God needed to build the chapel. Mother Angelica has evangelized to millions of people worldwide. Eternal Word Television Network has reached over 200 million homes in 145 different countries. It is a network that runs 24 hours a day and in several languages and a variety of religious programming. One of those people she reached was me. Mother Angelica helped bring me back to God, and she taught me so very much. One of the first things she taught me was how to pray the rosary. The most important thing she taught me was true presence in the Eucharist. Mother Angelica’s faith, reliance, and trust in God is something to be admired and something we can all acquire. She felt where God was calling her and she relied on Him to help her get the job done. Just as Mother Maria from Lillies of the Field relied on God to get the job done using Homer.
When have you relied on God? Have you seen Him come through? Sometimes He doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we want, but He does help. Look at your past. Do you see when you placed complete trust in Him? Did you place complete trust in Him? Did he answer your prayers, even in ways you would not expect? It is not always so easy to do, but you just have to believe. End your request with a powerful heartfelt AMEN!
When I was a single mom with rent to pay and a 6-year-old daughter to take care of, I lost my job. Christmas was right around the corner. I was overwhelmed with the prospect of no presents for my daughter and the thought of losing our apartment. I couldn’t take it anymore. I knelt down on my knees in my living room, raised my arms up to God and said, “God, please it is too much for me. Please God, I cannot do this. Please take all of it and take care of it for me. I know you can.” Giving it to Him I felt an immediate release. I felt him take it and I trusted he would take care of it. Two days later, an overnight package arrived in my mailbox. It was written out to me and from me. I opened it and the card there was $3,000. cash. True story. Ends up the very dear person who sent it said a prayer to God for guidance on some extra money she had. God responded “Mary.” Laura was God’s instrument and she has been so much throughout her life. That answered pray blows my mind still, but it shouldn’t. Doesn’t God tell us in the bible to give our burdens to him? In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Looking back to other times in my life, it is obvious where God’s beautiful instruments helped me through tough times. There are so many. If you are reading this and have been one of them, you know it. Thank you and Thank you God!
If you have never seen the movie “Lillies of the Field” watch it now. Don’t put it off. If you have seen it, watch it again. It is a delightful, charming movie and it will hopefully reawaken the awareness that God is always there for us and how we should always be present to Him.
It was 1974, and I was walking through the bustling hallway at my Jr. High School. Suddenly my steps slowed when a girl brushed bedside me. “Do you want to come to my sleepover birthday party?” Her sing-song voice sounded pleasantly uplifting and cheerful. Her question surprised me. Was she really asking me? I asked if my friend could come because I loved her and so wanted her included. Very bold, but I needed to ask. Her quick negative response of no echoed in my ears and left my heart and stomach wrenched. I calmly responded a cool yes while riding the wave of excitement, mingled with disappointment, until the night of the party.
The Party was a blast. I don’t remember how many girls were there. I remember Andrea and Jean were two of them, and of course Lois, and her twin Mary. We had many laughs into the wee hours of the morning, finally falling asleep on our blankets on the floor. Everyone accepted me and treated me as if I had been a part of the group forever. The party catapulted me into a whole new group of friends. The years since have had their ebbs and flows, but our strong, warm feelings for one another remain consistent.
On the side of a dead-end road, before Cedar Creek park, an old decaying blue car stood in high weeds. High weeds lined both sides of the street, making it the perfect hideaway spot, bathroom spot, or make-out spot. This was our hang-out. I was a few months shy of 15 when I started hanging out at the blue car. While the other girls began around 12. Ah, all those fun times I had missed! My walk to the blue car was a long one, nearly 17 blocks. It was an easy peasy lemon squeezy walk. But going home? I won’t lie, SCARY. I would walk anxiously, awaiting the weirdos who were out late at night. Sometimes a random weirdo would drive his car alongside me. I felt safer when Ann and I would walk home together. Sometimes I would ask to stay out longer. I remember the many times I would call home from Joma’s payphone to ask if I could come home later. My dad’s answer: “you better get home now, or you’re getting beat.” That made me pick up the pace of my walk even faster. The lucky ones who lived closer could be home in a flash, especially Andrea, who lived on the same street as the blue car.
1975; the year of the blue car. I can confidently say it was, for me anyhow, as the year was delightful! We hung out listening to music and doing other stuff (keeping it clean here). Other places we hung out are Joma’s (a pizza place) and the pinball arcade, both around the corner. The local police officer would show up just to annoy us. I do not remember his name; maybe officer Sweeney? But I remember it to be #711 who came around often when we were in the store’s parking lot; his mission? To ruin our good time. I can’t remember precisely why 🤔 but I remember it being a thing and him being a nuisance 😂. In addition, we would hang at the Walls (the handball courts at Cedar Creek Park) or on Cedar Street (cops again). The blue car was always our best bet. We always hung out, whether it be during the hottest heat or the coldest cold. My memory isn’t the best, but I remember mostly hanging out there at night. Sometimes we would spend hot summer days at Central Mall (field 4) at Jones Beach.
Unfortunately, I don’t have many memories of specific things with the group. The feel of fun and warmth pervades me when I reminisce. In high school, there was fun in the pigpen (an outside section with tables). As seniors, we could smoke cigarettes there. It was crazy; our school let us smoke during senior year! Most of us could not smoke at home (rightfully so), but our school let us smoke! Sometimes we cut school and spent time at the bleachers or the train station where the truant officer, Mr. Andolf would chase us in his little black Renault. I cut little as I had too much fear for my life. If my father caught me, I’d be dead. I only did it a handful of times, if that. Study hall was always fun, and there was a senior lounge we used to hang in while seniors. We grew up at a different time. Our Sr. Trip was a mess, and photos of beer, cigarettes, and bongs dotted our yearbook. These were the seventies, and these were the times of the Blue Car Crew; we wouldn’t have changed it for the world.
Since those days, much has changed, but one thing has never changed; Our connection to each other and that fun, warm feeling when we meet. Seeing us that day we gathered, you would never guess it had been a while since we were together. The “blue car crew,” as Andrea affectionately named us, is still going strong. We played around in the pool, reminisced, laughed, shared stories, and truly felt so comfortable with each other. We remembered like it was yesterday, and what we did not remember, Ann did! She is the historian, so to speak, of the group. She remembers everything! Like a walking, talking, Wikipedia
Our group has gathered at a restaurant/bar over the years, but it was nothing like Andrea’s. She and Donny have Runyon’s beat by a mile! Donny is Andrea’s husband, who played host to us girls, catering to our every whim while doing it all so effortlessly. He endured our jokes and banter, and he did so very well 👏! And Andrea? besides being the “hostess with the mostest”, she is the glue helping to keep us together.
‘Twas lovely time spent with dear old friends. Nothing like being with those you have known for 47 plus years. We wished that the rest of our blue car crew friends were there, but hopefully, they will join us the next time, which will be next month! Having the entire group together would be the ultimate. While that is an uncertainty, we stay hopeful for that dream to come true.
I hope we can keep doing this till we are old and gray… well, older and grayer, I should say 😂. Let’s just do our best to take care of ourselves. Those who stayed late were lucky for the close-to-midnight exercise tips from Andrea! Please see her for details! Caution: extreme soreness follows 😂! May we continue to gather until the end of our days!
To the blue car crew… I love you. I cherish our memories and look forward to the times ahead of us. Our friendship has made my life richer. Be happy, be at peace, be well, be safe, love and be loved, and stay connected. Life is good! 😍😘🥰
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust
I love celebrating my birthday and the birthdays of those I love. I think birthdays are wonderful and worthy of grand celebrations to be spent however you like. Whether it be a relaxing, simple, quiet time at home spent alone or with loved ones, or an extravagant party, it doesn’t matter, just celebrate the fact that you entered this world and that you made it another year. It is not just another day. It is a special day. You completed another trip around the sun. Congratulations! Now’s the time for another. Make it a good start!
The 4th of March is a special day for me because one of the most beautiful people I know was born 51 years ago. Hard to imagine that she was only 21 when we met. I just want to share with the world how much this one person touched my heart and my life. I believe she is part of the reason I am still here today to write this. This is a public tribute to her, giving thanks for the gift of her life and her love. The love that she pours out onto everyone and everything.
It was 1991, Five Towns College, Seaford, NY; the first day of my word processing class. I went to sit down at my chosen desk, but a pair of legs resting in its chair prevented me from doing so. I looked at the girl sitting at the desk behind it, looked at her boots on my seat, and then looked back at her. She was wearing black nail polish (this was 1991 and not so common back then and stands out in my mind). I asked her to move her feet, and she begrudgingly moved them. (we may remember things differently, lol). I was 31, divorced, and the mother of a four-year-old little girl. 18-22 was the average age of students at Five Towns. Robyn fit right in there at 21. Me? Not so much. I didn’t care, though. It was just so awesome being able to attend. As a struggling single mom, I was grateful for the opportunity. Robyn was there for music, (it was a music school). I was attending for a one-year secretarial certificate. When it came time for us to explore our computers, our teacher sat us side by side. And so the ride began, and it has been a wonderful, exhilarating ride indeed. Like an old pair of jeans, my memory is a bit faded, but the important thing is Robyn and I became fast friends and we formed a beautiful bond. We had many laughs during our time at Five Towns and thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. We graduated together in 1992. If I remember correctly, we were only in one class together but saw each other often. At one point Robyn would walk me to class (hers was nearby) because there was a guy there (older, like myself) who was stalking me. He got me into the copy room once and forcefully tried to kiss me. I pushed him off and took off like a bat out of hell. The whole incident has caused much laughter over the years. Robyn was my unofficial bodyguard during that time, walking me to class hoping to circumvent any more encounters. In September, the college moved to a new campus in Dix Hills. I don’t think we had any classes together, but Robyn used to hang out with me in the Dean of Student’s office where I worked during my break in the day., Dr. Quinn didn’t mind. He actually encouraged it. That was a pretty cool gig. I finished school in January 1992 and Robyn that June. We both walked across the stage at Five Towns College that June, having achieved our desired goal and walking out with not only a certificate for me, and a diploma for her, but with a beautiful friendship that was forged during our times there. This photo is the only photo I have of Robyn and me. We continued our friendship outside of school, getting together a few times. I remember going to her house upstate and meeting all her cute animal friends; a beautiful horse named Rocky (who she still has), a cat, and a ferret. Her love for animals was obvious; another thing that endeared her to me. One day I went to a party at her house for her birthday. I didn’t know if I would fit in, but the different mix of people certainly helped make me feel comfortable. Robyn had many different types of people as friends. Differences were something Robyn doesn’t think about. I think it only matters that they are good souls. She sees deep within people and is drawn to what she sees and feels on the inside.
Five years after graduating, Robyn moved to Arizona. We drifted apart and back together a few times over the years. When we reconnected, it seemed no time had passed. No more reconnections. This time we will never drift again.
I went through a rough time two years ago. It was obvious on Facebook that I was going through an extremely tumultuous time. During that time, I didn’t know how I would ever get through it or even if I would get through it. Upon seeing my post, Robyn reached out to me. Not by responding on Facebook, but by calling me. That phone call took us to a deeper level in our friendship. She found out my troubles and shared her troubles with me. We were both in so much pain. We became dependent on each other to get through that pain. She listened to me. I mean really listened to me and was there for me whatever the hour. Whenever we needed each other we were there. We helped each other through those rough times. I don’t know what I would have done without her love, support, and guidance. Forming a bond with a best friend is not something forced. It just happens naturally and grows with every encounter. We learn about each other, through each other, and we grow together. We gain trust and acceptance. I have learned she is a beautiful soul who has a heart full of love for people and animals. As I said earlier, Robyn pours her whole heart into everything and everyone. She is beautiful, brave, strong, kind, caring, honest, and real. Sometimes her powerful love and devotion get her into a predicament, but her strength gets her through as well as her faith in God; how he uses her as an instrument is a driving force. His call she always answers. Robyn sees deep into their interior and she feels their feelings right down to the marrow of her bones, so to speak. Robyn is not an on-the-surface type of person. She is deep and down to earth. We are on the phone yesterday and we were talking about our sun signs. I looked up her sign and read about the Pisces woman. It was so on target. She is a healer, a comforter, kind, and compassionate. Here is something that the article says:
“Pisces always fights for the underdogs and is known for her soft-hearted ways. She is deeply sentimental and often moved to tears by sad movies and even sappy dog food commercials. Don’t make fun of her for her empathetic personality–the world needs more dreamers and practitioners of loving kindness. Sweet Pisces is here to show us all how to be gentler–with each other, and with ourselves,” “Kind-hearted Pisceans have a tendency to take in strays of all kinds, so she may have a revolving cast of rescues, whether it’s a bird with a broken wing whom she’s nursing back to health, or a wayward friend sleeping on her couch.” This is all so very Robyn!
Today is her birthday and I celebrate her. Through thick and thin and everything in-between she is my dear, sweet, darling, friend and I am blessed, so very blessed she is in my life.
Happy Birthday, Robyn. I can’t say it much better than last year. “You are one of the best people I have ever known. You have an enormous heart that forever loves and gives. You are so genuine, so down to earth, so real. You are someone who I am so comfortable being myself with, someone who I can fully trust, someone who I can depend on, someone I can cry with and laugh with, someone who knows that sometimes there are no words and only heart. You are kind, loving, altruistic, honest, and always hopeful even when hope is so very hard. I wish you all the beauty, happiness, and love that you so deserve. May this year be one that brings more laughter than tears, one that brings more sun than clouds, and more happiness than your heart can hold. I love you, Robyn. Thank you for all the joy you’ve bought to my life. Those two words (thank you) sound so meager. Know (and I know you know) those words are from a sincere heart filled with gratefulness for all that you are and have been to not only me but others who were blessed to cross your path. May all your dreams and wishes come true, and through it all, I hope you dance.
And this is from me, and I am sure it echos the sentiments of your other friends as well, so it is from them too!
I have loathed winter for most of my adult life: drab, grey skies, scantily dressed and naked trees, frigid air, too much clothing. I used to dread the approach of it. I love spring and summer, and while I love many things about fall, I had put a negative label on that gorgeous season; the forerunner of winter. The following is how I had seen autumn’s approaching exit: Soon to be barren trees struggle to hold on to the last of the majestic colored leaves that adorn them, a strong wind blows out from mother nature’s pursed lips chanting, “winter is coming, winter is coming,” some lone survivors lose their grasp and swirl to the ground as I stand mourning the beautiful autumn canvas disappearing before my eyes. Cold, damp darkness settles in with the early setting of the sun. Winter is coming.Upon confessing my dread of winter and my longing for spring feelings to a dear friend, he spoke his words of wisdom. “Don’t wish your life away. You should embrace every day. Life is short”; such sage advice, especially now that I am approaching the cusp of my senior years.
I want to savor every day. My friend’s advice changed the way I was thinking. It caused me to embrace that much disliked season. I focused on each day’s beauty and opportunities to still be doing what I loved. Last winter and this winter felt different from other winters. Why? Because I lived it with a different attitude, and guess what? It was enjoyable!
I am still looking forward to spring. It will be here soon. But I won’t wish this time away. Spring will get here in its time. Today is here, and I shall live it and embrace the beauty that it holds. Each day is a gift to live and love. Before long, excitement will stir within us upon seeing the first crocus’ poking their heads out, signaling that spring is near, and when it comes, it will be like reuniting with an old friend, and my heart will swell with joy. That is what the entrance will be like with each individual season, and I am excited about them all!
What a year 2020 has been! It was certainly a year, unlike any other. Life was good; then, bam, we are amid a pandemic that changed everyone’s lives. Labeling it as an “awful year” is understating it. Who would have ever thought such a thing would happen: People sick, people dying, no church services then limited church services, limited wedding, and funeral attendance, businesses having to close, no visitors in hospitals or nursing homes, schools doing remote learning or partial remote, suicides because of despair, and of course, the ever hated mask-wearing. Then there was the division on mask-wearing/social distancing. I have more to say on that, but that will be another post.
As awful as it was, we can still find that 2020 had some good in it. They say every cloud has a silver lining. The year still did contain happy times, and that is where we should dwell. Babies were born, people married, people bought houses, people got organized, dreams came true, online church services had high attendance, people helped each other, and good things still happened.
Hold the good in your heart, shake off the bad, and pray for those we’ve lost and their loved ones.
Hello 2021
10, 9, 8, 5, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
TRUTH
I think we can agree that we are all happy and excited for the clock to strike Midnight tonight. The hopes that 2021 is a better year will be shared by all as we toast to bring it in. Personally, I will be out banging pots and pans outside while screaming “Happy New Year” and then seal it with some sparkler festivity as usual. It won’t be much different from last year, but the relentless burning we all feel for a new year will be new. Prayers will be rising like incense from our lips to the heavens for there to be an end to Covid and for life to return to normal.
As you enter into 2021, there is so much to think about. Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Some people don’t make resolutions. I like to. It is like a brand new start. Here are some ideas for a better year regardless of things that happen that are beyond our control.
😍 Some good resolutions are bettering your life through eating healthy, exercising your body and your brain, meditating, praying, and doing things you love to do, things that nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Here is a list of more…
😍 Be thankful for your blessings, whatever they may be.
😍 Be hopeful for your future.
😍 Take time to reflect on making your life and the lives of those around you better.
😍 Use your senses; smell the roses, see the beauty all around you, feel the rain on your face, taste every delicious morsel there is to taste; really taste it, listen to the beautiful sounds of the birds, the ocean waves, children laughing, and appreciate every bit of it.
😍 Dance
😍 Listen to music
😍 Laugh
😍 Be positive
😍 Be playful
😍 Be spontaneous
😍 Be grateful
😍 Be kind
😍 Find your passion
😍 Enjoy the beauty of nature
😍 Do the thing you have always wanted to do
😍 Learn something new
😍 Conquer your fears, one at a time
😍 Live in the present
😍 Make lemonade with those lemons thrown at you
😍 Build up your immune system. It is the best defense against Covid. Try extra C, D3, Zinc on top of your multi. Drink lots of water and eat foods rich in antioxidants. FYI: dark chocolate is an antioxidant!
If you are struggling right now, don’t quit. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Find that light; be it from a conversation with a good friend or a trained professional. Look for help to find that light and believe that you will find it because you will. Get out of the past. You are not living there anymore. Embrace the here and now. This moment is all you have. Always believe, always hope, never close the door because you will never know all the beautiful things waiting for you on the other side. I know you can do it! I believe in you. Believe in yourself. You can do it.
My New Year Wish For You
Thank you for entering into “Simply me” and reading my very first post. I hope you enjoyed it. Please return for future posts coming in the next few days, and please think about letting others know about this blog.
Love, peace, joy, & kindness be unto you always …. Mary
