Christmas Present...

Although Christmas is over for the rest of the world, in Russia it is celebrated on January 7th. This tree sits in the center of Moscow and softly glows over the city.

Many years ago I was blessed as a child to have two very special Christmas days. So I leave my tree up in honor of that day. December 25th seemed to be about presents and Santa, while January 7th was a day of church, loving God, worshipping, prayer and thankfulness. If I got a present from my Baba or Dido (grandmother and grandfather), it was a homemade gift I enjoyed as much or more than the traditional presents. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were days of quiet reflection and worship.

Presents come in all forms. Some of my favorite things: A phone call from a loved one, a phone call from someone you touched and they touched you. Returning from a trip to California I was surprised and was reminded we each impact each other with a kind word or a touch. Noah from North Carolina had called to just wish me a Happy New Year. We became acquainted at the University of North Carolina each visiting a family member that was quite ill. I was reminded as was he that special connections never go away. It started my New Year out with a reminder that we all have difficult times in our lives, and that being there for one another is the best gift of all. A long hug from someone you love and you can love back, a renewing of friendships and a beginning of a new one all welcomed in the year.

The physical gifts are just that, they are physical things we can hold, touch, or see, but the ones from the heart are the ones that stay with you and will wrap around you like a warm blanket on a cold night. The memory of someone loving you is one of my favorite treasures. To bring joy to those who are sad, comfort to those who are hurting and a shoulder for one to rest their head are presents that go beyond words.

So I will celebrate both Christmas days in honor of both of my parents. They each taught me something different. I thank them both for their love, the courage I now recognize and try to share with my family and a very special thank you to my Baba for introducing me to God.

Merry Christams to all who celebrate January 7th. And if you don't celebrate it pray and worship anyway. Another day of prayer will only bring another blessing.

Celebration...

Today I celebrated my 64th birthday. Truly a birthday I didn't think I would see. So my thankfulness on this day and on Thanksgiving is just gratitude to
God for allowing me the priviledge of beginning a new day.

Each day as you arise, you get to choose as to how you want to use your day.
Are we not blessed to be able to do that? We can be or do anything we want to do. Such a gift should never be overlooked and taken advantage of. Because you don't know what that day will bring, so try and make it your best.

As a very dear friend of mine always says "God loves you and so do I", so go have the best day and continue to walk in love.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe...Hebrews 12:28 NASB

Trusting...

Remember when you were about 5 or 6 years old? If you were fortunate enough to have a family that believed in God and went to church as mine did, you knew who God was. You could feel Him. Your head was not full of religious ideas or rules that needed to be obeyed before you thought God would hear you. My grandmother was a beautiful woman of God. She prayed without seizing and if there was ever any doubt, she never allowed me to see that. She just prayed and expected, and her prayers I think were always answered.

I can remember saying my prayers, asking God for what I wanted and trusting that it would be done. It was so simple. We make it so hard to hear from God.

I am blessed in my life to have returned to the trusting of a child and allow God to work in my life. I visited three different churches this week all with different ideologies and views. They were all interesting and filled with information. But guess what? I found God there in every church I entered, for God is not a God looking for a church, he is looking for the one trusting and believing. He will find you, no matter where you are praying or asking for his guidance.

So today I am thankful as Thanksgiving day approaches that I have God in my life. I thank him for my health, family, grandchildren and my friends. I am thankful that God gave me a second chance at life. I remain thankful everyday. I am thankful for a bed to sleep in and to have food on my table. And I will continue to pray for those less fortunate and reach out and extend a hand. Whether you give of your time or help someone financially...Be a blessing and God will bless you.

I am a recreated being. Old things have passed away, and all things have become new. (2 Cor. 5:17 NKJV)

"Fall in Love With Your Life"...

A wonderful uplifting book written by Maria Carter. This was not only enlightening but thoughtful, spiritual and gives you a hint of what you can become.

By studying and answering thought provoking questions and the 365 love notes to romance the self critic...She guides you ever so gently to entertain how to attain a more fulfilling and purposeful life and really how to learn to love yourself.

I was fortunate to meet Maria at Author 101 University held in Las Vegas a few weeks ago. She is as warm and caring as is the message in her book. Her passion for life and for others shines through.

Debuting early next year is her magazine titled LOVING...Balance...Vibrance...Bliss. A positive reflection of how to become the best at being the woman you are...

Her book "Fall in Love WIth Your Life"...debuted in October of this year. You can find it in bookstores and on Amazon.com

A warm and touching book. A new way to look at your life and how to fall in love with it...Pick it up and enjoy the wonderful journey.

Dark versus Light...

Photo by: Hollye Schumacher

I love this picture of the dark door verses the slightly ajar door with the light shining through. The image itself alludes to the idea of the unknown. Bought at a Donor Life Exhibit about 2 years ago the photo hangs in my bedroom.

"The meaning behind the doorway are many. For one, it is a optimistic symbol for the life benefiting opportunities that organ and tissue donation can afford. The ray of light ready to take over the dark corners of the room implies an abundant amount of hope and altruistic goodness that pours through the hearts of organ recipients and donors."

The long waiting lists and unknown outcomes of surgery often leave organ recipients in a fragile balance between untimely death and a healthier prolonged life. This precious balance between light and dark is so intensly related to the emotional life or death experience that organ donors and recipients face. I believe it was the artists goal to share the hope of the opening door into the light that so symbolically represents hope and love on the other side. That is what stirred my emotion when I bought it.

"Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" is a story of the contrasted struggle between good and bad and gives one a sense of renewed hope that reflects the journey that recipients and donors face. It shared the image of hope for the outcomes of that uncertainty.

For the vision is yet for an apppointed time and it hastens to the end: it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. Hab 2:3

Whispers of God...

We all have moments that touch or transform us. I had one of those moments this past weekend.

Returning from Author 101 University in Las Vegas I sat next to a young man on my flight home.The event had been so positive and uplifting that my energy continued on the rest of the weekend.

We got to talking like people do, but I found him to be particularly bright and inquisitive. He was talking about health insurance, work, and his relationship with his girlfriend. He said "I don't know if this is a commitment or a submission". I was taken aback by his words and asked what he meant by that. He explained some and then asked this very seasoned lady (that would be me)..."What is the secret of a good marriage or a relationship?". I paused to reflect and answered as best I could.
But I found the word submission very intriguing. I don't know if my advice was understood, but I was touched that such a young man would welcome the advice of an older woman.

Suddenly like God whispering in my ear...I was asking about his personal family life. He said his father had died several years ago and he had to be the man of the house. I asked how his father died, and he got very quiet, looked down and said "He killed himself, he was only 50". He was of Asian culture and I know they are by nature a very stoic group of people. Hold yourself together, no tears, just get busy with life, etc. Suddenly I asked him if he knew why his father killed himself? He looked away and down and replied no. I asked him if he had grieved the death of his father?

Unable to make eye contact with me he suddenly began to silently weep. I touched his shoulder as he wept like a child that was so injured the tears wouldn't stop. I asked if he needed a hug? He replied "Yes". He lay ed his head on my shoulder and wiped away the tears of many years. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Thank you, I can't believe how much better I feel."

The whispers of God come at the strangest of times. We must always be ready for them. So keep your heart and ears open to the whispers of God. And just follow His lead...Let God help you to help others...And you will forever be touched...as will be the person you touch. Grieving,a very important process...hard to move forward withoug walking through it. To Paul I say thank you for sharing your heart and for allowing me to be a part of your life if only for 15 mintues...

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Gal.5:6)

Gifts...

Today we see the positive effects of organ donation. We see how lives are changed through a story about 18 people paired up to give kidneys to those who needed one. Family giving to family, friends to friends, and the most touching giving a kidney to a stranger. What an unselfish act if love. A renewed life has been granted.

At the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California it was a day remembered. All surgeries went smoothly with good results. Even with some of the negative energy and misguided information...the miracles of life still occur.

November 13-15th is National Donor Sabbath...Churches, temples, mosques and other religious organizations will be spreading the word. Be a blessing and sign up to be a donor. As a kidney recipient I say thank you in advance.

If you are interested in becoming a donor you can go to www.DonateLifeAz.org or call 1 800 94-donor.

I am blessed.(Cor. 1:20)

The Wait...

Sad news today that yet another young boy, Connor Tucker of St Paul Minnesota...a 3 year old little boy died while waiting for a heart transplant.

For those waiting for a life-changing transplant the wait can be unbearable and very long. "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" my first story about the wait and what comes to mind while waiting to die is both gut wrenching and uplifting.

Connor's story is one of many that go unnoticed to the outside world, just as most of us don't look at illnesses everyday, but behind those illnesses are people just like you and I who want a little longer here on earth.

So if you or your family have never considered donation...think about it and talk to a recipient or a live donor and see what this amazing gift can bring.

What it brings is a life changed forever...

Listen...

Photo By Sherri Webb...

Listen to the whispers of God, He gently guides you and directs your path every day.

Our life if we live it right is a redo every day. That is the exciting part about facing a new day. It can be whatever you want it to be.

Listen to not only God, but the still soft voice inside of you giving you the direction you have asked for. The secret is you must listen...Sometimes when you are in the will of God, you are out of the grace of people. And that is for a reason. Too much noise, discord or distraction takes us away from what it is we need to hear. When trouble comes others may disappear...and you can only see the goodness of God through the frailty of men. Sometimes we are alone...except for God who is up all night while you are dreaming your dreams, asking for guidance, instruction, and His will.

I leave you softly this week with the prayer that whatever it is you seek, shall be found...


"Be still, and know that I am God..."Psalm 46:10

The Hands of Grace...

Fall has arrived and the hands of selfless grace have brought in the harvest.

The above hands are of five generations of women. Five generations of life has passed through them.

What have you harvested for yourself this year? The fall is a time to look back over your year and see what you have accomplished or left undone?

In years past children were let out of school to bring in the harvest to prepare for the winter. Have you prepared for your winter?

Fall is my favorite season of the year. I love the colors, the cool chill in the air, a hot cup of tea or cocoa with marsh mellows...A warm fire. I call it my cozy time of the year. I am definitely a fall child.

I love the renewed life that seems to return in the fall, like some unseen energy field that allows people to strive to be their best. The final quarter of the year to attain some new and old challenges...To finish up the business of the past year. A renewal of sorts.

If there is something left undone, finish it, if there is something left unsaid say it, if there is time to be given, give it. Bring in your own harvest of love and give to others the best gift of all...Give them you.

Time goes so quickly, your grandchild who once would cling to your leg are off running now with their friends and learning about their new world. They will come back and embrace once again, but meanwhile, you have to live with the memory of them...

So we just sit and smile and watch them begin his or her own journey in life. So savor those fleeting moments and use your hands wisely and with love. Hands give and receive...Reach out with those hands, no matter what season you are in and touch someone...Create a memory of your own or add one to someone you love.

From the fullness of His grace I have received one blessing after another. (John 1:16)

Pay It forward...

I had forgotten how good this movie was until I watched it over the weekend.

I have replayed a segment of the movie as I found the words both thoughtful and provoking. At the end of the movie the young boy is telling the reporter about his "Pay It Forward" idea and how it worked.

His words so innocent yet powerful. He says even though things are bad people hesitate to change...It's hard to change...They just get used to life the way it is. They give up, and when they do everybody looses.

It's hard to help others , it's something you can't plan. We have to watch people, sort of keep an eye on them...To protect them. They can't always see what they need...We need to be mindful of those around us and pay attention and fill a need if such an occasion occurs.

So my thought for this week is to pay attention and "Pay it Forward." No matter what the need make a difference. If you have never been filled up with the joy of service and helping another, now is the time. So see if you can find someone this week who can't always see what they need...You be the eye that sees.

My tongue is a pen of a skillful writer. (Ps. 45:1b)

Have a little faith...

First book I have sat down and read in recent months. I picked a good one, finished in one day.

I am a Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie)fan and have read everything he has written. His story telling is so believeable and simple. Like you are sitting having a conversation with him. I like that kind of writing, it draws me in.

His writing is always honest and he speaks of his own weaknessess and his own struggles with faith, the unknown and his life experiences. What more can you want from a writer. Although I love a good fiction book, I am always drawn to real life stories.

Thank you for sharing yourself with the world. If you haven't read his new one, pick it up and enjoy his wonderful storytelling.


So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Cor. 4:18)

You Can't Take It Back...

Words that is...we say things to our parents, children, spouses and friends that once the words leave your lips you have no idea what kind of mark you may leave. Let me share a few words with you written by my 29 year old son Eric. My kidney donor...

"After my moms heart attack I would hear them say...stress caused this to happen, and we need no stress in the house, we don't want this to happen again.I started kicking this around in my head over and over. OK, stress equals heart attack, I know the last few years I was doing drugs and alcohol and robbing and stealing and running the street, in and outta juvenile hall that might induce a little stress to a parent? The light bulb goes off its all my fault. It was my fault my mother had a heart attack. It's my fault she lost her career and can't make the mortgage payment. It's my fault she can barely walk down the street without taking a nitro.
At this time in my life I felt so much pain and grief. I caused my mother to get so sick."

I was not expecting all that came forth. I never realized that my son was filled with so much guilt and self hate. He somehow heard words that we said and put the two together and decided to carry that burden with him. He came home drug free in February 1997, I had my first heart attack and by-pass surgery in March 1997. By the end of the year he was drinking, using and carrying with him the self inducded guilt that he had caused his mother to become ill. You don't think that was a hard one to read...I could hardly breathe...

So mind your words...think about the possible damage it can do. This was hard for me (his mother) to read and comprehend. His writing and sharing gave me a very different view as to why he started using and how his own self hatred kept him away from his family, friends,and grandparents...His own shame and guilt consumed him.

We have talked and I have tried my best to help him unload this burden. We have a very special relationship. I carry him inside (literally) everyday with the gift of his kidney and now his heart. I am so very proud of you for writing and sharing with me what life was like for you. I am so sorry the burden was so heavy...Keep writing and give that burden to God...Let God help you heal.

And for all of us, mind your words...Like an arrow let loose...you can't take those words back. Listen to what your children have to say...and always be ready to accept responsibility for your words and actions...A heartfelt I am so sorry can help to heal and repair that damage we unintentionally may do.

I always let my conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that I may know how to answer everyone. (Col.4:6)

Unselfish love...

Everytime I participate in a Donate Life event I am always reminded of the true essence of why I am still here. People are not comfortable talking about donating their organs when they are alive, let alone when they have died. No one wants to talk about death, and yet it must be addressed if I am to share a story.

St.Joseph's Resource Center had their annual health event. Donate Life was invited. I was to meet a new volunteer today. He is what you want every volunteer to be. Here was a man that had lost his wife only a few months ago...and here he was today sitting and sharing his story to those who would listen. A husband and a family that understood the true meaning of giving another life.

Anyone listening to the story was moved, as was I. His story told from a donor family member, mine told from the living donor side...His wife donating her kidney to a man that is alive and well. My son gave me one of his kidneys 7 years ago...my living donor. It matters not about how we get the gift of life...it is what we do with the time we are given that matters..Make a difference...organ donation...an unselfish act of love. The best part of the day was making a new friend. Thank you for sharing your story, your time and your heart.

As shared by Dr. Vail in The Connection magazine. "I am obligated to be a donor," says Vail. "It is an obligation in my religion, Judaism." For Vail, donation is "the untimate mitzvah"-or act of human kindness. Thank you Dr. Vail for making a difference and knowing that sometimes out of death comes life.

National Donor Sabbath is coming November 13-15th. Ask your temples, churches, mosques and other religious centers to participate. Be a blessing and spread the word.

The first successful kidney transplant took place in 1954 when Ronald Herrick gave one of his kidneys to his twin brother. 55 years later we still have people waiting for the gift of life to come. Refer to article on blog Health News. A lasting success story.

For information about becoming a donor you can go to www.DonateLifeAZ.org or call 1-800-94-donor.

I am devoted to others in brotherly love. (Romans 12:10)

Soul Writers...

Ernest Hemingway had his own inspiration...Tonight I reconnected with mine. The new name of the group the Soul Writers.

I was so inspired by this small but powerful group of writers that I just wanted to share how and why we need to be open and willing to embrace all the positive energy that is afforded us.

These are the people I can count on to extend a hand if I fall down, an ear to listen, and an embrace to comfort. We all need that kind of support and love for one another. It is out there, but you must become free and empty ourselves of all the junk that we so dutifully carry around. You can't receive all that God has for you if you entertain negative thoughts or hold onto negative energy.

I have learned to unclutter my mind, heart, soul and spirit. It is an on going journey. We are never done with ourselves. I continue to want to grow in wisdom, love and hold onto the peace that I found.

In our trying to fix everyone and everything. we must leave some of the work and fixing to God...We are the vessels and we can deliver, but occasionally the vessel needs to dock in port and refuel.

Let your heart reach out and embraces all that God has for you. I promise you the journey and peace that awaits you is only a touch away. Reach out and touch someone this week, whether that is a physical touch, a phone call, a kind word. Remember to be gentle in your ways and loves those who give to us so richly and unselfishly. Being surrounded by God's energy with people in that same energy is an experience everyone needs to feel. Thank you to those in tonight's group that touched me. I am honored to be called your friends and be a soul writer with you. Keep writing...I am so very proud of all of you. Writing...what an adverture.

Nothing will work unless you do...Maya Angelou


That best portion of a man's life, his little, nameless, unremembered act of kindness and love...William Wordsworth

Courage...

Uncle Bob was 78 years old when he went in for a routine operation to fix a heart problem. Four days after his surgery August 4th, 2007 he had a massive stroke that has left him paralyzed on the left side. He was never able to return home...He is still in a nursing home...And today I want to share my idea of true courage...His courage and the steadfastness and courage of his wife JoAnne and immediate family.

They are a special family in today's world. They have seen their mother and father through a very difficult bump in the road. They have loved them through it all. Their continued support and love has given my Uncle and Aunt a very special gift...the gift of family and unconditional love. In today's world that is a rare commodity. The elderly are often overlooked and misunderstood. We would all do well to pay attention to those over 70, they have much to teach...We have much to learn.

Uncle Bob just turned 80 in June. Prior to his illness he played tennis (his passion) taught classes, belonged to many organizations and gave his time to others...Through his generous spirit of love...He helped many and shared his sense of humor and wisdom and wittiness with anyone that would listen. He has lost the use of the left side of his body and has difficulty eating, but he remains courageous and has a willing spirit to stay a little longer. He can still tell a joke, has a memory of the past that is better than mine, and a spirit of courage we could all use when we think things are hard. To Aunt JoAnne, what courage you have had to leave all you know, move to a new place and be gracious through it all. We can all learn from you. You remind me of the Mighty Oak...standing tall and strong... To Uncle Bob and family, thank you for your courage and love, it comes shining through. You do our family proud.

Take courage, and turn your troubles into material for spiritual progress.
St. Francis de Sales

Love...

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did. but people will never forget how you made them feel... Maya Angelou

How many times this week did you embrace the love before you? How did someone make you feel, or the deeper question...how did you make someone feel?

It doesn't take much to feel the love from others. You only need to reach out...
This week I received love from a child, you know one of those hugs that is given without a prompt. A genuine glad to see you, wrap their arms around your neck and feel like they will never let go kind of hug.

It was a sigh hug...You know when you feel the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of God telling you to breathe and embrace what is. It could be a hug from a friend or someone you just met. A hug given from your heart will always be felt by others. Go hug someone this week and give a big sigh.
And never let them forget how you made them feel...

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Gal. 5:6

Inspiration...

Via Dolorosa

I always thought I lived in the light,
My parents made sure that my faith stayed bright.
To love each other is easy for me, It makes me happy
when friends I see.
I feel so lucky fo feel God's love, He gave us His
Son and His loving Dove.
To love God is to love your neighbor, When we do this,
it pleases our Savior.
I always smile and feel good inside whenever I think of
Pentecost, The Holy Spirit is always with me whenever I
get lost.
Now that I enter my winter years, The Passion of Christ
brings me to tears.
You suffered so much for my sins-it makes me feel shame.
I ask for your mercy, for I share the blame.
God will measure your love for Him when you can put on
your neighbor's shoes and walk in the way of sorrow.
Everything we do should lead us to the path He shows us,
we are all responsible for each other and His cross we
will borrow. I know just what to do to lighten Your
burden and make You smile, I'll walk in Your footprints
for a hundred miles.
Your cross You embraced will be my plan,
The Via Dolorosa was for every man.

Via Dolorosa
"Way of Sorrows"
Jesus' path of Calvary
By Angelina

I wanted to share this beautiful poem written by the patient I paid a visit to last week. I asked her if she ever wrote anything, she said yes...And to my surprise and delight she shared this with me. She has also written about her grief and other poems that would touch your heart. So much talent out there, we need only ask...

Thank you Angie for sharing your heart...

Having a voice...

Not long ago I wrote about the importance of time. The thought I want to share today is about being heard. It's about having a voice.

We all want to be heard and understood. Most of us don't take the time to listen and really hear what one is trying to say.

My Hospice visit today was not for one that was dying, but for that special someone that was grieving. The one left behind. My patient today was an elderly woman who lost a husband...they had been married for 52 years. A bereavement visit that touched me.

As I approached the front door and was welcomed I was stuck with the stillness and emptiness of this beautiful spacious home. It was the emptiness that I felt the most. As we sat and started to talk and I started to listen...I found a woman that hadn't even had a chance to grieve yet as everything and everybody was surely taking care of everything except her. The funeral went well, all the family was there. She was comforted and told the sometime empty words...This will pass, he went peacefully, you will need to make new friends, etc. Like I said empty words.

What I wanted for her today was to have a voice, so I just sat and listened, by the end of the visit she was in tears, she said, for the first time since her family left. She was now truly alone. But today she had a voice because she had someone that gave her the time and an ear to listen.

I made no empty promises that the grieving would be easy and she would soon feel better. Instead I told her to grieve however she needed to and there is no time limit on grief. That you should never forget that loved one because the truth is...we don't. Sometimes well meaning people are not comfortable with talking about death, but the truth is you don't have to talk about it,you just need to listen. Consider it won't you?

So sometime in the future if you need to be someone's comforter, be just that. Lend an ear, give a hug, and let that someone have a voice. You will one day want to be heard...It is wise if we start listening.

I do not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

A Rose for the caregiver...

Caregiver...according to the Webster Dictionary...a person who provides direct care.

What does that mean? Caregivers are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, nurses, doctors, the list goes on. Caregivers are at the heart of every relationship. A mother takes care of her child, women take care of their husbands, husbands take care of their wives. Caregiving is a very special kind of caring...

Caring for someone is an unselfish act of love and kindness that necessitates a certain type of personality. Always putting others first before themselves. It is
both rewarding...but ultimately exhausting.

In the world of transplant, those waiting for a life changing organ or tissue to enhance or give life are dependent upon others to be their caregivers, to protect and provide care. We must realize that caregivers do become tired and weary and need their own outlets away from our illnesses. Caregivers take care of every physical and emotional illness that abounds in our everyday lives.

We do somehow become defined by our illnesses rather than our own person. It is a struggle within ourselves to come to terms with that and realize that becoming our own caregiver is sometimes a necessity. It is always hard to deal with one's own mortaility or illness. Our own personal strength and growth must come from deep inside ourselves. We must learn to be our own caregiver. And give the caregiver a rest.

How do we become our own caregiver? Not an easy thing to learn or become. We must learn to look inside ourselves and to God for our own blanket of comfort.

One way is to learn to live gently with ourselves and others. Gentle means being kind, considerate, patient and tender. Living gently will create an aura of peace in our lives...a down comforter if you will of support for ourselves and those with whom we are in relationships.

Another way is to face our own imperfections and learn to love ourselves. A difficult task if we have been dedicated to being a perfectionist. But like anything else it takes practice...and learning to be gentle to ourselves is a good start.

So today if you have a caregiver in your life, be sure to thank them for all they do. And if you love them, make sure they have time to nurture themselves so they can continue on with being the gift that they are. A caregiver...

I find that it is not the circumstances in which we are placed, but the spirit in which we meet them that constitutes our comfort...Elizabeth King

Answered Prayers

In Joyce Meyer's new book "Never Give Up!" the compiled stories of answered prayers is both inspirational and confirming...

The last serious day I had in court with my son was seeing him in a bright orange jumpsuit, shackled and handcuffed and being sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Well that 18 months has come and gone and today, July 17Th, 2009 he had a very different day in court with a very different outcome.

I watched him approaching me while waiting outside of court...I hardly recognized him...Walking toward me in a blue suit, white shirt, and blue stripped tie, and a slight shuffle to his step...He walked tall and proud with his head held high. This was to be his day in court to gain primary custody of his 4 year old son Dylan.

While we waited anxiously to hear the judge's verdict...I took stock of the people in the room. His family, friends and his counselor (who saw Eric at his worst) was here to applaud his efforts and his new found character if called upon. Along with his twin brother, sister, aunts and closet friends all came to show their support and offer their unconditional love.

But it was God in the room this particular morning that paved our way. There was little tension as both sides sat in the same room while the lawyers battled it out.
These of course are the days we pray for. And after being a praying parent for all my children, 15 years of waiting to see a life turned around came to be today. An answered prayer to those who wait on the Lord. Trust and patience are the key words...

The verdict was in our favor...My son has primary custody of his son. And for this mother I could hardly breathe and was overcome with resounding joy. My heart silently wept with gratitude and thankfulness. Our God is an awesome God.

When you grow weary we must remain focused on our prayer life and continue with unceasing prayer. Because miracles do happen. We don't always know when and what the answer will be, but it is God who asks us to trust...So continue to trust and love and be waiting for your miracle...It will all be done in God's time. If not for Eric's generous gift of life (a kidney)I would not be here to see this miracle or tell the story. Thank you again Eric for the gift of life...

And remember "For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God." Saint Teresa...

Time...A Gift ...

Time is the gift I am thankful for today. I thank God everyday for allowing me time to fulfill my purpose and for directing my path.

This week I was reunited with two life long friends who remain connected in my life. Sherri and Otis. These two people filled a purpose in my life. They both taught me to love unconditionally and how to let go of things you cannot change. They both taught me about courage and how to stand strong in the darkest of times.

Thank you both for your time.

When I was very ill and my son was going down the road to hell through his addiction...it was Ottis who helped me keep my sanity and help direct my energy into letting my son go. He taught me that love was letting go and allowing my son to make his own mistakes and learn to stand on his own. A difficult thing for a mother to do. (Well this mother anyway.) But without his continued support and love I don't want to think how it could have ended. To him today I say thank you. Thank you for your patience, your continuous nagging until I got it right. Thank you for just being there. Thank you for your unconditional friendship and love.

My first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" could not have been written had I not had the courage to do the right thing. Ottis helped me to do the right thing... It was this son that stepped up to the plate and gave me a kidney. Pictured above is Eric (my donor) Ann his counselor and Ottis his mentor and friend. Ottis just celebrated his 30 year anniversary of sobriety...Congratulations on a job well done.
Be of good courage. Psalm 31:24 (NKJV

To Sherri, I don't think there are enough words to thank you for being the most loyal and loving friend...You went through every hospitalization and would always make time for me in my deepest despair. Your support never wavered or faltered...No matter what the circumstances she remained like A Mighty Oak...strong, resilient, and grounded. She was the one who saw me...Thank you my friend for continuing to do God's work and give your love so unconditionally. You are one of God's special angels.

Remember to always keep your heart open for unexpected gifts, like friendships...you never know when you might need a friend to fill a need. The world is full of unknowns, it helps if we are ready.

So remember to take the TIME to reconnect with an old friend or make a new one. And give them the best gift...YOUR TIME...

"So That Others May Live"

This morning I awoke to an email from a friend, the email was written by a soldier named Isaac.

He quickly reminded me of the blood, sweat and tears that are shed everyday in this country by a soldier who has given his or her LIFE so that we remain free. It matters not your political view about the war or wars past. It never changes the fact that soldiers die for your very freedom...

Maybe today would be a good day for quiet reflection and to honor those who give their lives everyday. To all the military both past and present I say thank you...Thank you for standing tall and proud and putting your life on the line..."So That Others May Live"...May God's grace be upon you and keep you safe and well, so that you too can come home and enjoy the very freedoms you have afforded us...May we NEVER take you for granted...

Thank you Isaac for reminding me...Let us all be reminded to remember...

A Daughter's Gift

Hardly noted this week in the news was the death of Dr. Jean Dausett, the French Nobel laureate who discovered the human antigen, or HLA, system on human tissue typing for transplant possible. He died in Mallorca, Spain, he was 92 years old.
Without his discovery of the antigen and how they relate in the process of transplantation, the world would be different indeed. To Dr. Jean Dausett and family I say thank you for all his hardwork and appauld his efforts in making the transplant world a better place.

I would like to end this week's blog on a positive note.
Thursday night is my Bible study and I meet with about 130 women. It is a good day for me as I am focused on my prayer life and giving back in some way.
I was to make the announcements that night, and ran into a friend I had not seen for a few weeks. I inquired about how she was and if she had been sick. Very quietly she said no "I just had surgery.". I asked what kind of surgery and she replied. "I just gave my father a kidney." Well she saw the look on my face I enveloped her and gave her a much needed hug. We both started to cry and I quickly explained my story to her. I was going to the front to do the announcements and she walked off and went to the back of the room. I was suddenly struck that the announcements could wait and I asked her to come forward, she did so, but was very shy and seemed humbled by the whole experience. I introduced Darnell to all and explained what she had done for her father and what my son had done for me. She got a much deserved standing ovation and went to her seat feeling filled up. If we don't ask people questions, or welcome into our hearts we can miss some great stories. Be a friend, lend an ear and your heart. You will be surprised about what you hear. Stay open for those blessed moments.

Darnell is not just a beautiful young woman on the outside, but it's her beautiful heart, and generous spirit that will forever stay with me. A daughter's gift, what courage it took to give this gift of life to the one who gave you life.

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen (Romans 15:33)

The Gift that Heals - Reg Green

The Gift that Heals is a wonderfully compiled book of stories of those who have received a transplant. Written by Reg Green, a father who's commitment to his son's tragic death will inspire the reader and help people understand the need that is out there for organ donation.

None of us like to think about the possibility of death let alone giving ourselves away so to speak. But one person can change so many lives.

101,000 people wait everyday for the gift of life...A gift that will change their lives forever.

In todays world with all our new technology, we are better prepared and informed about organ and tissue donation. Please take a moment and think about your own life and the lives of others. We are here to make a difference in the world. Consider being any organ donor.

My own story is about receiving a kidney from a live donor, my son. In "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" the story of a dying mother and a drug addicted son comes together and concludes with the fact that we saved each other. He saved me with his kidney, I saved him because he had to clean himself up to give me the gift of life.
He remains sober, I am still here writing my story and feeling blessed everyday that I have been given more time.

Read the heartwarming and sometimes gut wrenching stories that will change the way you may look at organ donation. Click on my Valuable Resource... The Gift that Heals and take a look at the story of Nicholas and the unselfish sacrifice made by a loving and giving father and his family.

"Waiting To Die, Wanting To Live"

The journey of writing my first manuscript has been an on going forever changing, evolution of experiences. The world of organ donation and transplant is very close to my heart. It has been a passion for me since I first sat in a chair to receive kidney dialysis, looking around the room and watching everyone including myself hooked up to a machine, caused me to pause and wonder silently was this what I wanted my life to look like?

Since writing "Waiting To Die, Wanting To Live" my passion for living and following what God and the universe present has taken me on the most amazing journey of love and faith. A journey of living in the NOW and giving thanks daily for the time I have been given.

So here I am sitting at a computer sharing on a blog what I feel and telling the world what it is I want to share. A computer I didn't even know how to turn on two years ago.

One of my favorite bible verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. (Proverbs. 3:5,6 KJV)

We live in an uncertain world, it's important for me to have a soft place to fall when life just behaves as life should. I choose "to walk in love."