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.