I asked a friend of mine to read my book to see if it was worth publishing. As she read it, she was inspired to make amends with her father. They had been estranged for many years. After re-establishing her relationship with him, her father became very ill and died. My friend was so grateful that she had been able to have final, conciliatory and meaningful conversations with her father before he died.
Many people when facing death, illness or adversity, will realize suddenly that life is very precious, short-termed and fragile. Often people who have been angry with family, friends or co-workers find that they can't remember specifically what they were initially mad about but continue to remain distant and upset. We have choices in our lives. None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes. If we want others to forgive our mistakes, we must also forgive others. If our loved ones are dying and we don't have a chance to make amends, the chance might not be available again. It takes a tremendous toll on us to maintain the state of anger. Anger is the absence of love. It is not possible to love and hate at the same moment. I hope that we choose love because our friends, family and co-workers are having their own troubles and issues. We need each other, especially our family. if it is at all possible to make amends and forgive each other. Life is precious and fragile and it will be a shame to waste our available time being angry and vindictive. Choose love and remember with God all things are possible!
From the Author
Saturday, June 24, 2017
God's Timing
I was recently with my grandchildren at the beach. The waves were higher than normal and we were body-surfing. When body-surfing, it is important to catch the wave at just the right time. It has to be a large wave, starting to crest and moving quickly toward shore. Smaller waves won't work as they dissipate too quickly and won't carry the surfer. If the surfer waits too long, the wave comes over them, pushes them to the bottom and it is difficult to be able to get up to a standing position.
The main focus is timing. It has to be right, the wave has to be high, strong and powerful. The surfer has to wait for the best wave, be ready when it crests and be strong enough to ride the wave until it gets to the beach.
Many times in our lives, we want things to happen our way with our own timing. The problem is, we are not aware of the issues we will encounter when the timing is not optimal. We are not waiting for the highest wave, we choose the short ride over the long ride and we are buffeted to the bottom of the ocean. When we are able to let God be in control of the timing, we will be able to grab the highest wave, travel the entire distance to shore on the top of a cresting, powerful wave. When we use God's timing, everything comes together and falls into place.
Have you ever found yourself hitting obstacle after obstacle attempting to reach a goal and never making it happen? For example, trying to purchase a house and having problems with the financing, with demands from the seller, issues with the house and subsequent loan, and difficulty with scheduling final paperwork. God is letting us know that the timing of this purchase is not right. The house may not be the house we will be happy in. Instead of being disappointed, we can choose to thank God for keeping us from making a bad decision that we will have to live with for a long time. Trust your gut and realize that if the decision becomes so difficult, it isn't the right time. Working hard for a goal is wonderful and God helps us along our way. Many small miracles can occur to take obstacles out of our path even though the path is difficult. If the timing is right with God, all things are possible!
The main focus is timing. It has to be right, the wave has to be high, strong and powerful. The surfer has to wait for the best wave, be ready when it crests and be strong enough to ride the wave until it gets to the beach.
Many times in our lives, we want things to happen our way with our own timing. The problem is, we are not aware of the issues we will encounter when the timing is not optimal. We are not waiting for the highest wave, we choose the short ride over the long ride and we are buffeted to the bottom of the ocean. When we are able to let God be in control of the timing, we will be able to grab the highest wave, travel the entire distance to shore on the top of a cresting, powerful wave. When we use God's timing, everything comes together and falls into place.
Have you ever found yourself hitting obstacle after obstacle attempting to reach a goal and never making it happen? For example, trying to purchase a house and having problems with the financing, with demands from the seller, issues with the house and subsequent loan, and difficulty with scheduling final paperwork. God is letting us know that the timing of this purchase is not right. The house may not be the house we will be happy in. Instead of being disappointed, we can choose to thank God for keeping us from making a bad decision that we will have to live with for a long time. Trust your gut and realize that if the decision becomes so difficult, it isn't the right time. Working hard for a goal is wonderful and God helps us along our way. Many small miracles can occur to take obstacles out of our path even though the path is difficult. If the timing is right with God, all things are possible!
Friday, June 23, 2017
Legacy
Poem by Mother Teresa:
Between You and God
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway!
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway!
If you are successful you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway!
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway!
What you spend years building, someone may destroy it overnight.
Build anyway!
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.
Be happy anyway!
If what you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway!
Give the world the best you have even though it may not be enough.
Give the world the best you can anyway!
Why?
Because in the final analysis, this is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway!
Remember we only have one life to live and in every moment we have an opportunity to become the best person we can be. We can make a positive difference in our lives and those around us beginning today. We are only responsible for our own decisions, actions and reactions!
Friday, June 16, 2017
Fathers and Faith
Tomorrow is Father's Day! We are encouraged to love God, the father of all of us. Children often base their conception of God on the father in their lives. Many fathers are the "behind the scenes" supporter of their wives, children, parents and all kids they come in contact with. A mother is a better mother when she has the support and love of her husband. Male and female children need a male role model. Boys need to have an example of how a husband/father functions to provide for the family physical, psychological, spiritual and emotional needs. Girls need to have a male who values and appreciates her, One day she will know how to recognize her future husband as one who will love her in the best possible way.
Fathers are often physically stronger than other family members and have to be careful to use that strength wisely and with compassion. Good fathers can do no wrong in a child's eyes because this child literally and figuratively, looks up to the loving face of a person they trust.
Happy Father's day to all fathers including mothers who are also serving as a fathers; to adoptive, foster, step-fathers, father figures, and anyone who takes the time to mentor a child. You have a very powerful role in the lives of all children. You are an integral asset to any child who needs guidance and unconditional love. Thank you for all that you do! You are awesome! You are making a difference!
Fathers are often physically stronger than other family members and have to be careful to use that strength wisely and with compassion. Good fathers can do no wrong in a child's eyes because this child literally and figuratively, looks up to the loving face of a person they trust.
Happy Father's day to all fathers including mothers who are also serving as a fathers; to adoptive, foster, step-fathers, father figures, and anyone who takes the time to mentor a child. You have a very powerful role in the lives of all children. You are an integral asset to any child who needs guidance and unconditional love. Thank you for all that you do! You are awesome! You are making a difference!
Monday, June 12, 2017
Living with Dying, a Terminal Prognosis
"Do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self, letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
Saint Julie Billiart
At some point in our lives, we may be informed that we have a limited time to live. This is all relative, as we can die at any time, at any moment and without warning. This is very significant and also a source of fear. We may be facing the loss of our own life, or that of someone we love. The fact that life is fragile and unpredictable makes it more precious than all of the money, power, and possessions of this world.
We have choices everyday to make a difference in this world no matter how much time we have been given. This quote sums it up--"do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self." That is much more difficult than it appears. We are directed to "letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
I have found in my life that every time I try to control my life, everything spins out of control until I realize I have no control, especially about life and death. When I let go of the anxiety and worry about trying to control my life and the lives of others, I find that peace is possible and I am content to let God take "take the wheel."
It is important to make the most of each moment. People who have a terminal diagnosis will confirm that every moment is priceless and a reason for celebration. Without death, we would not appreciate life. Let the spirit of God enter your life and take away your worries!
Saint Julie Billiart
At some point in our lives, we may be informed that we have a limited time to live. This is all relative, as we can die at any time, at any moment and without warning. This is very significant and also a source of fear. We may be facing the loss of our own life, or that of someone we love. The fact that life is fragile and unpredictable makes it more precious than all of the money, power, and possessions of this world.
We have choices everyday to make a difference in this world no matter how much time we have been given. This quote sums it up--"do not be anxious: go straight on, forgetful of self." That is much more difficult than it appears. We are directed to "letting the spirit of God act instead of your own."
I have found in my life that every time I try to control my life, everything spins out of control until I realize I have no control, especially about life and death. When I let go of the anxiety and worry about trying to control my life and the lives of others, I find that peace is possible and I am content to let God take "take the wheel."
It is important to make the most of each moment. People who have a terminal diagnosis will confirm that every moment is priceless and a reason for celebration. Without death, we would not appreciate life. Let the spirit of God enter your life and take away your worries!
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