From the Author

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Taking Foot out of mouth syndrome

I often find I open my mouth before I think about what is coming out.  I know some children who have hand, foot and mouth disease.  I suffer from foot-in-mouth disease.  Active listening is a very special gift to give to others that does not cost anything but time and attention.  There is so much wisdom in truly listening to others who have such wonderful knowledge and experience.  Life is about what God is sharing with us and his messages come from many incredible places.  If we are talking, we are not listening.  I find that if there is a way to do something the less travelled way, I jump right in.  I spend an inordinate amount of time taking my foot out of my mouth.  When I remember to listen, it is amazing how much smarter I become.  I hope God has a sense of humor and will laugh at my ignorance.  I am very grateful to everyone who has patience, forgiveness and acceptance for those of us who are actively working on listening and caring skills.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Good People

Sometimes when people pray for help, the prayer is answered by one of us.  There are very difficult times that happen to everyone.  There are just as many kind and loving individuals who are there to provide help.  It is often hard to ask when times are tough but many times we don't even have to ask. God knows what we need and sends it to us. I am always blown away by God's mercy and love for us.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Hi everyone.  Just want to tell you about my recent book interview with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  It is exciting to have it placed on a national website.  If you have time, please check it out!

 http://www.socialworkersspeak.org/hollywood-connection/meet-the-author-patricia-acker.html

It makes me happy to know that my book is being read and is hopefully helping others.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Is our glass half empty or half full?

It is amazing when we can take the time to count our blessings.  Often we become obsessed with what is missing in our lives.  If we look hard enough we can see the silver lining in the clouds of our lives. The times when life becomes so overwhelming that we can only see the next minute is dark and scary.  When we make it through the tough times, we can look back and see God's hand as He sends us lifelines of hope. The dark trials make our spiritual life stronger and more solid.  It is the difficulties of life that challenge our faith.  Faith is the half full part of our life.  With faith life is always half full.

Friends and Family

Sometimes the lines between friends and family blur when we live far away from traditional family members or we are estranged from them.  There was a story in reader's digest about a young man who had been shuffled from country to country after becoming separated from his family during an ongoing war.  He was in refugee camps, suffered illness, starvation and hopelessness.  He finally found a home in the US and was helped by many caring individuals along the way who became his "family".  He decided to become a member of the peace corps to be able to pay back his American country.  He always had a positive attitude. He was able to forgive others and maintain compassion in spite of all of the trauma he experienced.  He is grateful for what has been given to him in his life. There are many non-traditional families that experience and share love, hope, resources, encouragement and companionship.  Love has no boundaries and is inclusive.  Don't be afraid to share love because it will come back to you.  God is our ultimate father and is always present.

Monday, April 14, 2014

mistakes/forgiveness

As I get older and reflect on my life, I remember the times that I did or said things that were unkind or thoughtless.  I wish I could contact each person and tell them how sorry I am.  It was not my direct intention at the time to hurt someone but I am seeing things from my viewpoint instead of exploring theirs.  I did not "walk in their shoes".  When I am emotional I think primarily about my own feelings and say or do things that I know hurts someone else.  Being sorry does not negate what I did.  I do have to find a way to forgive myself so that I can go on and try harder to be a better person.  Easter is a time to think about what happened to Jesus as people in a crowd mentality became emotional, angry and took their frustrations out on Jesus.  He was tortured and condemned. It is easy to judge others but I wonder if I could have been a part of that crowd because I was afraid to stand up to fear, because I was afraid for my own life. What if I told the crowd that I didn't know Jesus because I didn't have the courage to stand up for what is right?  We have many of these moments in our lives and we have to judge ourselves as Christ would.  We must have the moral strength of faith to become the person God wants us to be.  It is never easy.  We may be called to stand up to the bullies in our own world.  I hope that I can rise to the occasion.  If I ask God's help I know it will be there.  I pray that God will help me become the person He wants me to be.