Miracle Moments

She inspires me. Plain and simple. As Wendy walked down the aisle in front of the priest...holding the bible in the air...she warmed my heart...As she strode straight up to the altar where she read from the pulpit in a slow, deliberate but gentle voice-I felt touched. She is one of those rare beacons of light who has been tested by fire...but who-somehow found the strength to stomp out the burning blaze before it destroyed her. She's a mom and a lawyer and the kind of lady who laid low during a publicly embarrassing situation involving her politician husband. She held it together...held tight to her family and defied the odds when the odds were against her. But she did it...with faith and family and her future-in tact. And in my eyes-she's a winning leader. The kind of Lady I look up to-because she made the tough choices that led to the most extraordinary results. You see, in my book, if things were going to be perfect-we wouldn't be here. We'd be in heaven. Si...

My girlfriend is heading to Medjugorje Monday, looking for a miracle, that she can find right here at home...and she knows that. But sometimes, it's nice to take a leap of faith, board a plane and head for the place that brought you back to God, back to your senses and right on into the sanity that has saved your life and caused you to soar. She is going back to the womb of her conversion where the hand of God so powerfully yet patiently pushed her forward, piqued her attention and paused her just long enough to think-"It kinda knocks you into your senses!" Holy places honor the soulful yearning within by giving hope to the possibility that maybe God will pick you out of a crowd and put you on a pedestal just long enough to show the world that his power is as poignant as ever. Places like Medjugorje remind us that God exists in a powerful way...and that different people from different places all over the world hold within their hearts a common desire to know and to Love...

I thought my kids were going to melt into their seats. But honestly, I can't understand why no one else screamed. I mean, doesn't anyone but me get startled?! Twice during the TERMINATOR, I let out a piercing cry-and both times-my children told me to behave. Can you imagine?! I've turned into a movie screamer. The older I get, the more scared I get and the louder I yell. The man two seats away just laughed--at me -I'm certain. Maybe it's because I've gotten to be so laid back, or because I rarely see action thrillers...and the slightest pop now sends me into orbit. I'd much rather watch re-runs of "Somethings Gotta Give" or "Save the Last Dance"...Good old fashioned relationship hassles and happy endings. But I have to say-I Loved the movie...and the message. Heroism, courage and conviction-inspired into action by a strong, sensitive heartbeat. And my kids-well-another Kodak moment as they all gathered side by side for a rare couple of ho...

I had a rough night. Not a fun rough night...just no sleep, weird dreams and a heavy heart. I rolled out of bed late...Jumped into my clothes-stained and disheveled and flew to morning Mass just in time for communion. My folded hands were strategically placed in front of the spot on my shorts...as if anyone really cared. I mean really-who is walking down the aisle and worrying whether or not the other people are presentable enough to be in morning Mass, much less, receive communion? Who is haughty enough to raise their eyebrows in the presence of the humble God? Actually, lots of people I know--but here's the thing...That's their issue not mine. I'm learning-to not let what other people think, say or do-get in the way of what I know I need to do. But, for a split second this morning, my mind let me think that I didn't need the Eucharist today. That somehow, I-on my own accord--little ole me who has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she needs her higher power in a ...

Mindful moms know...that sometimes- meddling in their kids affairs-is a must. It doesn't matter to them if their children think they are mean, manipulative or making their lives miserable...Mindful moms know that mothering never ends. Never, no matter how old their kids are or how successful they've become or how smart they seem to be...mindful moms never mind their own business when it comes to the business of mothering their children. Once a mom always a mom! Take the Madonna for example. She's still telling us what to do. For two thousand years she has been sticking her nose into our lives and letting us know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we have been messing up her messages, miracles and her mothering. She has repeatedly tried to right the errors of our ways by repeating over and over and over again the same old lessons that we laugh at. She is never content to say-"They're all grown up now and their loser lives are no longer my business." Nope-she squir...

I saw the light tonight. I saw the light of Love... Freely flowing from the eyes of the faithful who found inspiration and joyful anticipation in the Holy Eucharist. I traveled across Lake Pontchartrain to join my friend Judy at her parish for the first day of the Holy Spirit Novena. I felt the power of the spirit flowing through the congregation as they praised and worshipped with an abundantly vibrant faith. I knew this week that I had been told to immerse myself in the spirit...to bathe my being in the light of hope and Love that heals all transgressions while lifting us to new levels of wisdom. For two hours I rested in the spirit that swirled around me and I absorbed the words of the songs and the rhythm of life that peacefully pulsated throughout the congregation. The young faces touched me the most...with their innocent reverence...And then the couples...who shared together their enthusiasm for God and family...in this very public arena. I know that if you are facing hard times....

Premonitions, intuitions, God's way of slipping us information...letting us know that something is going on...Something we need to know. I knew it instantly-I was pregnant. A Saturday morning romp before work, a few stolen moments with my husband and new life filters in. I remember knowing this in my gut...hearing the words in my head, "You are pregnant." Feeling disbelief and fear, not wanting to accept the knowledge, I did what every good ostrich does-buried my head. Ignoring the heads up from God that I had received an unplanned bonus. A gift that would keep on giving for eternity. Two months later, I knew, beyond a doubt-that new life -was definitely in transit. As the baby grew, I also grew accustomed to the miracle of life growing within. The mental maneuvering that somehow melted into feelings of motherly pride surprised everyone, even me. My teammate and I worked, played and exercised in perfect harmony. The bundle of joy, two weeks late, made his debut just in ti...

Her face looked radiant tonight. I can remember just three months ago, a worn out lifeless 20 something, saying her messy life was hopeless and beyond repair...her relationship had rotted away and she stood on the verge of suicide. But tonight-my God she glowed with joy and a smile that would win anyone's heart. What a difference a new attitude makes...It makes all the difference in the world -between burying yourself under the weight of your own misery-or putting your power and control right where it belongs...in the drivers seat. This young woman is just one more person who reached deep into her inner core, down below -to that place where we hide the best of who we are...She reached right in and gathered all the strength and courage she could muster and lifted herself up, rising from an ordinary human being, to an extraordinary example of hope. She is the kind of person who inspires me with the conviction that we can be much more than who we've settled on...We too can move fr...

There are boys everywhere in my house tonight. Big boys, little boys...tall boys short boys. I don't know if it's summer or something brewing- but the boys are back in town. Actually one is leaving town...Johnny my oldest, is readying for a journey that is sure to alter the very course of his life. So I guess the guys who will always be boys in my book, are gathering for the last hurrah... Knowing someone is about to exit our lives changes our lives. We see more clearly the gift before us, before they're gone. We feel the impending absence, even when they're still here. It's a wake up call and a reminder that too often, we take people for granted, forgetting the familiar faces because they're always around. They say familiarity breeds contempt...I don't know about that-I think it breeds laziness. Lots of laissez faire attitudes that allow precious time to slip away into oblivion. In these last days before my son's departure-I am acutely aware of the impe...

It's amazing what you will learn if you just sit down and listen to your kids. Dinner brings out the entertainment that has apparently been supplying my young kids with lots of laughs at their prime middle school. Apparently, the very human release of pent up air is the latest fun fad for boys...and even teachers. I tried not to act too surprised or shocked or sick when my two youngest sons discussed the classroom contests that send waves of laughter and loads of bad air through the classroom. Air- that Jacob informed me is -Methane Gas. But now that I think about it-I really can't believe I was hearing this discussion...because I can hardly believe that what they were saying is true. Farting on demand, for fun and just for the heck of it...in class no less! Well, I'm a girl and that is absolutely a no no in my world...even though Sarah Jessica Parker made it seem funny when her Sex In The City character, Carrie, accidentally let loose on a date. I mean-really-it's no b...

I stood on holy ground this month of May. The site of the first Catholic Mass in the Americas. I stood at the foot of a 208 foot stainless steel cross that soared straight into heaven...announcing to the world that this place is special. As I stared into the sky, as the soft breeze gently massaged my being...I understood the immense power that had pulled me to this place where God and man begin a new journey of the soul. I did not fully understand the power of St. Augustine Florida, until I visited this particular piece of land...the Mission of Nombre de Dios...I'm grateful my friend Judy answered the urging of the Holy Spirit and called me from New Orleans. "The shrine is on holy ground...pray there...special graces are given there," she said. I dropped everything, hopped into the car, and flew down the road until I pulled straight into the past...where I walked in the footsteps of settlers who pushed ashore here in 1565 and established the first permanent place of Chris...

There are so many gifts I'd like to write about tonight...but I think I'll save those thoughts for another day...because right now...the best I have to offer is a measure of hope. There is always hope. Never give up the belief that hope is alive and well and waiting for your kind consideration. That's all it takes to believe that the next day, the next move, the next moment will be better than the present-no matter how bad things seem to be right now. I have always felt an internal hopeful optimism even when the outside looked dismally gray...because somewhere within I could feel the pulsating energy of all that is good and kind and qualified to inspire great joy and unending happiness. I've always believed in amazing hope...amazing grace...and amazing results when we rally around hope. I felt that hope tonight as a young 20 year old heroine addict talked about how he is trying to get off drugs-permanently. He lasted a week before picking up a needle and shooting more m...

Most days we go through the motions...because the routine of life gets in the way of the really big accomplishments that are being made right under our noses. That's right...just below our heady, haughty halos of innocent oblivion. Slow down, smell the roses and let the fragrance of the seemingly mundane mess with your mind-maybe for the first time or the first time in a long time. Let's face it...the little things, the little steps, always produce the biggest bang-in the long run. Sometimes it takes a really long time...but it's worth it. In fact, as I ponder the unraveling of events in my life-I am carefully and cautiously cultivating a personal awareness of the not so subtle changes that are churning out amazing results. Nothing short of mind boggling...that's the bottom line. So I try to carry that clarity with me along the path of progression...so complacency doesn't slip past me and slide right on into first base. Rome wasn't built in a day...and circumsta...

Insanity is repeating the same behavior and expecting different results. It applies to people as well. Weaning yourself away from the ones that bring you down...then letting them slip back into your psyche and expecting them to behave differently-is insanity. Of course there's always the exception...if they've received a good deal of soul searching counseling, a big dose of humility or better yet-a full scale lobotomy. Slim pick ins though- because people are their own pitfalls. Personally, I always leave the door open because I believe in miracles and spiritual awakenings and that moment of clarity when the dark is lifted and the light of truth shines through with an intensity that moves mountains of self centered satisfaction into the past-while placing good old fashioned honest humility front and center. Darryl Strawberry is one of those miracle stories that you can hardly believe, unless you know the whole story. I heard him tell a national talk show host..."The li...

It was a teachable moment. Standing there watching the 23 ten year old boys gathered around their teacher...Mr. Dieth...as he opened the gifts, for his baby shower. I think it may have been the first male baby shower I have ever witnessed or even heard of. Brilliant idea thought of by a wonder mom, Laura, who is always thinking of the thoughtful things that make people happy and surprised and feeling like a million bucks. Mr. Dieth and his wife had tried everything to conceive a child...but no luck or blessing or stork to brighten their hopes and dreams of building a bundle of boys or girls to call their own. Then-as God would have it...when they least expected it...life lit up their lives...letting them know, that things happen in God's time...and not ours-but usually exactly when they're supposed to. The big boys laughed as the gift bags produced a baby Lacrosse jersey and gymboree t's, diapers and blankets...a bassinet and picture frames...and all the warm Love that come...

I have all the signs and symptoms of something I just learned about today...Sublime Audacity. That's right...I have the audacity to believe-that anything is possible-anything at all-with God. In fact, I believe that there is one cure for all the world's ills...and that cure rests with -and in God. In a world of material wealth, individual desires and carefully orchestrated managed care...When people search the world over for the answers that never come, the healings that rarely happen and the hope that always gets dashed by the next person...I believe that there is only one steady stream of consciousness that always gets it right...and that is God. I've personally experienced it time and again and every time I look elsewhere or seek some other solution, I always come crawling back to the staying power of my higher power...Because let's face it...Once we have the audacity to tell anyone-anyone at all that God is responsible for all the good in our lives or the Love that ...

Spiritual warfare always comes a calling on the eve of something big and beautiful-always. The weak get down and dirty and dangerously depressed, while the strong stay steadfast and serene, seeing the setbacks as hurdles and never as obstacles. You see there's always a force out there weighing us down...wanting us to fail...hoping that we lose hope...so that finally, we'll give up and give away the great accomplishment that is just waiting to be born. I've known many great leaders and I've interviewed a few heroes...and they always believed deeply in their cause, kept walking toward their goal...and never gave in to the idle despondency that kills the spirit and silences the soul. They always understood-the most powerful weapon is the one that is abundantly available and easily accessed...The power of the creator who made heaven and earth, the sun, the stars and the moon...you and me...and all there is, all there ever has been and all there ever will be. They understoo...

As I stood at the baseball field tonight with a lovely group of single moms...I marveled at their joy amid their pain-- and their strength amid their brokenness. They laughed and joked...and yes-they poked fun at their former other halves...while talking about blind dates and amazing dates with limo riding yachtsmen. In all the wonder and exuberance...and the novelty of starting over...I couldn't help but admire their resilience and their fortitude...their dedication to their children...and their strong willed determination to drag themselves out of bed every single day- even when they feel like dead weight...and bustle through the house rousing the kids, feeding them breakfast fooling with their school clothes and hauling them off to carpools and doctor's appointments, counseling and lessons, grocery stores and baseball games...and back home again to start all over again-often -in between full-time jobs. These New Orleans ladies, like so many ladies around the world, are the s...

Many moons ago...longer than I can remember...I do remember a pair of red shoes my older sister received on the eve of her induction into the National Honor Society. My parents took her shopping in the big city, miles from the Air Force Base where we lived in Hahn Germany. The red and cream colored dress that matched her shiny red shoes made her look all grown up and glamorous...especially when she slid on her pantyhose...Now that was something...sheer, silky stockings...What more could a girl ask for?! I envied her-she looked so pretty and perfect and those red shoes-strappy and sexy-they were simply amazing! I remember looking far and wide for the same shoes or look alikes...or anything at all that came close...But nothing can replace the real thing! I often wonder why I still think about those shoes...and why they left such an indelible imprint on me. I know they were especially stunning and exceptionally special ....because they were like ruby jewels anointing the tiara that c...

There are some people who are called and a few who are chosen, and sometimes the chosen are called to carry heavy crosses. The weight of the words of those with willful intentions to hurt and harass is the kind of cross that pushes deep into the psyche, leaving a heavy footprint of fear and confusion. But the chosen, carry on, bearing the weight of the world-for the sake of those in the world-who need to hear the wonderful words of hope that come to us -from the cross..."Forgive them, for they know not what they do." For me, there is no other way ...For this world is but a fleeting few memories compared to the next -where the eternal landscape grows larger and wider, bigger and brighter than all the twinkling stars that light up the dark night of the soul--invigorating our senses to understand that heaven is home and our journey's end is growing near. I had the thought in Mass today-how blessed that we are to have been given the hope that comes on the cross from Love that...

I met a young woman this week who turned tricks for money to pay for the drugs she used to numb the pain so she could sleep with men and earn the money that feeds her addiction and fuels her fantasy that Love can be bought or sold. It's a never ending circle of pain and confusion, cover up and callousness. "Angie" is in a residential rehab for women-- trying to get clean from the crack cocaine she began using at 15. At 22 she is frail and tired and wants to quit...She needs to quit...if she ever wants to see her 3 month old baby again. Now a ward of the state, her baby has given her hope...The belief that her life is worth saving-even though the drugs tell her she's not. "Angie" is the product of sexual and physical abuse...She is a grown woman who carries the wounded child within...into every unhealthy decision she makes. The father of her child says he Loves her and she believes she Loves him...but he hits her...and calls her ugly names-when things don...