Miracle Moments

A root canal is calling. Joy to the world! It's my own doing for dissing the pain. I felt a little sensitivity a couple of weeks ago-but ignored the warning, while zeroing in on everyone else's needs. My usual line of defense-- which eventually puts me on the offense...fighting an infection or feeling or frustration. That's why it's important to take care of numero uno. If you don't take care of yourself the first time, you'll have to work twice as hard at it the second, third or fourth go round. You can't avoid you-no matter how hard you try. Especially when there's a big brew of boys or girls or both-counting on you to be there-for them when they need you the most. So take care of yourself--It's the one lesson I think I have begun to ace-and then wham-decay sets in, the nerves explode and the poisonous pain pours through the head searing our sanity and sapping all of our strength. A little TLC for oneself-is a whole lot better than trying to put hu...

No matter what challenges come your way. Always remember you are Loved." Seeds of encouragement. Someone, somewhere out there-Loves you. I know God does. So it's never as bad as it seems-even though it seems to go badly an awful lot. I listened tonight to some great ladies who have overcome amazing obstacles and risen to the challenge of living and Loving despite it all. It's empowering to hear the gals give of themselves so that others may get something they need, just when they need it the most. That's real Love. Letting people in...letting them listen to the real you-and giving them the best and the worst all at once-because that's what they need the most...and it will make the most difference in their lives. The changing of the guards from one woman to the next...an evolving mystery of womanhood that comes as naturally as childbirth...but sometimes with as much pain and painstaking effort. I laughed at their stories...felt inspired by their honesty and found gr...

Many moons ago a desperate doctor stumbled upon the solution to treating the disease of alcoholism...after working with another doctor who happened to be the patient from hell. In fact, it had to be an act of God that inspired the good doctor with the wisdom to wade through the cesspool of addiction until he came to the miracle solution that saved lives and sent souls soaring to serenity. I can't imagine the euphoria the early pioneers felt, when one person at a time--put down the pints and the pills and picked up the chips that celebrate the recovery process one day at a time. It must have seemed nothing short of-miraculous. The success of the 12 step program is powerful proof that the power of the person is pristine perfection-when the real power-their higher power-is put into place. It is also the only universal program I know of-that predisposes a person to becoming the best version of themselves-even when they've become the exact opposite. Ironically-there are no gimmicks ...

"Learn to trust what you know." -Seeds of Encouragement I know God. I trust God...And that's enough for me. When the days run together and the hope is weakened by the weariness...I trust in the God that I know...and that's enough for me-to get me through the not knowing that always precedes the first step. When you really know God...deep within your core...that knowing that cannot be fully identified, fuels the trust that tells us to hang on a little tighter and a whole lot longer than we might have otherwise done-if we were out on a limb-all by our lonesomes. So-if you come to know God--you will come to know trust-and you will trust in the light of a God that inspires the fullness of truth in every circumstance, decision and challenge that you may face from this day forward. Trust me-I know this from experience. God, knowledge, trust...the circle of life.

I looked at my two youngest kids this week and said, "Something terrible happened!" Wide eyed they asked, "What?" "I started my period!"...Zack hugged me--and Jake brightened up saying with a smile, "Maybe you'll be in the Guinness Book of World Records!" How's that for a backhanded complement?! "Oh well," I sighed. I'm usually like clockwork, but I missed a couple of months and so I thought it's adios--bye bye now-the dawn of a new age--older age setting in. Today in the car I laughingly share this lovely tale with two more of my brilliant boys...Ben and and my comedian Mac-who true to form is going to have some fun with this. "Isn't that better than getting hot flashes?" Mac laughs--"Or better yet," he cracks... "Maybe you'll have another child...a brand new beginning for you!" "Yes-me and divine intervention" I quipped. Ben just listened, concentrating on the impo...

Sometimes I forget-that sometimes-people are used by a force greater than themselves to say hurtful things...And so I get my feelings hurt. I was talking about it with a wise woman today...wondering when I will ever learn-to let it roll off my psyche...and she replied, "Ephesians 6"...I said, "I should know better by now." "Ephesians 6," she replied again. "It shouldn't matter so much anymore," I continued. "Ephesians 6," she repeated firmly. Bible scholar that I am-not-I asked, "What is Ephesians 6?" "Put on your armour," she said, "And always stand ready." I know she's right and that's really the bottom line...because very few people deliberately try to hurt people-just because. Most of the time an ugly, unrelenting force-forces its way in between two people...preying on all the petty problems that put a wedge between them. That force seeks to stir up a messy mindset to keep the home fire...

I received an e mail this week from someone I used to be very close to...and it warmed my heart. We hadn't connected in years-divided by distance and time and tumultuous circumstances. But just that quickly, one heartfelt e mail and the great divide dissolves...into an extraordinary new beginning. Reaching out-and touching someone is the stuff of heaven. A warm embrace, a Loving touch, a gentle kiss-feelings in harmony...that fill us with eternal truth...the power and purpose of everlasting Love. There is no greater gift than the gift of Love...pure and simple, Love has the power to revive a slumbering soul and energize a hurting heart. Authentic Love gives the living the latitude to reach for the stars even when the twinkle is gone and the sky looks dark and stormy. Love is the one source of energy and light, that most closely resembles the only power from which all life is born and to which all life is headed...and it is the only four letter word that has found universal accep...

Like the Nike ad says-Just do it! If there's a Loved one you haven't spoken to in a while-do it. If there's someone you want to say you're sorry to-do it. If there are people you miss or family you've forgotten or friends you've forsaken...find a way, or the words or the willpower to get in touch-just do it! Don't let one more day pass you by before you get in touch with your feelings and reach out and touch someone important that you have somehow, for some reason-and probably-very unreasonably-let slip away into oblivion. Remember-the reasonable justifications are never more important than the person you are shelving. In fact, while you may be able to move through your days and nights with a reasonable sense of justification, in reality you are rarely right and definitely headed for a rude awakening. There will come a day-when it will be too late-in this lifetime...to say anything. Poof the person will be gone-forever...and you will be left with a painful...

I am grateful. I am grateful I have clarity of mind. I am grateful I live one day at a time. And mostly-I am grateful that I am listening to God. You know-it's so easy to get lost in this life...to get swallowed up by the rush of activity that roars all around us. It's so much harder to stay grounded in the calming embrace of the silence-that is God speaking to us. A man I know died today-suddenly. I was shocked...I gasped when I heard the news, even though he had been ill. Death is so permanent a destination from where I stand right now-that knowing someone who has crossed over-makes death feel so much more final. This gentleman and I had just begun talking again, a few weeks ago after I extended an olive branch...Something just inspired me to walk right up to him with a smile and begin talking. It made me feel good and I guess it left him wondering-about me. But deep within-I knew it was God guiding me and giving me the grace to go ahead and mend the broken fence. Because in ...

"Guess what gas costs at Walmart?" I quizzed Zachary. "How much? he replied. "Two thirty eight... isn't that great?" I exclaimed. "Save money, live better, Walmart," he answered without missing a beat. Someones ingenious marketing strategy is working-with my kids. It's amazing to listen to them..."Have it your way-at Burger King"..."I'm loving it McDonalds!" "Subway-eat fresh!"...or any number of ads that keep repeating themselves--while brainwashing all of us. "It's amazing!" (that's just me). These kids are like tape recorders and slick as the slogans that slide off their tongues...After dinner last night my two youngest sons pushed their plates toward me-saying "finished." "Good-now load them in the dish washer," I smiled. "OHHHHH-don't you want to do it, my lovely mom?" "Let me give you a smiley face or maybe a puppy dog look." Zachary ...

My middle child is very sick and it's a real heart breaker. There is nothing worse-than to watch a child you Love-suffer-often silently-and too often bravely. Illnesses sometimes creep up on us...slowly, silently-slipping in-then very quickly ravaging our defenses while nearly destroying our will to survive. Who could have guessed that soulful Ben would ever be fighting for his life? The model child...a steady, calming disposition and even handed attitude--the old soul-even as a young toddler. Like every middle child-Ben is the peacemaker...absorbing the blows of growing up surrounded by four brothers...but always seeming like the wisest one of all. Straight A's, athletic and popular...the picture of "perfection." But as we all know, even pictures have their imperfections. He poured out his heart to me one evening-moving through the emotions...anger and pain, fear and blame...He wonders how this happened to him...what he did to bring this on...how he will ever overcom...

The kids and I have snuggled up on the couch the last couple of of evenings...and watched two, thought provoking and soul inspiring movies. In "Knowing," the end of the world, predicted fifty years before...and preceded by catastrophic calamities, climaxes with the anointing of two children as the new Adam and Eve...The innocent, accepting quality of the children is juxtaposed against the backdrop of an intellectual, defense driven mentality. In one scene, the doubting Thomas, is reunited with his faith filled family, who accepts their fate of death, because of their belief in a better life, in another dimension. In "Seven Pounds," the tragic death of the Love of his life, shocks a guilt ridden man, into his senses-and he spends the rest of his days, preparing for his death. He makes amends, by searching for good, yet needy people-whom he can help-by giving them, literally, a piece of himself. In the end, he leaves a living legacy of unconditional Love. Isn't ...

There's something about Jacob. There always has been. Sweet and sensitive, soulful and spiritual...he came to us with a knowing...that has grown deeper with each passing year. Jacob is special...anointed with a keen, optimistic wisdom-that defies his age. It doesn't matter what we talk about, how hopeless the situation seems...or how challenging his life has been, Jake always sees through the dark, past the fog, into the light of heavenly wisdom that has been his gift...and our treasure. I can still see him at age four, showing off his red, high top sneakers...Without uttering a word he would march into a room of people...thrust his foot forward, swing out his hand...and point to his foot...until everyone noticed...Or the morning he ran downstairs, suddenly stopping and exclaiming, "I Love this rug-is it new?" Not your average four year old! But I am most enthralled by his carefully, cultivated inspiration...words of wonder about life and Love and God and the afterlif...

Day 5 and still praying. My kids and I just said our Novena to St. Joseph...that's right-we're calling on the most famous first father. We planted his statue, upside down, in our front yard last Friday...with expectant faith that a buyer will make us an offer we can't refuse. It's a Catholic thing...believing that 9 days of prayer to St. Joseph-whose statue is buried in the ground outside, will cinch the sale of your home. People swear by it...and-really what have we got to lose? When I told the kids my plan...Jake says, "It didn't work the last time." Zack chimes in, "Yes it did-mom bought the house from dad." "That's right," I said...I admit, I'd forgotten about that. I think half the battle is believing in the tradition...The other half, is believing that God is going to send someone-out of the multitudes-to move into our home. In this economy, that would be considered a minor miracle...and so it's going to take an act of...

Delusion tells the great lie. It is the fuel behind the force that drives us to self destruction. It is the primary reason so many of us keep making mistake after mistake...repeating the same old behavior, expecting different results. It is to blame for the series of setbacks that always leave us letdown and feeling low. Delusion. The almighty masterpiece of fiction that forever tells us the opposite of truth and keeps us squarely planted in denial. I heard someone today talk about breaking free from delusion. Breaking free from the chains of despair that kept them locked in their own private misery, while the rest of the world spun round and round-happy and sound and seeing the good among the bad-the luck amid the loss. This person got rid of delusion before delusion destroyed him. Ran from the self induced desire to make something work that had been broken all along. Got rid of the crazy excuses that kept him coming back for more. If you're lucky, something snaps, a light b...

When I was a child, we would pile in the car, in our p.j.'s, and drive down to the water and watch the fireworks light up the sky. Rows of cars would line up along Tampa Bay, for the wildly colorful light show that always brought family and friends together for some old fashioned, innocent fun. It is one of those traditions that stays locked in my memory, filed away for future reference...for nights like this one, when the sounds of firecrackers and the sight of multi-colored rockets erupt outside, jogging my memory and reminding me of a much simpler time. For me, Independence day is more than fireworks and barbecues and red, white and blue. It is the backbone of everything that makes our lives worth fighting for...As John Adams wrote..."It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God almighty." The Declaration of Independence...our independence as a nation-one nation under God...is about embracing the foundation of our freedom whi...

"A hearty laugh gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on." Bob Newhart Someone pointed out, quite pointedly today-that I am always laughing. I thought-not always-but a lot...and a lot more these days...and it sure feels good. There was a time when I didn't feel like laughing, or crying or even talking...I simply didn't feel much of anything...I felt numb and obviously depressed. I felt like the walking dead. It was a bad place to be and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness to overcome. My memory of that time is dim...faded by the feelings of peace and joy, Love and hope that carry me through my days and deep into the night...Knowing that life is offering beautiful possibilities and plenty of amazing opportunities. It took a lot of soul searching honesty for me to arrive at this place of freedom...the destination most people crave but often spend a lifetime chasing after. I tripped and fell more times than I can r...

Heaven is rumbling, the sky is dark and we are all tucked away inside enjoying the ominous feeling that always comes when a storm is brewing. I Love a good thunderstorm...and a great movie...and my kids piled around me. There is something cozy and warm and secure, amid the light show outdoors. I remember one summer when a hurricane threatened our Florida beach vacation...pushing heavy rains, howling winds and huge waves ashore...We were wondering what to do...to flee to higher ground or ride out mother nature in hopes that she might calm down long enough to let us enjoy a few more days of relaxation. We stayed and she did and I will never forget how vulnerable we felt, but yet how strong our bond became because our little family had made it through the storm. Surviving the storm is as much about willpower and the willingness to want to do whatever it takes to stay the course-and make it through the scariest experiences...because that's what strong, committed people do. Nothing abou...

"The trouble with parents is, that by the time they are experienced, they are unemployed." Dr. Gordon Livingston Isn't that the truth?! How would we have known that being a parent is like walking through a maze? A winding world where right means left and left is often downright wrong. There are no perfect paths...or clearly defined road maps...no rules set in stone or guidelines to make you giggle with pleasure 24/7. All too often we feel as though the journey is paved with unintentional pitfalls that are painfully-well-painful. But-I for one-Love being a parent. And being a single parent has been an unexpected, eye opening experience...Giving me a new appreciation for the DNA that I unleashed into the world...and for my own untapped reservoir of resiliency and old fashioned character. My kids are teaching me about the fragility of life and the awesome autonomy of the living, breathing, spirit within each one of them. Uniquely created and heavenly inspired-their live...