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.