Miracle Moments

The Hornets got stung this week-badly. Not like Saturday. There we sat in the New Orleans Arena, court side no less, my first game ever -in fact...and they pulled off a real nail biter. Thrilling victory stays with you for days...of course until the letdown...that always comes...but sometimes too suddenly when the next round is one bad play after another. Me-I was just thrilled to be a part of the winning...sitting in the best seats in the house. My fifteen year old Ben and I were invited by my friend Dr. Kristi...whose friend handed her four 1800 dollar a piece tickets...When it finally sunk in what we had gotten ourselves into, Ben whispered, "I can't believe I almost told you no." "Me neither," I said. He and I are a lot alike...nothing much gets us excited-except maybe........Let me get back to you.. I Love basketball and I Love to watch the body art that flies down the court on the arms and legs and even necks of the players...The Denver Nuggets were like m...

Robust, full bodied and completely alive... That pretty much sums up our Monday night family dinner gathering... The discussion de jour was the possibility of legalizing drugs...Can you imagine how well that went over with the older kids...and then of course me?! Their dad took a surprising approach, which of course raised all the kid's eyebrows...and that set into motion the verbal sparring match...It's good to be among so many young minds with minds of their own! Yes we're losing the war against drugs...but-making them easier to get-isn't the solution...Our crime is fueled by illegal drug use and the growing disease of addiction. Mexico's President Calderon just told President Obama that if we treat the problem of addiction in our nation, we'll stem the flow of illegal drugs across Mexico's borders into the United States. The brutal, bloody war along the border and in communities all across our land...is destroying the very fabric of our nation-while robbi...

God is Love...no judging God is Love...no resentment God is Love...all patience God is Love...all power God is Love...all supply Love is the redeeming quality that transcends time...moving on from generation to generation...down through the ages and into eternity. It is the driving energy behind every act of goodwill, given freely, without judgement or expectation...Purely, freely flowing forward, in a generous wave of soul enticing warmth. I try to remember that when the world seems hard and the people seem unkind...and my expectations seem to disapoint my reality, because sometimes-some people just don't understand. But I understand -and so I try daily to practice the lessons of Love that I have learned , the ones that I try to pass on to my children so they will receive the true fulfillment of all that we are called to understand and to become- in this life- that we Love so dearly. So remember... Perfect Love is perfect forgiveness, because that is when the the flower that h...

It's no secret that crime is rising at an alarming rate in communities all across the nation. What you may not know, is that the disease of addiction is a major contributing factor. The addict suffers from a deadly compulsion locked inside their brain which too often leads them into a life of crime to feed their addiction. Many local criminal justice agencies are now collaborating with substance abuse agencies and calling for stronger efforts to identify the substance abuser as a means of protecting the innocent. The already overburdened prison system is exploding with untreated addicts. When they are released without the benefit of proven treatment methods, that fuels the growing recidivism rate among repeat offenders. Seventy percent of all murders and forty five percent of other violent crimes like assault and rape are alcohol and or drug related. April is alcohol awareness month and prevention groups nationwide have been promoting the prevention of underage drinking. Alcohol is...

I saw the miracle of the sun twice this week. Blazing in front of me, beckoning to me. It warmed me and reminded me that God is watching. I knew it was a sign that wonders would unfold, if I stayed the course and concentrated on divine guidance. Nothing shuts out the direction of the spirit more, than too much talk...Talk drowns out the gentle whisperings of the spirit while service to others produces spiritual longevity. It's funny that this is my theme, since I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut as much as possible over the next couple of days. My gum surgery went well...too easy in fact...at the hands of my gifted friend, Dr. Kristi Soileau. I've never had so many shots in my mouth at once, but yet feel no pain. She's amazing. I have to admit, moments before the procedure, I got really nervous. I thought I'd made a mistake not taking a nerve pill to calm me down for the two hour procedure. So, I decided to offer up my operation for the many suffering souls...includ...

Some days are so busy-they don't even seem to exist. This is one of those days...This side of the river, that side of the river, two double headers, early dismissal, meeting with head honchos...showing the house, cooking the dinner, shopping for groceries...No time to think about manyana...the ole gum operation... So for now--Sweet dreams to all...and Remember every new day-is a blessing...every single time we open our eyes...and especially when we gaze upon our Loved ones...in whatever blossoming state we may find them!

My son Ben is so "cool" and calm...takes things in stride...doesn't get ruffled...shrugs it off...let's it go and moves to the next step. As he exited the baseball field today he said, "I got cut...I'm not kidding...I really did." "But it doesn't matter," he added, "I have two other teams to play on." "Still," I said, "I am so sorry." "But," I perked up, "I got cut too...And like you, I have other options too." We smiled. My kids, like me, are learning to roll with the punches...Zachary informed me, "Mom, really Ben doesn't care...don't worry about it. But now, sit down and tell me all about what happened to you?" And good ole Jake, in his matter of fact -manly manner says, "No big deal...you knew this could happen, but next time, is your time." They are something to behold! We headed home, finished our homework, watched a movie and made a b line for the bed...whe...

"Marley and Me" made the kids and me cry. We didn't see it on the big screen, but last night as we all crowded into the dark den around the TV, the message and the meaning of this fine movie--made us all think. I think it was because it touched home. The wild blond lab...Marley, stole the show...with her energetic, born free spirit. Our lab--which no longer lives with us...I won't get into the details--could have been Marley, although-we called her Prayer...and believe me...there were lots of prayers on her behalf and ours when she set herself in motion. I guess what struck me about the movie...was the young struggling couple...man's best friend...the kids that came in rapid succession...the strain of a growing family and dreams put on hold for gifts that were never part of the dream, but which ended up as the surprise dream come true. The family of five plus Marley-made it through the tough times, as a team, never giving in-to individual selfish desires...or thou...

"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die." Malachy McCourt As I sat in a meeting the other day, I listened to a man who proudly proclaimed, "I am a recovering Catholic." He was also a recovering alcoholic...more than 20 years sober. As I listened to his story, I wondered why he was still angry about something that happened to him 50 years ago. I wondered why the words of a priest, still haunted him...and why he still had not let go of his longstanding resentments. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him, because the weight of one man's words, still bound him five decades later...Their negative energy still robbed him of the levity that comes with letting go and letting God...And in this man's case, had robbed him of the belief in a universal God of Love. I hear a lot of so called "recovering Catholics" in AA and I always wonder what's missing in their lives...and how they could have missed the basic principle...

If I cross over to the other side next Wednesday evening...at least I'll have healthy gums. My dynamo friend and renowned Periodontist is seeing to that. Dr. Kristi Soileau is the best in her field. Plain and simple. Gifted brain, beautiful heart. In fact, she's wonderfully anal...overly careful and thoroughly thorough. So thorough she caught me off guard today. After checking my newly cleaned teeth she said, "There's some recession on the lower gums, so how about doing the procedure Wednesday?" Um okay. If it were left up to me, it would be the second Wednesday of next week. Shortly after my teeth would begin falling out and only if there was no other option. Can you believe it-not even your gums are recession proof?! So here's the choice...grafting tissue from the roof of my mouth or donor tissue...to rebuild my gums. Which sounds better to you?! Of course I'm choosing the most painful-my own tissue... I figure-at least I know what's in there...even ...

Just in case you're feeling overburdened, down and out, like the whole world's against you...You know, that pathetic pity party we attend every once in a while...Here's an excerpt from an e-mail sent to me by my surgeon friend who is on a short tour in Iraq... "I know that I may not have e-mailed in a long time. Sorry for that but we have intermittent commo. Life here just became a little worse. On Mon. at approximately 0600 I went running with my usual running partners. Earlier that same morning we had taken care of an Iraqi soldier who was shot in the leg at about 0300. He had a horrible open with exposed bone, comminuted tib/fib fracture, had he gone to an Iraqi hospital would have necessitated an amputation. Back to the run, about 3/4 of a mile into it at 0605 we took an incoming rocket. We ran to the nearest bunker and 2 more rockets were fired. There we were without our Kevlar helmets or our body armour. Then a pause, so we ran back to the Forward Surgical Team F...

The're rockin in heaven and stompin their feet... Jumpin to the music and the sounds oh so sweeeet Their favored young girl has come a long way... and made it with style...to another Birthday! She's sleek as a cat and quiet as a mouse... But the mover and shaker in her California house... From Hong Kong to Mississippi to the cliffs of the west coast... She's a powerful dynamo...who never, ever boasts... So this one's for her..'cause we Love her so... Our behind the scenes operative...our private dynamo... Happy Birthday to you-from the boys and the gal... 'Cause you're more than an aunt, you're one special pal. Our lives have been richer, our world brighter too... From deep in our hearts...An amazing birthday blessing is flying to you! XXOOXXOOKATXXOOXXOO Johnny, Mackie, Ben, Jake, Zack and MLM

It was unsettling seeing the bare altar, the empty tabernacle and the purple cloth draping the crucifix. The absence of his physical presence was palpable...unnerving. The void made me feel uneasy and a little afraid. I imagined this must be what it would feel like always...if there was no God. As we moved through his last hours...through the journey of the cross...and the fourteen stations that culminated with his very brutal death...I felt intensely sorry, maybe for the first time in my life...Genuinely sad at the pain of his lonely sacrifice...and how quickly I forget. I felt responsible for his suffering...a feeling I have never felt more strongly. There have been so many times in my life that I have felt the lonely emptiness, the betrayal and the rejection...So many times I have fallen, flat on my face...in the face of my humanity...When I have let go of God and let the misery move me to mind boggling mistakes...But today, even in the sadness of the stations, I felt moved by the e...

But those who trust the lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings, they will walk and run without getting tired. -Isaiah 40:31 It is the truth, but it is tough at times to embrace...especially when times are tough. I received this card today...and thought-okay I get it...but sometimes the soaring makes me tired and the fatigue gives way to despair and the hopelessness begins creeping in. So when I get overwhelmed with emotions, I do not think about the problems or the personalities. I don't let those issues take up free rent in my head...I think only positive thoughts, because the good things in life, always outweigh the bad. And today, I'm reminded where the real power lies...in the God, who became man...in the sacrifice that became our liberation...in the Love that never dies. You see-soaring takes a lot of energy...but when when you're on a spiritual high-nothing brings you down --for long. Take tonight--Saint Jacob-yes my 11 ye...

I don't know what the Universe is trying to tell me...but it can't be good. Well...maybe it is, but I just don't want to hear about it--right now. I'm too busy, really busy taking my children's inventory, like a good mom. So why do I have to stare at myself in the mirror? The one in my bathroom that my firstborn cracked while filming a mini movie for college. (I wonder if he gets the seven years of bad luck or me?) How many times do I have to take my personal inventory?...When will it ever end?!...NEVER that's when! See-that's exactly why we have to do this-now! In recovery, which by the way, lasts a lifetime...How's that for fun?! There's this sneaky little step number four that rears it's nosey head when you least expect it...and then just when you've maneuvered through the mine fields, just when you thought you'd escaped the explosions, it reappears in step ten... And then it comes full circle and here we are again...at step four...whi...

"God is giving you lots of Love money." The word according to Jacob. "What's that?" I asked him. "All the good things that are happening and all the good things that will happen. Just you wait and see," he replied. Sage words of wisdom from the fourth wonder in my homespun brew...As Jacob trailed me up the steps into my bedroom, I asked him what the electric massager was doing in my room. He said, "You looked tired in the kitchen and I thought this would make your sore leg muscles feel good." I'm not kidding...this is one sensational son...But, I have to admit-I wondered what he was up to...Or maybe it was payback for the new pair of school shoes I had gotten him...or the extra phone minutes? Or maybe he's just sweetly considerate which is what I'm hoping to inspire in all five of my sons. Jacob is the eternal optimist...always seeing the obvious-even when the rest of us are boxed in by the barricades. He's a prime example of ...

I had a few miracle moments this weekend with a real miracle worker... Ivan Draicevic. Two weeks ago, our private meeting wasn't even on the radar. But, that's how God works -behind the scenes, yet right in front of our faces. Bringing us bits of beauty and grace to ease our moments of quiet desperation. Ivan is one of the original six visionaries from Medjugorje, the Bosnian village that is home to the longest running apparitions in the history of time. Millions have traveled to this faraway place seeking a closer relationship with God and divine inspiration for their lives. I personally traveled there in 1986 for an award winning news story, but quite unexpectedly, found my faith and my God in the foothills of this anointed hamlet. As we talked and shared, I felt peacefully at home...with someone who knows the true value of our lives because his life is lived for God. He is a walking, talking example of God in action. A husband, a dad, a man of God-and yes a visionary with a ...

I listened to the beat of the pouring rain as I sat in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel today reviewing my manuscript...getting sleepy-and wondering with worry-if that meant-BORING! No, not hardly. My life has been anything but boring...As often happens with me-when I finally sit in silence, the sleepiness slips in--but before I know it-my eyes pop open and I'm rejuvenated and ready to go! I read through what I've written- to review my writing and the facts as I remember them...and inevitably I wonder if what I have to say is worth writing down for others to read. I know deep within my being...it is well worth the effort because as I wrangle with my memory, I'm amazed at the life I've lead thus far...and hopefully optimistic about where I am headed. Of course-only God gets the full preview, but if the past is any measure of the future- then let the show begin! I can only capture the highlights of a journey that has been quite unplanned and surprisingly, surprising. On paper...

I've finally faced my fears and joined Facebook. My friend Kat suggested it weeks ago...but technology has never been my first Love...maybe because it's too precise and there's little margin for error. I like flying around in outer space, maneuvering the different dimensions to an unknown date with destiny. Anyway-there she appeared...a childhood chum more than three decades removed and separated by an ocean of circumstance. Susan and I were next door neighbors at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany. Two military brats who braved the bitter cold, sliding down the icy hill behind our building in our boots and boldly singing and dancing our way into some pocket change as we performed for our parents in black cabaret berets. She had a beautiful, smooth, singing voice and an air of sophistication that I admired ...and I remember a shiny orange, patent leather purse that really stole the show. I have thought about her over the years...wondered where she wound up...and lately-she kept c...