Forever changing...

Just like the little girl in the picture, watching the waves come and go, each wave is ever changing and different. Our lives follow the same kind of pattern. While the cool water bathes her feet, the sand between her toes changes with each wave.

This holiday season was different for me as a mother, as I wasn't able to be with all of my children or grandchildren. I have learned and am still learning about change.

We all have very special memories of our childhood. For some it is the tradition of family, a savory meal, gifts, church, the birth of Christ...the list goes on. But we can never recapture all that was, so we must learn to bend like a strong branch on a strong tree and realize that we are forever moving forward to a new day.

We must remember that life changes and our story is always changing.  If you don't learn to bend and change with the moments, you will simply miss them.

Change is like putting on a new dress you have never worn. It makes you look different, feel different, and be different.  Learn to love your family and friends in the moment and not just the day that is to be celebrated. Learn to be a woman or mother of great character and love those around you with a unselfish joy so that not only will they benefit, but you will benefit the most. Peace can and will be yours if you learn to bend with grace and ease so that your own joy will not be interrupted.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared,  ambition inspired, and success achieved...Helen Keller

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Romans 5:3-4 NIV

Heaven on earth...

This is what change can be about. I could have gone about my business and not waited for the birth of my newest grandson Cashton Patrick Campbell, but I thought the wait was worth it.

What a better way to spend a day than to experience the miracle of birth and a new life, and then be able to hold him, touch his soft skin, and smell the sweetness of a newborn.

Holding him only hours after birth I was amazed that he was opening his eyes, facing an unknown world and what it is going to bring, and the innocence of an angel in his infancy. To be so close to heaven and feeling God's energy took my breath away.

I have experienced many things in my life, being a grandmother is one of the highlights of my life. By the middle of 2011 I will be a grandma to five. It is hard to explain what it means to me, but I want it to mean something to each of them. I want them to remember who I was, and how much they were loved. You can't do that unless you spend time, keep in touch, talk, listen and love unconditionally.

It is a gift that God gives us, the gift of grand parenthood. Don't be too busy to give back that which you have learned over your many years. Someday they will remember who you were and how you touched their lives.

What a great legacy, to have someone think of you, feel your presence, and mention your name with love. I think that is what God has assigned me to do.

I think I will stick around awhile and make a difference.

Intense love does not measure, it just gives...Mother Teresa

Blessings...

My two grandsons are a little older now, but this picture speaks to me about the real meaning of Christmas.

Colton was three and Collin was five months old. It took my daughter a few snapshots to attain the essence of Christmas and the innocence and wonder of a child.

Christmas for me this year has a quiet inner calm.  It is the first year in a long time I haven't been consumed with presents, and if the gifts were the perfect gift. You know we all have done that sometime in our lives,but this year is different for me as I have grown a year older and hopefully wiser.

I am blessed to have two grandchildren coming my way. One coming any day now, and another in the summer of 2011. When I thought I would never live long enough to see one, I will soon have five. Blessings come in small packages and I am grateful beyond words.

It is in the eyes and knowing of children that I think we learn the most. When we take the time and give our children and grandchildren the gift of listening to what they have to say or share, it is really a gift to ourselves.

Put your grandchild on your lap and ask them what they really want for Christmas, you may be surprised by what they say.

So take the time this year to listen to your children, grandchildren or anyone who may need a friend. Be kind, gentle and carry the spirit of Christ in you by being Christ like.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:  "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts: 20:35 NIV

All I want for Christmas...

I remember this picture and time in my life. The year was 1962. I had just graduated from high school and was attending college and working part time. My sisters and family were my joy. This picture of my Baba and Dido was on their 50th anniversary. It was a time for family and love.

Christmas was a very special time for me as a child.  l learned much about God, traditions, love of family and the importance of continuous faith.

When I was a little girl and still lived in Ohio, I was blessed to celebrate December 25th and January 7th. That is traditional Christmas and Russian Orthodox Christmas.

I was lucky enough to know both, and each parent celebrated the day very differently. My mother who was orphaned at age 8 was all about the gifts. Years later she would share with me that she didn't have very good memories of Christmas, and she said she always wanted her girls to be showered with gifts that she only dreamed about. She also never knew the closeness of family and the love that goes with it. So I learned to embrace both of those days. There was turmoil in our home around each holiday, but as a child I just learned to embrace and celebrate both.

My father,Baba and Dido, and family celebrated the holiday very quietly and in reverence. The Christmas Eve feast was homemade mushroom soup, bread, letchie ( a doughy dish made with poppy seed) and heavenly lemon bars covered with powered sugar and oozing of sweet tangy lemon!  We fasted on Christmas Eve and the 12 dishes that represented the 12 Apostles were served before church, meatless dishes that were amazing.

My favorite part of the day was going to church on Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  My grandmother had a tree, but gifts from that side of the family were homemade and meant as much to me as all the toys I was given on the 25th.

My Baba (grandma) taught me and showed me by the way she lived her life who God was. She never lost her faith or her beliefs in the church or God. She was a woman of short stature but strong character. She was a mighty woman of God. She had a strong will as well as strong hands that always smelled of Jergens lotion. She kept a jar at the sink. The sweet cherry almond odor still reminds me of her.

I can see her rushing around in a kitchen no bigger than a large closet, apron covered with flour, her strong steady hands kneading dough for home made bread and other amazing dishes that would suddenly emerge from this tiny kitchen, present on a simply set table and grumbling stomachs, it makes my mouth water still.

So all I want for Christmas are the memories that I can still recall, my continued good health and the health of my family. I pray for the new babies coming our way and know that God has somehow already touched them before they birth themselves into their new world.

I am thankful I had my Baba in my life, the memory of her is still fresh in my mind. I pray I will leave lasting and warm memories for my children and grandchildren.

So go make a memory with someone you love, so one day they will recall the essence of you as I have remembered the essence of love that is born out of family.

Merry Christmas
Christ is Born...Glorify Him

The Great 1950 Thanksgiving Snowstorm...

Anybody that lived in Ohio or Pennsylvania in 1950 will remember this storm. They called it the great white blizzard, the Thanksgiving snowstorm, the white out. Whatever you called it, you would remember.

This picture was taken of my grandmother's house from inside my tiny upstairs bedroom. The drifts were as high as 10 feet and people were unable to open their doors or possibly go outside. People were unable to go to work, all businesses were shut down, too much snow on the road to drive, and you couldn't get out to shovel or clear the streets, and I was stuck in the house not only from the snow but I had chicken pox. I was not a very happy child that weekend.

My grandfather and father made a pathway using a shovel and two days of hard labor between grandmas home and ours. I lost the picture I had of that particular event but remember it well. The path was narrow but did allow us to go back and forth for a visit or check the winter fruit cellar for well stored food.

It was a time of coming together in a community that still endears my senses and continues to give me hope that our country and communities will come together in time of need. I remember we still had a coal furnace and we used the coal as sparingly as possible as the delivery trucks couldn't deliver due to the storm. Whatever one didn't have the other would pitch in and make sure that all was right with the neighborhood, your neighborhood was your family.

We lived on a hill and the roads were steep and narrow and made of bricks. Riding a sled as fast as possible and crashing into a bank of snow was the best. No helmets, no arm or shin guards, just earmuffs, mittens, leggings, boots, and a heavy wool coat. It was amazing we could move at all. But what fun. I never was able to ride my sled until the following weekend, but there was plenty of snow still. I was in kindergarten that year and we missed two weeks of school, and in those days you didn't have to make it up.

We had very little contact to the outside world other than our old radio sitting in a corner and giving us the latest updates. Nothing was instant and it really was heavenly. The news, other than what affected us was not missed.

If was a time of love, fellowship and caring for each other that is not seen today. Maybe someday that feeling of family and community will return, to make that happen we all have to introduce ourselves to our neighbor, give a helping hand and have a spirit of togetherness that abounds. We are here to help one another and make a difference.

When you make a batch of cookies, or have an abundant meal, share it with those you know and especially those you don't. Go introduce yourself to someone you don't know and receive the gift of giving to others.


Encourage one another daily, as long as it is Today...Hebrews 3:13 NIV

 
 

Love...

I fell in love with this photo of a woman either in the throws of despair, or filled with overwhelming joy and love. I tend to think she is overwhelmed with love.

The vibrant red against a black background takes my breath away. If I could see her face, it would be aglow with the afterglow of love. It appears to be a moment of gratitude and quiet inner joy. Many have never felt that kind of love, but it is out there. And it is there for everyone to embrace and nurture.

As we travel along life's road, we build lifelong relationships with a small, dear circle of family and friends. And how best do we build and maintain these relationships? By following the Word of God.  Healthy relationships are build upon honesty, compassion, trust, responsible behavior, optimism and sharing.   All of these principles are found time and time again in God's Holy Word.  When we read God's Word and follow His commandments, we enrich our lives and the lives of those who are closest  to us.

So where ever you are in your relationship or if you are trying to build a relationship, remember that if God's love abides in you it will spill over into the hearts of others, and your thirst for love will be quenched with joy and a sence of peace that only comes through God's love for us.

Love is an attribute of God. To love others is evidence of true faith...Kay Arthur

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:8 NIV

The Boys of Fall...

What an awesome weekend!!! Great food, family close and near, and a Friday night football game to seal a victory.

My birthday was on Thanksgiving Day this year, only happens about every 7 years or so. But this was my 65th birthday, a special day indeed. It was a special couple of days.

My own quiet time was spent in gratitude and a silent prayer to God for giving me more time and more grace than I ever thought I would have. Then a wonderful dinner with daughter Danielle, son-in-law Steve and grandsons Colton and Collin. They are just now starting to say grace and learn what the word thankful means. We were interrupted about 4 times during dinner as Collin, the three year old would ask each of us "What else are you thankful for?" It was endearing and warmed my heart, I will filled up with love all day.

Then Friday was here and the semi-finals for Williams Field High School versus Notre Dame was upon us. Since Coach Campbell is head coach at Williams Field this is a football family and today would be the game that could take us to the finals.

I got there a little late and the score was tied 7-7. I have loved sports and football since I was a little girl, and I still get loud, anxious, well actually I am quite the screamer when I get into the game.  But I love it. I don't know who was screaming louder Danielle or myself.

The game went back and forth throughout. The score with about 3 minutes left was 49-42. We are ahead. Notre Dame scores and the score is 49-48. With only seconds on the clock they go for the 2 point conversion, our defense holds and we win 49-48.

My heart was in my throat, my legs were sore from jumping up and down, and  my throat was dry from screaming. I hugged whomever was in hugging distance whether they wanted a hug or not. And my daughter, expecting her third son was not able to be contained. Really I thought she was going to go into labor.

An awesome win for a great son, husband, coach, father,and son-in-law. It was just one of those moments you never forget.  They will play for the championship next weekend at the ASU stadium in Tempe, Arizona.

Thank you to the players, parents, coaches, coaches wives, children, grandparents, and friends of Friday night football...A great season...and saving the best for last...See you on December 4th for the championship game. GO WILLIAMS FIELD HIGH SCHOOL BLACKHAWKS!!!!!

Lost Prayers...

Have you ever been on your knees praying for someone or something and never heard from God regarding that prayer?

The world would have you believe that we need to pray again, try harder, don't quit!
Give it just one more shot and maybe God will hear us. Maybe He didn't hear me the first time, maybe He was busy doing something else? Really!!! Here is where trust and your own thoughts about positive prayer and hearing from God are put to the test.

The first time you don't receive an answered prayer, or if the answer is not to our liking we quit praying and we quit believing. Patience is a learned and earned virtue, without it we lose our faith, hope and we lose the promises of God.

In my first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live", I share my own personal story of not having my prayers answered (at least I thought they weren't answered) for about 8 years. I was gravely ill and wanted nothing more than to get a new kidney, get off dialysis and get on with my life. But God had other plans for me...He always does. I was not expecting that it would take almost 10 years for my health to return to some normalcy, but indeed that is how long it took.

Through my illness and my recovery period I learned that when I prayed I had to leave the prayer alone and wait for it to be answered. At first I was impatient, I couldn't figure out why God wanted me to wait? But prayers that are always heard are not always answered to our liking. So my own thoughts about lost prayers is this: There are no lost prayers, they will always be answered. You may not like the answer, you may be impatient, but you must never loose faith and the promise and reassuring love of God. Prayer is the open door to God.

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. (Rom.4:20,21)

Grace under pressure...

The delicate balance of the ballerina walking high in the air must be done with precision, grace, and courage.

Looking straight ahead and focusing is the only way she will make it to the other side. Her delicate feet on point she must have the courage to maintain her balance and continue to walk forward. Can you imagine what would happen if she looked back over her shoulder? She could lose her footing, her balance and possibly her life.

Moving forward is difficult to say the least,while looking back is familiar and easy to do, it can also set you back emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Sometimes life presents itself that way. Under pressure you must try and maintain your grace and be courageous enough to not stumble, look back or lose your way, it is easy to lose your way. 

It is hard work to stay on point like the ballerina and not fault er. But we each have to make a choice as to what our walk in life will be. Do you want or need to live in the past? Or do you want to enjoy all the things you dream about and make those dreams come true. The world is full of possibilities, you need only to reach out and hold on to the promise of tomorrow.

Let's talk a walk together into the future and see what God has waiting for us.

Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace. The soul that knows it not knows no release from little things...Amelia Earhart

Courage is grace under pressure...Ernest Hemingway


The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Psalm 27:1 KJV

Self...

This message hit home for me in the past few weeks. We are coming to the end of another year, and 2011 will be upon us before we know it.

I sometimes wrestle with the knowing that others don't understand what or how I am feeling, and get frustrated on some level. But as I have grown older and I thought a little wiser it is more important that I understand myself first. If we have no understanding of self how do we expect others to know who or what we are?

Good question? Do I have an easy one answer solution? I do not. For it is in our growing that becomes a knowing. At times we grow weary and just want to rest our head, our thoughts, our busy minds, and our bodies. This time of the year brings about that quiet hibernation time for me. I love nothing more than a chilly afternoon, a drizzle or pouring down of God's tears, a loud clap of thunder and a quiet house filled with the aroma of chicken soup cooking on the stove, and sipping a hot cup of tea with lemon and honey that soothes my mind and body.

To get to know self we must become quiet, empty our minds, and feel all we need to feel. Whether that be tears of sadness, joy or a release of sorts, we must feel and release to be able to receive. Sometimes we hold on too tight to those feelings, not allowing others to see our pain because those we love most may think we are weak. But I have found for myself if I don't release, life just continues to nag at me and I can't receive God's love or joy.

I am grateful everyday, but I still have moments of pain, sadness and regret, I just don't live there. That is how I am getting to know myself, by being myself. That is how others have begun to know me. Don't be afraid to be you and allow others in.

Let the wind carry away your fears, tears, and sadness and allow the warm sun to shine on your face and your heart. As you begin to know and love self others will follow.

We all go through pain and sorrow, but the presence of God, like a warm, comforting blanket, can shield us and protect us and allow the deep inner joy to surface, even in the most devastating circumstances.

Love in my life always protects. Love in my life always trusts. Love in my life always hopes. Love in my life always perserveres. (1Cor. 13:7)

A dream realized...

Over Halloween weekend I attended Author 101 University in Las Vegas. My first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" is being published by Morgan James Publishing. The gentlemen in the picture are David Hancock, the one on the left and Rick Frishman owners and partners of Morgan James Publishing.

It started when I was thirteen years old when my mother gave birth to my baby sister Debbie. I had been the only child and was happy but sad at the thought of sharing my time with a new baby. I was only thirteen years old and working my way through puberty. So many feelings I didn't know how to share or talk about with others. Then I picked up a pen and a diary/journal and started to write those feelings down. It was to be the beginning of a dream...a dream of one day becoming an author.

Meeting with the team of Morgan James Publishing and other entrepreneurial writers and idea people both excited me and gave me the realization that my dream is closer than I ever thought it could be. The trials of continuing on and having a knowing that if I follow this path it will all come to be gives me a joy that is beyond words. I can almost smell it and taste it...the book held between my hands with my story folded neatly behind the pages, hoping that someone will find a pearl of wisdom or an answer to a question that could change a life or give one encouragement. That is what I want my writing and my messages to reflect.

With the encouragement and deep friendship of my friend Jen, I want to thank her for being there for me, and for being there for herself. This is not an alone journey and if you think that to be I would say that without the support and love from someone walking the same path it can get mighty lonely. I don't think either one of us will ever be lonely on our journeys.  Find someone who cares about you and your work and keep them close by.

Remember to 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.

We must all reach out to others, support their visions and dreams while we begin to live ours. Be generous in your giving and your dream will be realized at just the right time. Maybe not your time, but the right time.

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess.  Corrie ten Boom

His presence...

It was May 2003 when I approached a small quaint chapel in Yosemite Park, California.  This is the picture of the original chapel taken by Ansel Adams, the famous photographer who swept the hills and valley's of Yosemite with his black and white photos of a heavenly place. I think this picture was taken in the 1920's or 30's.

Driving into the park with my friend Martha was uneventful until you passed through the dark tunnel. The sun would appear through the small tiny cracks giving you a sense of the daylight ahead.

What I wasn't ready for was the breath taking beauty of God's country. And certainly I wasn't ready to feel the presence of God.

Martha and I cruised through the park, stopping and taking pictures, enjoying the blooming of the spring flowers and foliage. Stopping by every stream and listening to the quiet flow of the water over the rocks and listening to the deafening sound of the waterfalls that were just beginning to flow after the melting snow of winter disappeared.

We stopped at one of the waterfalls and walked right into a rainbow. The cool spray of the water bathed my face, and standing at the end of the rainbow felt as if there really must be a pot of gold if we looked hard enough. It was a very surreal moment and we captured the rainbow on film standing about 20 feet away. No words, we just stood there and enjoyed the miracles around us and prayed in silence and awe.

After seeing the tall redwoods we came upon a small chapel sitting back from the road. With it's steeple and stark white paint, peeling ever so slightly it made the chapel look unkempt and uninhabited. I asked Martha to stop the car and wanted to know if she wanted to enter and say a prayer. She said it didn't look open and she would wait in the car.  I walked to the front door and it was locked. I felt a calling of sorts and walked to the side door and found it was slightly ajar. I called to Martha, she said no she would wait for me, "Be careful" she said.

I opened the door or maybe it was opened for me.  Either way I was standing in the middle of this God filled country church. I felt almost paralyzed for a moment and had cause to take a very deep breath. It was one of those moments in my life I have never forgotten. I felt the essence and presence of God and I was humbled in that moment. Even now there are days I think of that moment and I am thankful that I can feel that kind of love and joy. I had always loved God, but this was one of those times I really felt God.

You don't have to be at a special place to feel God or his presence. Just get still and quiet and focus on that still small voice inside that could be God attempting to have a conversation with you. So go be a friend of God's today, He is always up and always listening.

Epitome of patience...

I was struck by this particular photo of my mom and dad, circa 1990.

Waiting for family and friends to arrive it was not unusual when you pulled in our driveway to find them sitting at their favorite bench right below the kitchen window, and the aromas that came from that window amazing!! You almost always knew what Louise was cooking. She was an amazing cook and an amazing mother and friend.

They were both always gracious and welcomed all who entered their home on Poppy Street. I guess we don't realize until we are older how much we learn from our parents.  We realize when we are confronted with the same things they were confronted with too. It is how they handled issues that has taught me how to walk with unconditional love, acceptance and a patience I didn't think I had.

I would like to thank them for many things, but especially for never saying a cross word to our spouses, our children or their grandchildren. If they had strong opinions they kept them to themselves and let us learn to live our own lives our own way. 

They somehow had the wisdom that once your children are grown, they must find their own way. I am sure they had plenty to say to me many times, but they were quiet and wise beyond their years. They really never caused me any pain or grief, I am not sure it was the same for them. But they walked quietly and endured whatever they held inside with grace and a quiet courageous spirit.

It says a lot about their character and their genuine love that I truly understand in the September of my years.

So no matter where you are in life...parent, grandparent, son, daughter, sister, brother, husband or wife... Let's teach our children kindness, patience, love, acceptance, love of country and God. Let's not let a generation of young ones get by us without passing on some quiet advice and show them by the way we live our lives how to live theirs.

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act. Proverbs 3:27 NIV

I waited for you...

I love this picture that depicts patience and a reminder to stand steadfast in our walk with God. The picture says it all. Through all he patiently waits. Are you that kind of patient person?

Sometimes in life we wait for people to take notice of us or of the things we do or don't do. We grumble in traffic, get angry at the cashier at the store, or impatient with our children that they don't learn as quickly as we'd like, or that we constantly have to remind them to pick up toys, do their homework, etc.

Today I attended and helped host a luncheon for volunteers at my church. It was a day of service and attending to the volunteers as they attend to us. It was a day for me about gratitude without expectations.  When we are walking right with God and following what it is He asks of us, all we need to know is that it is the right thing to do. To be of service is what God teaches us. God will bless you for your service, just like the dog sitting through a storm, that may be the very time God will bless you.

Kindness, generosity and a giving, willing spirit is what we should strive for. Kindness always repays kindness, patience always brings about patience in others, and a willing spirit will always be blessed by the soft hand of God. Continue to be of service to others and wait patiently for God's power and love.

If we seek spiritual greatness, we must first become servants.

Servants are like flowers in a garden: they have upon them the dew of heaven, which, being shaken by the wind, they let fall at each other's roots, whereby they are jointly nourished.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 NIV

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Become what you Believe...

Just like the young girl running toward a dream, and leaving her own footprints in the sand, I believe we can all become who we believe.

Once you believe you are amazing you will become amazing! You will start using your gifts to make that difference in others!

One of my favorite Bible stories resides in Matthew 9:27-31. It is the story of the two blind men that seek help from the Lord. They cry out to him asking for mercy and to have their sight restored. "Do you really believe I can do that". they answered YES! He touched their eyes and said "Become what you believe." This of course took GREAT FAITH, the basis of the story is this: They believed before it happened. They had great faith and they put action to their faith. They pursued the Lord, they pursued their dream to see, they pursued their healing! They became what they believed!

This is not magic or something unattainable, the power and faith we have within ourselves is greater than we can imagine. I love the word excellency. Mediocrity in the things of God is unacceptable. Make excellency your standard.

Sometimes things overwhelm us and your dream may seem unattainable. But I say set a goal for yourself. It doesn't have to be anything big, start out small with great faith and see where it takes you. It is the first step towards excellency.  Goals demand a willingness to take risks, to lay our life on the line, again and again.

What do you want to do with your life? Where are you going to be in 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years from now?

All opportunities or desired goals involve risk. There will be no success handed to you on a silver platter.But you'll make your own successes and you can carve out your own victories and trample on your own enemies, and you overcome your own difficulties and you set a standard to live by, a standard of excellency.

Don't forget that excellency demands priorities. Set a realistic goal and take it one step at a time. Remember to continually check your progress. You know why people don't check their progress...because they aren't making any.

Faith will not sustain itself. You must learn to maintain your own faith. You must learn to trust and take baby steps in your progress. Faith will suddenly become a way of life for you, something you can depend on and savor.

Make a difference in someone's life by a word of encouragement, a simple hug, a listening ear, a jester of kindness...and most of all a soft place to fall and rest.  We all need a soft place to fall.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Be love today...

Angel on my shoulder...

The is LOVE MY SISTER WEEK. If you have a sister who has made you laugh, wiped your tears, hugged u tight, watched you succeed, saw you fail, cheered you on and kept you strong, remember her this week. Sisters are a promise that we will have a friend forever.

I couldn't think of a better way to honor my sister than talking about her generous heart and spirit. Her name is Debbie.

She is in the business of helping and counseling others. She works in downtown Los Angeles at a school where wealth is not realized.
She has to cope with hungry children, angry parents, and children with emotional problems we can't imagine. Through it all she counsels, guides, and listens with a kindness and grace.

This week was particuarlly difficult as one of their 5th grade teachers, a 39 year old man committed suicide over the weekend.  So Monday started with a flury of questions, crying children, and many unanswered questions? Where to start? Reporters, cameras, and questions that had no answers.  But the children, well they don't wait, they show their emotions right up front. They didn't understand, he was loved by his students and all that knew him. How do we explain that away...We don't. Instead we listen, comfort and attempt to move forward.

This week was also her birthday and the anniversary of our mother's death September 29th. Both of these events occured on the same day. I sent her a gift that day trying to lift her spirits. She thanked me but I knew it was a difficult week all around.

The following day while she was out getting gas she accidentally left her wallet on top of the gas pump...She was a little preoccupied and distracted.  She didn't realize until she got home that her wallet was nowhere to be found. Her thought of course, what else could go wrong?  She tells me she prayed to her angels and asked for her wallet to be found. We both believe in angels and the power they possess.

Indeed she had an angel on her shoulder that day. She was a little fractic trying to call banks, credit card companies...you know all those important things we need to take care of when we think all is lost.
The next morning she received a  call from her car insurance company and they asked her if she had lost her wallet? A little perplexed she asked "How would you know I lost my wallet?" Well the lady said "Someone had picked up your wallet that was left on the gas tank, and the only information in your wallet that could connect them to you was via an insurance card."

The lady was kind enough to give Debbie the information and she learned he worked not far away from her home. She went to the place of business and asked if a man named Daniel worked there? Daniel suddenly appeared and handed Debbie her wallet. My sister was so grateful she tried to give him a thank you gift, he starred straight at her and said, "No thank you, that is what we do."  He really did refuse the gift and only said he was glad to help. Sounds like angel intervention to me!!!

Now if you don't believe in angels, take a closer look at the story. My sister is that way, she feels satisfied to make someone else's day. She is an angel to many, family, friends, and strangers. I am blessed to have such an angel in my life...thank you Debbie for being my sister angel.

Take the time to do a random act of kindness today and you be an angel on someone's shoulder.

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is Today...Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)

The End of the Rainbow...

I love to be with my grandsons and share in the wonderment of childhood innocence and dreams.  They can make life seem so simple.

My grandson saw this photo on the computer and asked me "Grandma, can we go to the end of the rainbow and can we get the pot of gold, then we'll be rich and we can go to Africa and see all the animals." I of course concur with his pure belief and let him know that all things are possible. I don't tell him it is too expensive, or we won't have enough money...I encourage him that it will happen and in following my own dream, I will make it happen.

He is secure with that, and I am secure in saying it. It is never too late I tell him to dream big, and believe big. And I talk in our quiet moments of God and share with him in the most simple way to trust God and in time all his hopes and dreams will come to be. He throws his arms around me and says "Love you grandma, yea" he yells "we are going to Africa."

So whatever your dreams are spend a few minutes with a child before they are filled with worldly  thoughts. We can return to our childlike innocence and that is when we grow in wisdom, remain curious, and are still excited about learning something new and fun.

Be childlike in your walk with God and you will be amazed at what comes forth to greet you. If you stop learning and growing what is the purpose of this life? Since we don't have all the answer, attempt to learn some truths about you and those around you.

My grandson makes me laugh, gives me pause for thought, and loves me unconditionally. That is how God wants us to love one another, just watch the children and learn. Sit on the floor and play like you did when you were a child, it really is fun. Whether we play Tic Tac Toe, Jacks, put together a puzzle or color, it sets my mind free and I remain open to all possibilities...that is how we start out in life, sometimes we must return to the mind of a child and all the possibilities it brings.

God is waiting to hear from you. Go ahead give him a call. And watch how your life can and will never be the same.

"I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down..."  Abraham Lincoln

That friend today is my grandson Collin.

Autumn's path...

The cool air is starting to fill our evenings here in Arizona. A soft breeze, lazy colorful clouds hang gently in the sky. Blues, pinks, and purples filled the sky a few evenings ago. Amazing and beautiful in its simplicity.  It is the simple things I take note of more than ever before.

I see myself walking down this autumn colored path to finish that which I have started and now want to finish. I am racing towards my vision of completing my first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live", and hand delivering it to my publisher on Halloween weekend in Las Vegas.  My dream and vision will come to its final resting place.  And the new vision and dream will take over and start anew.

Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  It is the final quarter of the year to take stock of what you have accomplished, what you have left undone, and what lies ahead for the new year.  It is a time to finish that which you have started and be a good steward of your work. Give whatever it is you are doing your best, that is all God asks of us and what we should expect from ourselves.

So I will finish this years goal and ready myself for what lies ahead. If you haven't finished your goal for the year, take a breath, believe in your dreams, complete what you can, and you will become what you believe.

I am diligent, and my desires are fully satisfied. (Prov. 13:4)

Balance...

Balance...Have you ever been off balance in your life and in your daily walk?

First, I called on the angel standing with sword in hand and wings spread to the heavens to receive God's energy and love.  She is my warrior angel, who represents strength, power, courage, endurance and the power of God's ever present love.  And this week I had to call on her on more than one occasion.

Life brings what it brings...Some days joyous, other days challenging.  We all get them. But what do you do with your challenges?

We can grumble, complain, kick the dirt when we our angry or frustrated,  which by the way really works for certain situations. It's a physical release that sometimes allows you to once again become quiet and still.

This week I asked for help from both angels. I had good news, sad news, and frustrating news from all sides. One day I was down on my knees like the lady with hands gently held together, eyes closed in quiet repose, and wings lying still to receive God's energy and regain peace and balance.

Each angel represents what I am striving for every day...Balance, strength, endurace, humble gratitute for what God has done in my life. I need the strength of one and the peace of the other. I remind myself to let go of bitterness and self doubt and to put my trust in God and know that what He has for me must be something amazing.

If you only say one simple prayer today let it be "thank you."  It sounds so simple, but it remains so very powerful. By remembering to say thank you for whatever you have and not grumble about what you don't have  He will continue to bless you.

Continue to find your balance everyday and the peace you seek will come from the one who gives it to you...yourself.  Peace comes from within and in the knowing of God. Continue to seek and you shall find.

Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all away... Maya Angelou

I am strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. (Epi. 6:10).

Ray of Life...

Photo by: Hollye Schumacher
"The meanings 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.

This image also alludes to the idea of the unknown. 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 intensely related to the emotional life or death experiences that organ donors and recipients face. It is my goal in this image to show that highly contrasted struggle between good and the bad as well as share an image of hope for the outcomes of that uncertainty."  Hollye Schumacher

Speaking to a friend the other night we reminded each other about living on borrowed time. It's a reality we life with each and every day. We don't dwell on it, but it lurks in the back of our minds. I think we have learned to push that to the side and move forward.

Lori has had her kidney/pancreas transplant for 14 years, I have had my kidney transplant for 8 years.  Instead of embracing that as negative energy or fear we have learned to live a total and complete life. We each have our own bucket list and attempt to cross things off our list every year. For another year is a blessing and we always embrace our birthdays with such joy, another year past, another to look forward to.

We all are living on borrowed time ours is just a daily reminder that we have been afforded the opportunity to give back, share our stories of hope and let others know the importance of donation and its positive effects for those waiting ...waiting for the gift of life.

Speaking for myself I have learned how important peace of mind is, how much love there is to give and receive and to live each day in gratefulness rather than fear. And for me the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gift is to use it.

Won't you consider being a donor? For those of us who have received we say thank you.
You can contact by clicking on http://www.donatelifeaz.org/ or call 1 800 447 9477.


Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 
James 2:15-16NIV

Honesty is such a lonely word...

I picture myself walking through the door into the warm afternoon sun. The smell of the salt air fills my nostrils and the cool mist softens the worries on my face. Filling my lungs with the sweet fresh air, I can hear myself sigh. The sigh of peace.
I want to talk about honesty today.  I think that until we are honest about our own selves, that we may become dishonest in our daily lives.
What do I mean by that?

Aren't there times in your life when you want to ask an honest question, have an open heartfelt discussion or a discussion filled with new ideas that may not comply with your own?  We become so centered on what others think of our ideas that we truly let ourselves get lost in our own dishonesty. We let go of our values and beliefs because other may not agree or like us. It is most important we tell the truth.

In the big picture is it so important that others love us so much, or is it more important that we love ourselves enough to be free with our own words and allow others to be honest with you without you condeming them?  How do we lose our way? Many are filled with ego, wordly thoughts and things. It will be none of those things you will take with you when you move on into God's world. What you must have is love, honesty, an open heart and an open mind. It is wise if we practice honesty and truth while we are here.

So work at being honest with yourself and soon it will be easy to be that way with others.  And in kind they will be honest and truthful with you. Then you can relax in the easiness and the flow of true friendship and love.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom...Thoman Jefferson

...as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's  conscience in the sight of God.- 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 KJV

Yes or No...

Faith is seeing God's providence when He says yes and seeing His love when He says no. You see, it takes a lot of love on the part of God to say no to you. Why? Because He risks your love; He risks your faith in Him; He risks your hope in Him.  If you are asking for something and it isn't for your good, His love will say no. But if you are asking for something that will bring about good, His providence moves events in your favor and the Lord allows it.
Taken from the Little Book of Life Lessons by Mother Angelica...

So before you pray for something you want, be ready for God's answer...Whether in your favor or God's keep your faith in tact and remember to live in the present moment.  Don't look back, because in order to look back you have to stop moving forward.

So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me. (Acts 27:25)

Keeping in Touch...

                                                       How do you keep in touch with God?

The book and pen remind me of my own writing and at times I sit and write a prayer to God. Today is one of those days.

I think we all can be out of touch with God. Sometimes emotions, or life's trials can and does overwhelm us.  I forget sometimes that God is just sitting there watching me struggle and trying to figure things out on my own. When all the while I know He is right there just waiting for me to ask for guidance and reassurance that I am on the right path.

So my prayer today is:  "Father, help me find my way."  It is the simplest of prayers, but I think God has a sense of humor and reminds me that I don't need a lot of words to express what I need, I just need Him.

So I send up this prayer and know that my God will answer me in the same timely manner as always. And I will thank Him in advance for his unconditional love, my continued good health and his grace and mercy.

Blessed is the Lord, who daily loads me with benefits. (Ps. 68:19a KJV)

Passion...What's yours?

Do you have passion for a particular cause in your life? If you don't you might consider one.

Sunday morning was spent with friends Betty and Bill who each have their own cause and reason for wanting to give back.

Betty and I are both kidney recipients. She had her transplant 9 years ago, mine was 8.  Our gifts have the commonality that we each received the gift of life from a living donor...mine from my son, and Betty from a non relative, but a friend. What great testimonies we have that living donors as well as deceased donors make such a change in who we become.  It changes who we are, what we believe and how we live. It gives us moments to pause and reflect and continue to be grateful to live. We both live in the abundance of continued good health and a new day to look forward to. We say thank you to our donors and send God's blessings to them. 

Now let me share Bill's story. I think I have discussed him before, but it bears repeating. Bill lost his wife about a year ago. She was 70 years old and they had discussed before her death the importance of organ donation and both agreed it was the right thing to do. What Bill has done, even through his mourning process,
is to honor his wife's wishes and their own promise to be a part of the organ donation world.

So even in death we can continue to live on in others. What a courageous man to love so deeply and keep his word.  We can all learn from your spirit of goodness and generosity.  Thank you Bill for caring and following that which our God asks us all to do. Being a good steward of giving back is something we should all strive for.

So take a look around, you won't have a hard time finding a place you can make a difference.  Now go find a person or an organization in need of your help. You will know when it is right for you, God will show you the way and you will be rewarded for your good works.

I am trusting in the Lord with all my heart and not leaning to my own understanding. In all my ways I am acknowledging Him, and He is directing my paths. (Prov. 3: 5,6)

Heavenly...

Photo by: Sherri Webb

Sunset or sunrise, are you able to discern what time of day it is?

This photo was taken by my good friend Sherri Webb.  Her keen eye seems to capture the moment and the beauty that others don't take the time to see.

In our busy lives we sometimes forget to look up at the sky, whether sunset or sunrise, and by not looking up we can miss so much. So can guess which one it is?  It really doesn't matter, the beauty is the same. The heavens just seem to open up and welcome you. She pointed her camera toward the sky and captured heaven.

Take a moment today to enjoy God's splendor. Look up, look out and most of all look inside yourself and others to discover a little bit of heaven right here on earth.

Be still, and know that I am God...Psalms 46:10 (NIV)

"Dying the RIGHT Way"

Congratulations to Janice Louise Long.

Her book "Dying the RIGHT Way" debuts today.  Her heartwarming story of caring for her elderly parents that suffered both physical as well as emotional illness is a testament to what care giving is all about. Any family member coping with Alzheimer's disease is filled with anguish and a feeling of helplessness.  Let her share with you a direction to better patient as well as family care.

Her story began long before the written words in her book. She was met with many obstacles along the way. Her book is packed with stories of her own struggle and how she learns through trial and error to answer the questions we all will face one day. How do we care for our parents, spouses or friends that are going through the dying process?

She enlightens with practical solutions and answers questions by walking through the process herself.  Her generousity of spirit shines through her words and her keen sense of how to handle so many problems became her mission. To help others is her motto.

I would like to share this book with you...at http://www.dyingtherightway.com/ or visit her blog at http://www.dyingtherightway.blogspot.com/.

Thank you Jan for sharing your story of love and family. Thank you for making the journey easier for those of us who will someday encounter the path you so bravely took and embraced. Your work and love will not go unnoticed...

The Monk...

The picture of the monk walking peacefully down the path of life reminded me of my own journey in the past week. That finding peace is what we all strive for.

I was off to California to see my 5 physicians and do all the yearly testing to confirm what I already knew, that my health has never been better. That my spirit to move forward in this walk of life is ever changing and exciting.

I thank them all publicly...for without their continued support and care giving my health and my own visions would not have come to fruition.

They were a handful of doctors that really did listen to their patient. And during my healing I was not a quitter. I would do and try whatever they told me to do. And if a new suggestion or new therapy comes along I remain open to the possibilities of all. When you get that second chance at life, you learn to treasure each day and enjoy the gifts that so many take for granted. So take care of you today. You are worth it.

I know that your spirit and emotional well being comes to the forefront when healing and finding your peace are at stake.

I am forever thankful and feel blessed everyday that God has granted me the physical strength to pursue my dreams and follow my passion and purpose.

To all who helped in this process I say thank you.

From Echoes From the Universe:
It is up to you to cultivate your own joy, as well, by finding that quiet place of humility inside where the peace you feel far outweighs your need to be praised or blamed.

My intention for today is: I intend that, regardless of what others may say about me, I am at peace within myself.

An old friend...

This is my old friend Leroy. And I do mean old!!! My son Eric brought him home in 1994. He was a baby and among a litter of puppies waiting to be adopted. He was in a box in front of Ranchland Market in Norco, California. I took this picture a week ago while visiting in California.

He was mixed breed for sure. shepherd, lab, etc. But he was the most gentle dog I ever had. A sweet patient spirit, who was a survivor too. We can learn much from our animal friends. They are loyal, patient, trusting and give you the unconditional love we all desire.

In 1996 Leroy was hit by a car and ran into our home bloody, injured and whaling. We were in Las Vegas when I got the call from my children that they had to take him to the vet and the vet was positive he needed to have his injured leg amputated. I rushed home in a flurry and told the vet to hold off amputation until I returned.

His leg was indeed split wide open, with the bone and tissue exposed. I asked the vet if there was a way to save the leg, he said only with daily dressing changes and cleansing of the wound 2 times a day. I am a nurse and thought I would be up for the task, would Leroy?

As if he knew what I was thinking and feeling for him, Leroy would lay down while I unwrapped his wound 2 times a day, packed it with medication and re wrapped it for the next 6 weeks. What did I learn from him?

He taught me about trust. He trusted that I would help him heal. He never growled at me, tried to bite me or run away from me. So I often think about him and do miss him.
When I moved to Arizona I left him with a family that loved dogs, they have 4 of their own, a huge yard for him to run around in, but most of all he has his freedom and a peaceful place to live with all 4 of his extremities in tact.

In dog years he is 102 years old. He is slow getting up, has difficulty seeing and hearing but when I visited him his tail wagged like the old days and he instinctively laid down as if the smell of me was a memory recall for him to be taken care of and loved. I kissed his sweet face and rubbed his old injured leg.
And with a gentle softness in my voice I whipsered good bye in case the years may catch up with him and he is to return to dog heaven.

I thank him for his loyalty, his love and the lessons of patience, endurance, trust and to love those around us unconditionally as he loved me.

Young at Heart...

If you want to feel young at heart,spend some time with your grandchildren, or ride in a small boat with a friend and enjoy the smell of magnolias, the wind blowing through your hair and the mist from the lake brushing past your cheeks.

Those lazy summer days can bring back those memories of lost summers and lost loves.

Put on an old favorite record (that shows you how old I am) and let the memories comfort and warm your soul.

If you are with your grandchildren, find a swing and if they are big enough have them push you. I promise it will take you back. Or like I did with my grandsons,we went to an early morning movie and had popcorn and candy for breakfast, what fun!!!

Then we came home played in the pool and I taught them how to play Marco/Polo. We then went and had pizza for lunch and ice cream for dessert. I had the most amazing time and so did they.

Go ahead be silly, have fun and remember it is the small things in life that mean the most. You are making memories for your grandchildren to remember you. So many lessons we can teach them if only we take the time.

One of the best things about getting old for me is that I can feel young and silly again,enjoy those fleeting moments with my grandchildren and relive some of my youth.

Now go throw a water balloon or do a cannonball in the pool. But go have some fun!!!

And of course sing along with Frank to Young At Heart.

A Bolt of Lightening...

I love this picture with all it's vibrant colors and the presence of the sun, moon, stars and a bolt of lightening right in the middle of the picture to capture your attention. A powerful presentation for sure.

The bolt of lightening that hit me in the past few weeks was a virus, a computer virus. I had never experienced that before, and it was a little unnerving to say the least. I lost most of my photos, but my documents and chapters for my first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" was saved on that wonderful thing called a flash drive. I had a vision at first of losing everything, and what would I do?

So the thought of having to redo everything I had worked on in the past 2 years made me pause and consider what is the worst thing that could happen? I would have to rewrite my book and renew my vision. A little overwhelming for sure. But I hadn't lost anything in the way of what I have gained in the past several years.

What have I learned? I have learned to trust more, to be obedient to God's Word and my own vision. To never give up or in and that everyday can be a redo,and a redo is a gift the should never be put to the side or allowed to fade away. It is easy to just let things go, and find an excuse to not complete the task, but in the end it is we who lose out on all the possibilities that are afforded us.

So if need be reclaim your dream, live your vision and complete your purpose.

The most effective way to do it, is to do it. Amelia Earhart

So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me. (Acts 27:25)

A Sunset...

Are you ever surprised by God's goodness? Watching this beautiful sunset reminds me that I am grateful to see another sunset, another day another year.

Feeling healthy is a little mind boggling for me. There was a time not so many years ago I was just grateful to be able to get out of bed on my own, breathe without oxygen or popping a nitroglycerin tablet...and of course being tethered to a dialysis machine 10 hours a day. I am free of it all. Free to feel joy, free to achieve peace and free to be all God wants me to be.

I wasn't expected to live beyond 54 or 55 years old. I will be 65 this year and physically and mentally I have never felt more alive or more at peace.

Leaving behind a life of chaos and freeing my mind of overwhelming stress has healed my body, mind and soul. I don't refer to myself as the heart patient or kidney patient. I see myself as healthy and whole and God has continued to bless me.

I consider myself a heart, dialysis, and transplant survivor.

So let your morning be a surprise and try and live your day with joy, giving back, loving those in your life, and remember to use your words and thoughts carefully so that your body remains strong and your spirit will continue to soar.

We become who we say we are. So become who you want to be.

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Prov. 12:18)

In God We Trust...

We all know the phrase, but the meaning for me in the past few weeks was very specific and heartfelt.

Trusting in God means different things to different people. We all have situations that we think we trust and give it to God. But do we really give it all to God? Do we really have the faith to give it all and see what God has in mind? It can be a very scary thing to do because we all feel compelled at times to control what is and change people or situations on our own.

Here is what I have journeyed through the past few weeks. It was a situation regarding trusting God with the well being of my son. I wanted to jump in and help as I have done for years. Even though I had helped in the past God reminded me to let Him do in my son's life, what needed to be done.

In trying to make everything "okay" we sometimes become expectant and complacent in our walk with God. He will tell us to do all we can, and when nothing else seems to work to give it to Him. We must know when to stop helping and let God be God and do His work. That was the lesson for me this past week. I had to walk away and trust.

I did not have to wait long for my answer as the prayer I prayed was given not just to me, but to my son. I don't know that he understands what it all meant, but the important thing was I did. It was yet another test of my own faith and trust. We get tested all the time, and we must stand strong on God's Word and His promise.

Just like the man in the boat, we must sometimes go to a quiet place to rest in His promises, receive His gifts through grace and restore our faith once more.

Trust God this week with something or someone and see how He can work in your life.

And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Rom.11:6)

Ann Louise...

Some called her Ann, and some called her Louise or Lou, me I just called her mom. She was mom to me.

My mom had a difficult childhood. Growing up without a mother, raised in an orphanage in the absence of a mother or a father, she persevered and learned on her own to take care of herself and eventually take care of her family.

This picture is all about what my mother loved most, her family. The Christmas tree you see with all the presents was my mom. She had no happy memories of Christmas or gifts, but she made sure her girls and her family received the gifts and memories that were never hers, but became ours. She made wonderful memories for her girls. She loved us unconditionally.

Now I am just the mom and grandma. A lot of history comes with being a mom or grandma. I will be 65 years old this year and can reflect back on my own life and what I want my children to learn about life and the importance of family. Nothing can replace family.

It is hard to believe that my mom has been gone for 10 years, I still occasionally walk to the phone to check in. There is no phone line between us anymore, just a heart full or memories and sweet days.

The first songs you hear while reading this are dedicated to my mom, who loved to dance with my dad. They saw and danced to all the great bands. They danced still on their 50th wedding anniversary. Older yes, but they still had the moves. It seemed to me when they danced together was when they loved each other the most. They argued, they had problems as we all do, but when they danced that all faded away. I hope you are dancing in heaven.

Happy Mother's Day mom...We miss you still...And keep dancing. Your girls, Gerri, Debbie, and Christina.

Staying in God's Plan...

Do you know what God's plan is for you? We all have a plan or a purpose to attain while we are here visiting. It is so easy to get off track and not appreciate our own uniqueness. I have wanted to write I think all of my life. I have kept journals, written on napkins in restaurants and jotted down notes or thoughts on almost anything you can write on.

But I occasionally can get off track and think I can complete another person's task.
We must allow God to work in every one's life as He will do anyway. We as humans and compassionate people always want to try and fix or change God's plan to mirror our own worldly thoughts. But God says we must trust Him and allow others to follow their own path, and we must stay in our own lane and find value in God's ultimate plan for us.

So I will stay on target and follow that which is in front of me and write, just as I am doing now and in the coming years, for that is my calling and God's plan for me.

You are never too old or too young to accomplish your dream.
"As thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deuteronomy 33:25)

Quote of the day:
A man is what he thinks about all day long.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

An afternoon at the park...

When I was a little girl back in Youngstown, Ohio I was a fan. My father I am sure wanted a boy. So as a little girl I was introduced to the world of sports. I am still a fan of baseball, football, and basketball. I was grateful my father introduced me to it all.

So this past Sunday I enjoyed a day at the park. It was Donate Life Day, and we all wore t-shirts that reflected what our cause was. Along side of us were about 400 fans dressed in the same attire. It was the perfect spring day. The sun was warm on my face, a cool breeze and a very exciting game. The Diamond Backs won. My grandsons fell asleep about the 7th inning, but all in all it was great fun and I love that my family shared the day with me.

I remember going to the Cleveland Indians game in 1952, it was a World Series game. The anticipation of that game is still a fond memory. We had no car, but there was a train that went from Youngstown to Cleveland. It was a real adventure for a 7 year old. I was so excited to share it with my dad. He loved it so. I loved him so. We arouse early that day, packed our brown bag lunch to eat on the train and off we went. I wish I had pictures of that day, but the picture has stayed in my mind as well as the love that my dad afforded me that day. Thank you dad for all the good times and special memories.

Keep your memories alive and remember those moments that touched and shaped you. They will keep you warm at night. And keeping memories alive keeps love alive.

So go create a memory with the ones you love.

April Showers and Blessings...

What a month it has been. Full of surprises and blessings. The angels must be on call as I have been touched several times in the past two weeks.

National Donor Awareness Month is always a special time for me. This past week I was taken back to a time when I was on dialysis and the machine was my living crutch so to speak,it kept me alive long enough to receive a kidney.

I enjoyed the small group of dialysis patients that allowed me into their world, a world that was once mine. They shared their fears and their own personal stories, but I was pleasantly surprised by their move forward attitude and their gratefulness to be alive. We must never forget that everyday is a gift and no matter where you are in your own illness or wellness that giving back and loving one another is a free gift to give and receive. Thanks to all of you who uplifted my day.

Other good news following me around like an angel trying to get my attention was this...My first book "Waiting to Die, Wanting to Live" was accepted my Morgan/James Publishing in New York. I was more than delighted. I hadn't been officially called an author until I received their acceptance letter, I can't express how that felt. It was more than I can share. I am so excited to share my story and share the joys of receiving a kidney and living life to the fullest. There is much work to be done, but I am up for the challenge and excited about where God is taking me on this magnificent journey. A special thank you to all my family and friends who have believed in me and have accompanied me on this sometimes long, occasionally frustrating road. True success is earned in the trenches of hard work. So off to do the work with a joyful and thankful heart.

I was also blessed to meet a wonderful young singing artist named Marcy Baruch...Her newest CD is titled "The Strength of Love." I have several favorite songs, but the one that resonates with me the most is "This Inner Space", please take a moment and visit her website at www.Marcy Baruch.com. Her spirit and genuine powerful, yet soft voice comes through every song. She will take your breath away.

The Lord shall command the blessing upon me...in all that I set my hand to do.
(Deut.28:8 NKJV)

Don't tell GOD how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your GOD is.