Where Are You Christmas?

Where do you find the joy of Christmas? Faith Hill sings, "Where are you Christmas? Why can't I find you?" Later in the song she gives the answer, "If there is love in your heart and your mind, you will feel Christmas all the time."

Psalm 16:11 says, "In God's presence is fullness of joy." We all have that joy deep inside. To bring it to the surface, we must smile. Even if we don't feel it yet, smile anyway, and your joy will follow. If we are frustrated and harried, the best thing we can do to calm ourselves is to stop and breathe; then smile to turn on the light switch inside that allows us to express kindness, friendliness, caring, and respect for others as well as our own selves.

We need to stop looking for Christmas and just realize that it's not out there somewhere, it's within. To quote the lyrics of Faith Hill's song again, she says, "Christmas is here everywhere, oh. Christmas is here if you care, oh."

The more we pursue it, the more we forget how to really celebrate it. Slow down. Stop being so busy and in such a hurry and simply start accepting and allowing the joy of the season to happen. Merry Christmas!

Love & Light,
Patty

Leave It to God

Thanksgiving is Thursday! I'm so grateful this year for our many blessings. Our children are all gainfully employed, and we are going to have another grandchild in three weeks. How blessed are we!

The joy of the Lord is my strength! John 16:22 says that "no one will take away your joy." God is still God, and God is still good has become my mantra. I know that whatever happens in life, I have a choice about how I react to it. Recently, my oldest daughter Teresa lost her job. It was an unjust situation, and I was worried about how things would work out. A baby was coming into that family, and she was the sole provider. I just prayed every day about it. I tried to remain hopeful and even joyful, but it was challenging. I am happy to report that she regained her job with the promise of back pay. I am so proud that she didn't give away her power when she lost her job. She contacted corporate, and after an investigation, they realized that she had lost her position unfairly and restored it to her. Wow! Talk about an answer to prayer.

I am pleased to say that for the most part, during this trying time, I kept my inner peace and confidence that things were going to work out for good. I did what I could to alleviate the situation, including an offer to let her and my granddaughter move in with us. I knew in the long run, though, that I could not control the situation. Only God is in control. As long as I am a child of the Most High, everything is going to be OK. As long as I stay on the high road, God will fight my battles for me if I allow Him to do so. In Luke 10:5-6, Jesus told His disciples to speak peace over people and "if they don't receive it, then the peace you're offering will come back to you." No matter how much I wanted to fight Teresa's battles for her and how upset and frustrated I was over her job loss, the only thing I could really do is pray and try to stay peaceful and calm.

I was concerned that Teresa was too meek and mild to fight a big corporation, but I was wrong. She documented what occurred and presented her case and won. It brought new meaning to the verse, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). Joel Osteen wrote about this in his new book when he said, "Meekness is not weakness. It's strength under control." I was proud of Teresa for not giving away her power and for standing up for herself. She showed strength under control. She met the challenge with the right attitude.

This kind of thing gives me faith and brings me joy. It restores my inner peace and gives me a sense of well-being. I guess the whole point of this message is to stay in the Light, no matter what happens. Have faith and be grateful. Most of all, leave your concerns with God and don't give away your power or your joy.

Love and Light,
Patty

Christmas Letter 2011

Dear friends and family,

Frank and I decided that this year 2011 would be our slice of heaven, and it has been. Our reality usually follows our expectations. We enjoyed a wonderful trip to New York City last year during the holiday season where we saw the Rockettes, the Broadway musical Wicked, and the David Letterman show live. In late March and early April while Frank taught insurance agents we took in the Gila Cliff Dwellings and the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, the Guadalupe Mountains in Texas, and Vegas. June was a test of endurance as we attempted the Bike Across Kansas. We made it 100 miles before running into mechanical difficulty with our bikes. The end of June and first of July we visited Colorado and Utah while Frank trained. The end of July and first of August we enjoyed the Black Hills and the Badlands on another business trip. Labor Day Frank's brother David and his wife Sherry came to spend the weekend with us. We went to Liberty Memorial Museum in KC and to the lake. Late October found us in Eureka Springs enjoying family and the beautiful fall foliage.

Our family is doing well. We celebrated milestone birthdays with our moms this year. Frank's mom Alice turned 75 and my mom Joan turned 80. Chad graduated from Pitt State Suma Cum Laude in May. He is now teaching in Jasper, MO. Tori became a naturopathic doctor so she is busy with her practice in both Fort Smith and Eureka Springs, AR. Sierra is in junior high and receiving straight A's. Tori and Caleb's other two children are growing up quickly. Kaya is in kindergarten and Samson is three already. Caleb opened a drum shop and sells beautiful drums that he makes himself. Teresa and Jess are still in Kimball, NE, although we want them to move closer. Jess painted two beautiful murals for the library and sold her art in the park this summer in Eureka Springs, AR. She in involved in One Acts and won the Outstanding Actress Award this year. Dustin and Mandy live and work in KC as CNAs. Mandy is taking classes in hopes of becoming an LPN.

Our big news is that we are going to have a new grandbaby by Christmas. Jess and her boyfriend Alex are expecting a baby girl. I hosted a shower for them. They are young, but I know they will be good parents.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Come out and visit our Video Christmas Card!

Love,
Pat & Frank

The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

"This is a day that the Lord hath made. I will be glad and rejoice in it," writes David in Psalm 118:24. It's pretty important that we believe that in spite of the economy, in spite of family situations, in spite of the political situations, and in spite of health issues. If we really believe that God is bigger than our problems, this allows Him to do amazing things. We have a choice every single day to be depressed or to be joyful. We have to make a decision upon awakening to be thankful and in love with a beautiful day. We have what we need to be happy. Joel Osteen in his new book Make Every Day a Friday writes, "I know people who are perfectly healthy, but they are never really happy......if they were to lose their health and then suddenly regain it, I'm sure they would be thrilled." We can say the same thing about our spouses, our children, our jobs, our houses, and our leaders. It's all a matter of perspective. Thank God we have what we have.

Matthew 6:26 says, "Behold the fowls of the air, that they do not sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them." Maybe that's why they sing so early in the morning! Their joy is in the Lord. It wouldn't do any good for them to complain. They would then just remain where they are instead of flying away to a warmer place for winter.

When David became discouraged, he reminded himself in Psalm 43:5, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?.....Hope in God." Regardless of the news, that is what I want to do. It's over a year until elections take place. I will hear so much stuff from the politicians that it will make my head spin. I'll have to wade through all kinds of information, and it's important that I do so that I can make a good decision. However, there comes a time when I say, "Enough is enough." I think I'll turn this stuff off awhile and gain perspective. I need to find my garment of praise and put it on at that point like it says in Isaiah 61:3. This land will be restored and our futures will be bright again. Get ready for that! "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials," is what James 1:2 advises. Now that is not an easy thing, but restoration doesn't come from discouragement. Joy in the Lord is where our strength is. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Set Your Mind on the Things Above

"It's not what happens to you or what you have or don't have that is important; it's how your mind is arranged and the choices you make," writes Joel Osteen. If we would wake up every day, grateful for a brand new day full of blessings, we would surely have more positive experiences. Then if we would fully occupy the day, we would be aware of our thoughts and be conscious of whether we are letting in the light or dwelling in darkness. Colossians 3:2 says to "set your mind on the things above." I think I'll do that. Hope you will too.

Love and Light,
Patty

Make Every Day a Friday

We just celebrated my Mom's 80th birthday, and it was quite a shin-dig. My brother Doug shared a childhood story with all of us.

"When I was a kid,
I did my chores, fed the chickens
and milked the cows.
My mom gave me a quarter a week
and that was my share.
She always did what was fair.
I saved my quarters till at last
I had almost enough to buy a bike
I was so excited. I could hardly wait,
but that night I lost it all
To Ma's five card straight."

I'm not sure those were his exact words, but in the excitement of the crowd at Mom's birthday party, I could hardly hear. I loved the memory, though, so I decided to record it here in my blog.

Mom is a remarkable woman. She reminds me of the title of Joel Osteen's new book, Make Every Day a Friday. I love my mama. When we drove over six hours to her house and were worn to a nub, she was ready to go to Sylvester's and dance to karaoke. She has so much energy. She may be 80, but she still knows how to have a good time. Every day she chooses to be in a good mood and make the best of it. Wow! I love her optimism and am motivated by it to make every single moment a moment of pure happiness.

I hope you too make every day a Friday because researchers have done a study that shows a 10% increase in happiness on Fridays. Even though today is Monday, I have decided to make it a Friday just so I can be 10% happier. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Expect Miracles

Stuff happens! We know that life brings challenges. I hear about so many things that seem so heart-breaking, yet we only see the small picture. Only God knows what is in store for us in our future.

Alice Caldwell Rice wrote, "Life is made up of desires that seem big and vital one minute, and little and absurd the next. I guess we get what's best for us in the end." I actually know the truth of this statement. I remember on July 18, 2004, that I had just completed a bike ride with my husband when I got a phone call that changed my life forever. I had just been wrapped up in my own little world and thinking about biking and unpacking from a recent trip to Canada. Then one of my daughter's friends called and told me that my daughter Tori had been involved in a serious accident with a motorcycle. What seemed big and vital before DID become little and absurd at that moment. All I could think about was getting to the hospital to see my daughter. We drove fast to Fayetteville, AR, to see her. It did not seem real. When we got there, we went to see her and came out of her room in tears and praying for her life.

God spared Tori, and everyday we thank God that we have been given another chance to enjoy our daughter. It is a miracle. Even more miraculous is the fact that even though the doctors told her that she would not be able to have any more children besides her five-year-old daughter Sierra, she gave birth to two more precious, healthy children.

This experience has taught me to expect miracles and to remember that God is still God, and God is still good. No matter what happens in life, God is in control, and thank God for that. I might mess up but God never will.

Love and Light,
Patty

Loss of a Pet

Not long ago my grand dog Red was attacked by another dog and killed. I was in such a funk. I know I had to grieve his death, but my mood was so low. I had a sense of guilt about it because we usually let my granddaughter Jessica bring her dog with her when she comes to visit, but this time we didn't. We left the dog home with my daughter who works two jobs and really does not have much time to look after a pet.

Besides guilt, I was also dealing with such sadness because I loved this little dog. He was cute and mannerly. I actually enjoyed his company. The only reason we left him behind is because we didn't want to be tied down with the responsibility while we went on trips and stuff.

However, I do not need to dwell on such things because I know that God does not condemn me. The Holy Spirit tells me that guilt and blame are useless emotions. God is so forgiving and so compassionate that He releases us from the bondage of sin. He restores our peace of mind. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul" (Psalm 23:2, 3).

God blessed me abundantly just a few days after Red died by giving me a chance to spend time with my two youngest grandchildren. These two sunbeams are full of energy and joy and give me such light. They are truly an answer to prayer and give me such happiness with their smiling faces.

I still am a little sad about Red when I think about him, but as my husband says, "His troubles are over." I believe that Red is in doggie heaven and will bark with his sharp little voice when I get there and come running to greet me while wagging his cute little tail. He was a blessing to me, my granddaughter, and our whole family, and he will be missed. God's love is comforting me, and He provided me with exactly what I needed when He sent my two little grandbabies to love and cuddle me. As for Jessica, God is also blessing her life in many ways. Her art and music are a blessing not only for her but to everyone who comes in contact with it.

God bless you too as you stand firm in your faith.

Love and Light,
Patty

Stuff Happens!

Stuff happens! We just need to accept it. One of my favorite quotes, "What you resist, persists" by Carl Jung, helps me remember that I need to surrender to what is, trust that God is working in it, and that everything will be OK. Good will triumph! God is still God, and God is still good. He will never fail or abandon my loved ones or me. In time, everything will work out for good. My favorite verse is, "All things work together for good." Oh, that promise strengthens me.

No matter what circumstances occur, I know that I am not in them alone. I know I choose my own emotions. I remember that in times of chaos to remind myself that I can choose peace instead of turbulence. I have the inner strength to push through any challenge.

Prayer helps me leave worry behind. I remind myself not to tell God how big my mountains are, but to tell my mountains how big my God is. I read that in a Joel Osteen book, and it helps me remember to live by faith. I look forward to the future with optimism and trust God for the right outcomes.

Love and Light,
Patty

The Little Things

"The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is NOW. The pot comes later and never turns out to be quite what you expect" writes Hugh Prather. Yes, we need to enjoy the little miracles we see everyday. The other day my friend Stacy and I were out for a walk, and she related a story to me about a wallet she found. She saw the checkbook inside so was able to look up the phone number of the lady who had lost it. The woman asked her if she had seen the purse that contained the wallet because the purse was a very expensive designer bag. When Stacy told her that she hadn't seen the purse, the woman wasn't concerned at all about the checks and just asked Stacy to shred them. It was all about the expensive designer purse, not what was inside. This story reminded me of the value we sometimes place on material things. We strive after money, possessions, food, power, recognition, alcohol, drugs, a special someone.....anything that will fill the void so we can feel better about ourselves, more complete, when in actuality, the only thing that can fill the void is the peace of God inside us.

Where do I find that peace? I think it is found in the little things like awareness of this NOW moment....the rainbow after the storm, the birds singing outside my window, the beautiful green grass and trees, and the explosion of color from the flowers this time of year. John Denver sings a song, "Sunshine of My Shoulders" in which he tells of the of the beauty of the sunshine on the water.

We let our lives get so complicated instead of living in the moment, carefree and joyful. My little granddaughter Kaya teaches me about the fun and playfulness of living in the moment. My friend Stacy's daughter Isabella shows me awareness of beauty when she catches a sandbox turtle and marvels at his shell.

Yes, we could all learn a thing or two from the awe and wonder of creation from children. "Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" ~ Matthew 18:3. Lord, help me to appreciate your marvelous creation.

Love and Light,
Patty

I Will Praise You in This Storm

Lopez Lomong says, "When you have suffered deeply, you understand that courage is the only way to fight fear, the best way to step forward. This is the first move to be better." OMG, the tornados that have hit MO, AR, KS, and OK are so devastating that it is hard to fathom.

It makes the words to Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm" seem so relevant. I will share them with you,

"I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day, but once again, I say 'Amen', and it's still raining. As the thunder rolls, I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands for You are Who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm. I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You, and You raised me up again. My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on if I can't find You? But as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth."

God is our sure and steady companion. He will take our burdens away and lighten our load. "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, Who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

My prayers enfold the residents of Joplin. We were coming back from a graduation and missed that storm by an hour. "I am grateful to God....when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day." (2 Timothy 1:3)

Love and Light,
Patty

Who's in Control Anyway?

"Nothing splendid has even been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances" wrote Bruce Barton. Too often we let circumstances govern our lives. Who is in control anyway? If we believe the circumstances are in control, then where is our trust and faith in God?

Whenever we feel frustrated, we need to ask ourselves what should be different about our situation. Is it that we aren't getting our own way about something? If we can release control into God's hands, we can experience peace and relaxation. If our situation needs changed, we can change it more easily from a sense of calmness rather than a sense of frustration.

This morning I got ready to go to school but couldn't find my keys. Then I remembered that we had to use a certain key on the key ring to retrieve the toll tag in another car. Long story short I think my keys are locked up in my husband's vehicle at the airport an hour away.

At first I panicked and then I remembered to focus. I called the sub coordinator and told her that I lacked transportation today and that she would have to find someone else to teach. I was suddenly grateful for the time that I now have to clean house and do laundry. I am too far behind on those chores anyway.

I am grateful today that I can release my control to God. I am receptive to the gift and opportunity of this day. I move forward and open myself to God's good. Like Colossians 1:10 says, "You may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." I'm trusting God for a happy, healthy, enjoyable day. Hope you are doing the same.

Love and Light,
Patty

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Lately I've been praying for many people who are sick. God is showing His grace and restoring health and well-being to those afflicted. It is so refreshing to observe His healing power wash over loved ones with the gentleness of a spring rain.

Prayer is such a powerful thing. Jesus prayed through the night alone in the garden. Prayer is not just about asking but also about listening. Myrtle Fillmore says that it "lifts the individual into a wonderful sense of oneness with God, who is Spirit, the source of every good and perfect thing." Prayer helps us let go of our burdens, anxieties, worries, concerns, and find rest, renewal, peace, and serenity instead. We come away from prayer ready to take on the world.

When Jesus said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit," I think His earlier plea that the cup be taken away now became a release for Him and a cause of rejoicing when He gave Himself over completely to His Father. At that point the Atonement became the At-One-Ment. He was One with His Father, and the darkness turned to light. Fear and confusion were replaced with love and understanding, and all was well with the world.

All of us have experienced loss whether it is the death of a loved one, a divorce, or even the loss of a job. When external circumstances change in such a way for us, we can look to Jesus as our example and realize that no matter what happens to us, God has the final word. His divine plan is taking shape. God is merciful, kind, and loving. Because of these attributes, He has only good in store for us.

Instead of dwelling on the crucifixion, we can rejoice in the miracle of the resurrection. New life is awaiting us! There is hope after all.

Light and Love,
Patty

Time to Live in the Sunshine of Life

Steve Martin quips, "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." He's right, you know. It's our sunshine inside that causes all darkness to disappear. Right now Frank and I are enjoying an abundance of gorgeous red sunshine in Tucson, Arizona. We are enjoying 80 degree temperatures while back home it is 40 or 50 degrees. However, even if the bright Arizona sunshine were not beaming down on us, we know that our own internal sunshine can always radiate. We've learned to appreciate our surroundings, be they snow or sun.

We agree with William Makepeace Thackeray who says, "A good laugh is sunshine in the house." We love watching reruns of SEINFELD and Frank loves the Stooges. Anything to make us laugh. We have a hilarious four-year-old granddaughter Kaya who equates snow with Christmas. She told Frank once that she didn't want the sun to melt Christmas. (By the way, she said this in February). Anyway, anything that makes us laugh deeply is powerfully healing.

Wherever we are and whatever happens to us, we are happy to be here in this beautiful world where unlimited joy is ours if we so choose.

Like Jesus said in John 15:11, "I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you." God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Lent

This is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I read in my Unity literature that "Lent" comes from an Old English word meaning "Spring" and the lengthening of days. Lent means many things to many people. To Catholics it is a time to give up meat today and every Friday until Easter. To me it means a time of release. It is time to give up any thoughts or behaviors that are not serving me in the development of my highest self.

One of the things my husband and I gave up several months ago is the bad habit of overeating and not staying fit. Now we track our food and go to the gym to work out. I read somewhere that when you start weighing less, you shouldn't refer to it as losing weight because any time you lose something, you subconsciously want to find it again so instead I want to say that we have removed pounds.

I hope you too can find a way to release anything that is limiting you and find renewal and purification this lenten season. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Affirmation for Today

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach today. So many blessings are occurring today in every way. Each student has strengths that are being revealed to me. Remaining non-judgmental has helped me see with my heart, not my eyes. If I see any error in the tasks they complete or any error in the way I teach, I am full of forgiveness for them and myself. These errors will prove wonderful learning experiences for both them and me. I stayed focused on the present, enjoying each moment. Like Oprah says, "If you love what you do, each pay check is a bonus."

Love and Light,
Patty

Our Slice of Heaven

This year Frank and I have decided that 2011 is our slice of heaven. How do we experience this? Well, there are several ways. One thing we know for sure (to quote Oprah) is that giving and receiving are the same thing. When we give something away, we do not experience scarcity or loss but rather a feeling that we are gaining something ourselves. It's a win-win situation, (which by the way was our theme for 2010), in which no one ever loses but rather everyone gains. ""Give, and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall be placed in your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back" ( Luke 6:38). This isn't about money but rather everything in life.



Secondly, we believe in the goodness of God. We do not fear Him, but rather we love Him as He loves us. Because of His Love, we change our negative thoughts to positive ones. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).



Finally, we become more interested in the spiritual plane that the material one. "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28). This just means that we become more interested in the things God freely gave us....even the snow, rather than material objects that we cannot take with us. We are grateful every day for our existence.



May 2011 give you a slice of heaven too. God bless!



Love and Light,

Patty

Together We Can

"If the only prayer you say in your entire life is thank You, it will be enough," wrote Eckhart Tolle. Well, I am so grateful today for my health, my family, my friends, and my home. When I think of my spiritual journey, I fill up with gratitude for God's gifts of giving me a wonderful husband, great kids, and good health. I realize that my attitude toward everything in life has affected how I feel today. My inner peace has brought me health. Letting go of fear and worry has brought me healing. I put my life in the hands of God and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance now. I believe in God's goodness to help me reach any goal.

Sparkpeople, a community website for those of us who are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, did a survey which identified people who regularly reached out to other members to encourage them on their journeys towards their goals and found that these people actually had a five to ten percent advantage over the rest.

So, my conclusion is that if we join together in living our best lives yet or in spreading love wherever we go, we will have a higher success rate. This makes me very grateful for YOU. According to Felix Adler, "On the way to the highest goal, I must take my fellow beings with me." Paul said in I Corinthians 3:10, "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it." So, join me on my journey. Together we can reach our goals.

Light and Love,
Patty

Helping Our Loved Ones Recover

"Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to You; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them" (Psalm 32:6). This is such a comforting verse when you have someone who is recovering from a serious illness or injury. Both of my daughters have been in ICU before so I know the heartache of waiting for someone you dearly love to recover. My mother also just recently recovered from cancer.

When my friend Cat's father was in ICU not long ago, I told her that when he recovers, she will recover too. She agreed and suggested that I write about this.

I decided that out of gratefulness for my daughters' recoveries and Cat's father getting back to his normal life, I would share my experiences. For both Cat and me, prayer was key. We both affirmed positive thoughts and wellness for our loved ones. They remained in our hearts and thoughts at all times.

My daughter Teresa recovered from a pulmonary embolism in the summer of 1995. She had a three-month-old baby at the time. I lived in Nebraska but flew down to Arkansas to be with her through her ordeal. I found that I didn't want to leave her side or leave my baby granddaughter even after she was on her way back to restored health so I moved to Arkansas. The Lord blessed my move by giving me a great teaching job there and allowing me to meet my wonderful husband.

My other daughter Tori was in a serious motorcycle accident in the summer of 2004. She had a five year old daughter at the time. She spent more time in ICU than Teresa. It was Tori's positive attitude that helped her recover. She was an inspiration to me. Her positivity changed my life forever. Ever since then, I have tried to let God give me peace to get through any situation. I have learned the power of staying in the moment so that worry and anxiety would not overcome me.

My friend Cat's father was in ICU with appendicitis. Thankfully, he also is recovering. It has been less than a year since my mother had a good report that she is recovering nicely from the treatments she received to stop her cancer.

I think the one thing that keeps us positive in our prayers for our loved ones is not giving power to the illness or injury. We do not place limits on God's power to heal. This frees us to envision wholeness and wellness for our loved ones. We also have peace of mind because we believe in the goodness of God's Will. We know that our peace cannot be shaken by illness or injury because we have faith in the power of God's LOVE. We are not denying the situation, but we are putting our trust in the Power of God's Goodness.

Here are a few pointers for getting through a crisis. (1) Stay open to friends and family. Many times we feel the need to go it alone, but we need to let people help and support us during this time. (2) We need to be honest about our feelings. We are staying strong for our loved ones who are recovering from illness or injury, but we also need a place to surrender to our emotions and a confidante to listen and encourage us. (3) We need to take care of our own health too. If we want to be there for our loved ones, it's important for us to stay healthy. (4) Whatever our faith is, it can help us get through this situation. (5) We need to be an advocate for our loved one. It's important for us make sure the proper medical care is given to them.

"All things work together for good" (Romans 8:28). "Pray without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17). Remember that everything happens for a reason. If we just stay present with our loved ones, we will get through this, and so will they.

Love and Light,
Patty