Review: "You're Not Going Crazy, You're Just Waking Up"

I read a great book entitled YOU'RE NOT GOING CRAZY, YOU'RE JUST WAKING UP by Michael Mirdad, and I wanted to share it.

The book is about the 5 stages of a Soul Transformation. It's an easy read and not too long (about 90 pages) but I found it to be impactful from the first chapter. For anyone, or I guess everyone, who has gone through a crisis in their lives that caused change and transformation, this book provides a framework for understanding the different stages and help to plan for them again, as life is ever changing. Michael talks about all change being inevitable but that there are two ways to go through it - the easy way and the hard way.

The entire book felt so familiar to me because I could recognize the stages of my own transformation as he described it. I was impressed that he was able to capture the truth and the learning from my personal journey by describing the universal journey.

I truly enjoyed the book, and the peppering of relevant quotes from notable religious and wise humans that we all recognize.

If you want to understand the process of your transformation - I recommend this book. If you want to prepare for the next one - I recommend it even more.

Enjoy and be blessed!

When you give to or do something for another person you set into motion the flow of giving in the world. Your impact multiplies and swirls in every direction because giving is not a static energy. Give, change the world, and be blessed!

Strive to be great at what you are good at instead of average at what you are bad at. In otherwords - use your true power and talents to the best of your ability and you can affect your life and the world. Be blessed!

"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want." ~ Margaret Young

I am thrilled to realize in spite of the world's trajedies, heartaches & conflict, there lives and thrives in this world a great joy. It is love of God, self, neighbor, creature & earth. It is the passion in us that keeps us striving for good. And the compassion inside of us that helps us continue to lend a hand to those in need. It is God inside of us working to change what is not God-like. We are blessed!

Whatever you wish there was more of, be that.

Whatever you want your relationships and friendships to be, be that.

Whatever you want the world to be, be that.

If you want there to be less fear and more love in the world, start with yourself.

If you want there to be less stress, anxiety, depression and tension in the world, start with yourself.

If you want the world to be a more peaceful place, fairer, more generous and compassionate, start with yourself. ~ Anthony Robbins

Are you encouraged or inspired by your own dreams? If not, speak louder, dream bigger, believe stronger, act more. Be blessed!

"Where there is faith ... there is hope. Where there is hope ... there is possibility. Where there is possibility ... there is victory. Never stop believing!" ~ Mighty Inspiration

This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.

"It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is." ~ Hermann Hesse

Follow your heart. You heart is your key connection to your soul's purpose. Be blessed!

On days when you feel stuck - MIX IT UP! Give something away, clear a cluttered corner, move the furniture or try a new recipe. Do something you've never done (or not in a long time). See how the change in focus changes the energy. In all things be blessed!

Search your heart for the answers you need. God still speaks to us - we just need to learn how to listen. Follow a hunch, go after a nudge, listen to you heartbeat faster as you get closer to your truth. You too can do this. Be blessed!

We the people ... salute the flag for it is the symbol of the freedom of all men and women bestowed by God and fought for by our forefathers and current patriots. God bless America and let freedom ring! Happy 4th of July!

If you can't do it all - do what you can. If you can't save them all - save who you can. If you can't reach them all - reach who you can. Do what is in your power to do and be blessed!

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a nun who taught at my HS. She was there for 40+ years and was a dear, sweet woman full of life, love and spirit. Even at 91 she still made her way there every day to talk, listen, & cheer on faculty, students & athletes. She was the epitomy of a loving woman of faith. While she chose a life that set her apart she was by her demeanor and loving ways, a part of every family that came through the school. She was a delightful little pixie of a woman who managed to earn the respect and love of more people than most "giants" of our society. She was an icon. May each of us strive to be a fraction of the loving influence that Sr. Michaleen was. RIP Sr. Mike - you are loved!

Celebrate the blessing of finding something (or someone) who was lost! Be blessed!

You have the power to change the world because you have the power to change yourself. Bring your best self and you make all the difference. Be blessed!

The Difference He Made
By Randy Poole

Amidst the morning mist of the swift returning tide
I set out on my daily run, my walkman on my side.
Lost within my private world apart from cares and woes
I ran along the moistened shore, the sand between my toes.

In the distance, I saw a boy, as busy as can be.
He was running, stooping, picking up, and tossing in the sea.
Just what he threw, I couldn't tell, I looked as I drew near.
It seemed to be a rock or shell - as I approached him I could hear:

"Back you go, where you belong. You are safe now hurry home.
Your family's waiting for you little starfish, hurry on!"
It seemed the evening tide had washed the starfish on the shore,
And the swift receding water left a thousand there or more.

And this self-appointed saviour, was trying one-by-one
To toss them back into the sea, against the racing sun.
I saw his plight was hopeless, that most of them would die.
I called out from my private world, "Hey Kid, why even try?"

"Must be at least a thousand here, strewn along the beach,
And even if you had the time, most you'll never reach.
You really think it makes a difference, to waste your time this way?"
And then I paused and waited, just to hear what he would say.

He stooped and took another, and looked me in the eye.
"It makes a difference to this one sir, this starfish will not die!"
With that, he tossed the little life, back where there was hope.
He stooped to take another. I could tell this was no joke.

The words that he spoke to me cut like a surgeon's knife.
Where I saw only numbers, he saw only life.
He didn't see the multitude of starfish on the sand.
He only saw the little life he held there in his hand.

He didn't stop to argue, to prove that he was right.
He just kept tossing starfish in the sea with all his might.
So I too stooped, and I picked up, and I tossed into the sea,
And I thought, just what a difference, that this boy has made in me.

God is sufficient for all of our needs - whether emotional, spiritual, physical or financial. We need as much faith as we do action to get through the toughest of times, as well as the victories. Be blessed!

"God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go." ~ Anonymous

Give without reservation. If you open your hand just a little you will be able to receive just a little. If you open your hands and arms wide, you'll be able to receive an arm full. Be blessed!

"Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." ~ Augustine of Hippo

Happy Father's Day to the fathers and (and single mothers) out there. May you and your families be blessed!

Even when things don't go as we plan - they always go as they are supposed to. Keep the faith and be blessed!

Separate yourself from all that is creating doubt and question about your worth. You are worthy, not because you somehow "earn" it but because God, who created you as a masterpiece, says that you are worthy! Be blessed!

In the still moments of the night or the whisper of dawn - those are the times when our spirit is most open to the nudging and voice of God. Listen and be blessed!

"Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be exceptional." ~ Mark Sanborn

In this moment, someone in your life is watching - amazed by your talents, cheering you on, loving you without abandon. Be blessed!

Sometimes to clear the pain in life you need personal awareness, forgiveness, and the help of those who love you. You have all you need if you look for it. Be blessed!

Check out my new video trailer for my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God. Be blessed! http://ping.fm/EqWA5

"You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman." ~ Max Lucado

"Life is like a coin....You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once." ~ Lillian Dickson

Usually opportunity doesn't come in a shiny "package" that catches our eye or captures our imagination. But you will find it in the unmet needs of others, in the challenge that keeps coming around, in the task that looks too big. Opportunities are earned or thrust upon us at inconvenient times. And that timing is al...ways perfect. Take the opportunity before you and be blessed!

We must be the voice for those who cannot speak. We must hold the hope for those who cannot find their own. We must live the faith for those whose struggle to build it. Be blessed!

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." ~ Lou Holtz

There comes that moment in every challenge when the tide turns. Something shifts and you begin the uphill climb. It's a sweet moment - look for it so you don't miss it. Be blessed!

"Long shots do come in and hard work, dedication and perseverance will overcome almost any prejudice and open almost any door." ~ John H. Johnson

Every day, every challenges and every success give you clues to your true gifts and purpose. Be blessed!

Be still and know that I am God .... thank you Lord, I'm listening! Be blessed!

God Bless America and all who serve! Be blessed!

Its memorial weekend & time to honor all who defend our freedom. Love & thanks to my grandpas - Juel Bernard & James M Miller - WWII vets, my brother Jimmy - Marine survivor of Bierut & all friends/family who have served. Tell us, which service person can we help you honor this weekend? Be blessed!

"I am always amazed that when I go as far as I can possibly see, I can then see further."
- Michael Bloxton

This Memorial Day weekend let us pray for, honor and appreciate all those who have fought to defend our freedom. Let us reach out a hand of peace and reconciliation to our fellow man/woman in a gesture that honors what they were fighting for. Let us be peacemakers and peacekeepers. Be blessed!

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.” ~ Ralph W. Sockman

We all know the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But do you know the platinum rule - Do unto others as they would want you to do unto them. Think about it and be blessed!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Words have tremendous power but they can only do 1 of 2 things - create or destroy. How are you using your words today? Create and be blessed!

Be bold, daring and unafraid. Be a leader and explorer. Be a mentor and a friend. Be yourself and be blessed!

Never forget - you are the Sculptor NOT the sculpture. Behave like a creator because you create your own life. Be blessed!

If you don't have a dream that takes your breath away or gives you goosebumps - then what are you waiting for? Real living involves adventure, risk, faith and action. Be blessed!

"The greatest gift you can give to yourself and to the progress of your dreams and desires is the choice to no longer carry the offenses that others have made against you. You can lay it down." ~ Barbara B Miller - MIGHTY INSPIRATION

The People in the Window

When I was a little girl I was always known to be a daydreamer.  It was my escape from the world and reality that I would rather not be living in.  One of my frequent daydreams has actually remained with me through the years.  It's a classic one we all know. I'm the girl out on the street or in the car or bus.  The weather outside is raging and it's either raining or snowing.  You know - the kind of weather that makes you feel cold to the bone no matter what the season is. 

And then you see them.  Smiling people sitting in the little diner enjoying the warmth of the cozy atmosphere.  Or maybe they are home and their loved ones are gathered around for a meal or party.  You see them laughing and sense that you can almost hear them as well.  They might be looking over their shopping treasures, playing a game, or just sitting with heads close together sharing a secret or reminiscing.  In those moments it always seems dark outside and so warm and welcoming as you look in their window bathed in light.  If you try hard enough you can nearly smell the coffee or hear the crackle of a fireplace that is central to the scene.  You can pick out the details of their appearance - the warm scarf around the neck or the twinkle of their earrings as they nod their head in conversation.  I cherish those daydreamy scenes because they evoke a sense of sentimental nostalgia.  They plant the seed of desire for the cozy company of friends and family close in proximity to the starkness outside but light years away from the ache of loneliness or the shiver of  the cold.

So that brings me to today.  I was pleasantly surprised by a chance opportunity to have lunch with my college aged daughter.  We don't often get to steal away those moments to pause and catch up.  As we were sitting in the little local coffee shop that is our favorite, it got really dark and started to pour down rain outside.  It was not the gentle sprinkles of late spring but the hard driving rain of a quick storm.  We were sitting at the tall cafe table in the alcove surrounded by the 3 big picture windows. As I looked up to glance out at the rain I saw the cars slowing at the stop light.  There she was - a girl passing by in a car just looking back at me.  In that moment it struck me as only daydreams that come true really can - we were the people in the window! 

It gave me pause and I took a mental snapshot of that moment.  I was in a cute, cozy little restaurant with my favorite girl.  We were laughing and chatting and enjoying both the atmosphere and each other's company.  We had things to share and giggle about as we enjoyed the sweet taste of the flavor-spiked coffee and hot chocolate that we so enjoy there. 

I know I will cherish this day for a long time.  In our spontaneous, brief moment over lunch we got to be the daydream.  We got to be the people in the window.  I feel blessed!

Be blessed too!

I love this song and Lee Dewyze blew it out of the house! It actually gave me goose bumps. Enjoy!
http://ping.fm/dz9zM

Do you know what your ministry to the world is? Rock it and be blessed!

Do not suffer alone. God always sends us out "2 by 2" so that we do not have to carry the burdens of life alone and we have someone to celebrate the victories with. Lean on your friends and be blessed!

Celebrate all that we have in common for it gives us community. Celebrate all that we have in differences for it gives us opportunities for greater impact and more gifts in the world. Be blessed!

Never give up! You don't want to quit 5 minutes before the miracle shows up. Be blessed!

You are the answer to someone's prayer. Be blessed!

Let your faith overcome your fear. Speak your victory over your troubles. Be strong in the face of the unknown and you will have all the support that you need. Be blessed!

I was a guestblogger for Paula Phillips and she did a great review of my book. Follow this link and scroll down a wee bit to check it out: http://ping.fm/57wxa Be blessed!

"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the fire of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - The Buddha

Seek and you shall find. That works for good and for bad. Whatever you look for in yourself, in others, in the world, in your opportunities ... you will find. Seek the good and be blessed!

Check out this wonderful review of my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God. http://ping.fm/Yfwpn Be blessed!

"God and the universe are conspiring on my behalf". ~ Unknown

Interdependency

Today I had a conversation with a friend about "interdependency". 

You hear alot about co-dependency which really is an ineffective, disempowering way for us to go about life.  But interdependency is so much different. 

Interdependency is about trust, accountability, and support.  When we are interdependent we must trust that the other person will keep their commitments and do their part of the equation.  We must hold ourselves and each other accountable for our areas of expertise and our promises to bring that to the task at hand.  And lastly we must agree to be a support to each other when it's time for an "all hands on deck" call for help.  It is powerful and empowering to know that we can build upon each others' strength to fulfill the need at hand.  That is interdependency.  That's how relationships, friendships, marriages, families, communities and companies actually work in a healthy and forward-moving fashion. 

Does this line up with your truth?  Are you living in a co-dependent or interdependent fashion?

I've had a birth mother to bring me life, an adoptive mother to give me a life, grandmothers, a godmother, aunts and lovely women to show me a mother's love. I honor them all. As a mother myself - I am blessed. Be blessed too!

You do not need to "prove" righteousness to anyone. You do not need to "convince" someone else to believe. Simply show them truth in your actions. Be blessed!

Truth and love are always an inspiration! Be blessed!

Mighty Inspiration, Love Letters from God

There are so many women like me, over 40, going through life changes.  This seems to be the time when we search for any spiritual direction as to who we are and what we are here to accomplish.  We start to wonder if we are having a crisis of identity or a spiritual awakening.  Who we were just a few years ago - wife and mother, just doesn't exist for us today or in our near future. 

Are you in that place?  Are you wondering what God has to say about this spiritual shift in your existence? He is the author of all truth and He lovingly provides revelation and answers.  To see what spiritual message from God is available for you, check out my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God.  

http://www.mightyinspiration.com/

Be blessed!
Barbara Bernard Miller

Book Review of MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God

I received such a lovely book review by Barbara Robinson today and would love to share it with you.  Check out her blog at:   http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com/

Be blessed!

Possibilities of Spring

There is something about spring that makes me want to plant things.  I can't explain it as I am not one for gardening or tending the yard at any other time of year.  I usually think nature is a wonderous thing as long as I just have to "look" at it.  But transformational seasons of Fall (my favorite) and Spring are just, well ... different.  Spring's air still has a crisp feel to it when the wind gets wipping up.  I love that because it brings the sent of lilacs rushing at me.  The tiny leaves and buds and flowering trees give me a sense of hope and wonder.  One would think I would have outgrown such emotions as I'm not a "spring chicken" contemplating the world.  But I am definitely a spring fan!

So, I sit and swing; plot and plan; shop and dig and bask in the possibilities of Spring.

Be blessed!

Until Now!

I had a wonderful conversation this weekend that really made me stop and pause. I'm still taking it all in actually but the 2 words she gave me are tiny in "stature" but huge in significance. Until Now!



Do you see the power in this? No matter what my complaints about my life, my body, my self esteem, my troubles, my .... whatever, can all be punctuated with the words, "until now". Until now, that was my story, or that was my reality. Until now I had limits (mostly self-imposed). Until now I struggled. Until now I didn't see the big picture. Until now.



With that ending of the sentence, I can begin a new way. Now, and going forward I can envision and declare a new way to be and feel and act and react. I am forever grateful for the positive, loving permission to change that "until now" affords me. Thank you Cynthia Segal. Your words and wisdom are powerful and empowering.



"Until now" is changing my life! Will you allow it to change yours too?



Be blessed!

Faith or Religion

It's Easter week - holy of holy days and the time of year that is split between the sorrow of Passion and the elation of the Resurrection.  This is the week that always makes me pause and reflect on what my faith is all about. 

So many people intermix the terms "religion" and "faith".  But in my mind and life they are very different. 

My faith is my relationship with God.  My faith is that state of being where I know who and what I am.  It's my awareness of my identity as a Christian. It's that space in my life where I talk to God the Father as my Daddy, Jesus the Son as my best friend, and the Holy Spirit as my true and faithful guide.  I don't know who I would be or how I would survive this life without my faith.  I have always lived my life steadfast in my faith.  It is who I am.

My religion is my community.  It is the place I go to worship and praise.  Religion is where man (and woman) wrestle with and interpret the rules of engagement with life, each other, morals, society, and sometimes God.  I must admit, I have not always been steadfast in my religion.  I have spent days in my youth questioning the purpose of such an institution, particularly when I would see those who practice it in church, turn right around and disregard it in the street or in their homes.  My religion is where I go and what I do.  It is not who I am.

So, this Easter, as with all others, I am pleased to reflect and ponder on the greatest sacrifice and gift - the life of Christ, laid down for mine.  I am looking forward to living my faith in my house of religion.  May you find your peace and faith in the house of religion in your life.

Be blessed with the knowledge that you are loved, you are freed and you are saved in Christ Jesus.

Heartprints - A man and his mission that touched my heart

If you know me or know my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God, you know that I am powerfully moved by God's message of love, hope and encouragement for us.  God's desire for us to use our gifts and talents to change the world has inspired me to introduce you to a man and an organization that you likely haven't heard about but which has come to capture my heart.

Have you ever met someone for a brief time and just simply and awesomely been inspired? That has happened to me recently when I met Brian Siegel, founder of Heartprints.  His story is compelling as he has come through true hardship as his family went through transitions.  He was raised with his sister by a single mother who was a social worker. He knew the art and power of giving through her example. She also taught him faith and perseverence. In the midst of his growing years he was also the recipient of community help when the family was without a home and needed to humbly ask for assistance.  In spite of the hardships and the humilities that he passed through, Brian is a winner.  He worked hard in school and in sports and was able to rise up from his meager beginnings and earn a scholarship to get his college degree from the University of Cincinnati and his masters from Xavier University here in Cincinnati.

He has never forgotten his childhood or his mother's teachings.  He has been a giver and a volunteer for so long that it is part of his very nature and being.  Now, in spite of the fate of our times and being layed off from work himself, he works tirelessly to grow and develop his own charitable work.  He is the founder of Heartprints, which truly is the handiwork of his passion.  He is involved locally in mentoring, outreach and job search assistance.  He has made connections worldwide so that his giving nature can impact people around the globe.  His start-up 501(c)(3) non-profit initiative is growing and expanding.  Every time I speak with him I am renewed in my belief that his heart and his mission will indeed impact countless lives.

I'm honored to have crossed paths with this soft-spoken, generous human being. I'm proud to say that I want and will help support his efforts. I am delighted to volunteer my time, talent, and treaure to support his efforts both here at home and around the world.

I invite you to find out more about Brian, his mission and his organization. I pray that you also will be inspired and will be drawn to help this man make a difference in our world.

http://www.heartprints.org/

Be blessed!

Divine Connections

Since I wrote my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God, I have noticed some things that were likely always true but never recognized.  One of those things is the abundance of connections that are made available to me. Now, I notice that when I identify a question, issue, problem or quandry - I simply ask for the right connection.  And usually within hours but always within days, the answer or person who can help me appears.

My friend laughs that she can "conjure" people up just by speaking about them.  It's kind of the same thing.  And eerily - she DOES conjure people up. hahaha  It's like the times when you think of someone and they suddenly write or call.  Or you dream about someone and they show up.  I used to think these were pure coincidences but now ... well I don't believe in coincidences.  We are all, always attracting to us that which we think of and declare.

So, next time you needs something - ask for the connection and see what happens.  It's fun once you start to pay attention.

Be blessed!

Prayers

It seems these days there are so many people in need of prayers.  There are the people of Haiti, many friends with illnesses, cancers, and diseases, abused and displaced people, orphans and unemployed, and many more.  Now - Chile with this huge 8.8 earthquake and the surrounding countries under Tsunami alert.  I sit here in middle America knowing that what I have to give seems so little and yet it is still critical to give.  I can give money, volunteer for charities, donate food and clothing and even blood.  These things I do and yet it seems so ineffective. 

All I have beyond the physical is my faith. It is with great longing that I offer up these people and more to the hands of God for help, peace and blessing.  I know my prayers do not go unnoticed or unanswered ... and so I pray.  Will you join me?

Be blessed!

Virtual Friends

I'm feeling especially blessed these days.  I always treasure my family and friends ... now I'm learning to truly value my "virtual" friends as well.  In the beginning when I started blogging and using Facebook and Twitter I really thought this was a big black hole that I would be talking to myself in.  And in the beginning I was cautious - one friend here or there.  Then those friends were suggesting friends and connections.  Over time I have found that God is in those connections.  I've met other authors, book promoters, Christians and like-minded people from all over the place. I find that my hands are open to both give and receive in this venue and, as always, God is generous beyond measure to fill my hands with new friends and connections.

Be blessed - all of my family and friends, no matter where you are from or how I've met you!

I'm Inspired!

I am so inspired by people who are not famous celebrities and yet they take their "ordinary" lives and do great things with them.  I've recently heard of and/or met people who are adopting children that other's have turned away, or are volunteering great amounts of time or money in spite of working two jobs to support their family, or diligently tending to the sick or elderly, or they've created a charity because they see need in front of their face that they can't live with.  I'm in awe at how much of their spirit they are sharing in the world.

In my book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God, the foundational message is all about identifying and using our gifts.  We have the ability to use the spirit inside of us to change our world - one person, one small act of kindness at a time.  I'm still discovering my gifts - and the best part is ... there is no wrong answer.  If my heart is leading me in any direction, it really is the best direction for me at this moment in time.  So, this month I'm adding two new community activities/charities to my plate. I do this not so that I feel better about myself but because I want to find a way to make a difference.  I want my heart and hands to join with others to create a world I'm dreaming of.

I hope that you are discovering your gifts and forging bravely into action as you stir up your passions!

Be blessed!
http://www.mightyinspiration.com/

Connections

Today I learned a new lesson about blessings and connections.

I was meeting with a new friend from one of my social networking sites to get a bit of advice.  Wow did I ever get a good God surprise!  After just a few moments I knew this meeting was divinely orchestrated.  Not only was I blown away by the connections this person had and so naturally navigated, but I was awestruck and inspired by his vision for his young non-profit organization.  He has so many pieces already coming together to make this a true reality, branching out into mentoring, job finding assistance, and charitable community outreach.  I was duly impressed.

And to top off the blessing, I was honored when he asked me to join the board of directors for his charity!  I thought I was coming to learn about networking.  I did. And I left being blessed with yet another connection that links my passion for inspiring, encouraging and helping people with the work I can do in the world.

Thanks Brian!

Humanity for Haiti

I am so saddened by the news that comes out of Haiti.  Whether it's about the poverty of the nation, the horrors of the aftermath of the earthquake, or the images and stories of the dead, dying, or barely surviving, I cannot watch the devastation of that nation without a profound sadness settling over me.

There is no way to understand why this happened and yet we will all search for the answers.  There have always been natural disasters on the earth that affected widespread groups of humanity. And, because of this I know that there will always be more.  For those that are gone, I believe they are safely and beautifully in the arms of God. Their journey in this world has ended only to begin their eternal communion with their Creator.

What does that leave for us? It leaves the opportunity to make an impact for those that remain. Our world's attention is drawn to this nation in a way that is opposite of how we so effectively ignored it before. We as a collective humanity can pour out our attention, our compassion, our assistance and our inborn generosity to actually change and rebuild the poorest country in our hemisphere. We can, if only we will, change the future of this nation for good in a way that we have never been willing to do before.

My wish is that humanity will reach out to other dire nations in the world like Haiti in times before natural destruction and not just after them.  I am watching and hoping that we all do what we can - whether it's money, goods, services, prayers, teaching, healing, etc. We are facing a chance to be a part of the rescuing and rebuilding of a neighbor. May God assist us in our work and may we succeed in using our gifts to make a difference, this time and the next.

Opportunities

This book, MIGHTY INSPIRATION, Love Letters from God, has offered me many number of new opportunities.  My life is filled in a different way as I learn about author subjects and resources, networking and marketing.  Who knew that just a year ago I'd be sitting here as a published author with fans on my FB fan page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Live-Positive/198800249416?ref=nf and readers spreading the word about my books and website:  http://www.mightyinspiration.com/.  I've had many talk radio interviews in various states and on national radio.  The word is spreading and I feel so fortunate for all the opportunities!

I have a new opportunity starting up as Judi Wheeldon includes me in her work called "I Read Your Book".  She will be reading my book and blogging about it for 7 days.  I'm anxious to hear the insights of another Christian as they let in the words of God as they were given to me.  I'm excited that more and more people will hear the message and be blessed.

So, make sure you check out Judi's blog:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000229837296&ref=nf.  And to sweeten the deal, Judi will be giving a signed copy of the book to one of her readers.  Be sure to comment on her blog so you're included in the opportunity.

Be blessed!

Snow Days

There's something about a snow day that makes me feel like a child again.  Not sure if it's the big fluffy flakes that turn to crystal on the window panes or the feelilng like everything is pure and new again.  Today I could see nothing but white as I looked out my window and it put me in a very nostalgic mood. 

I know the neighborhood kids were grateful for a romp and sled ride.  I even saw a dog running and playing, trying to catch a snowflake or too and it made me laugh outloud.  How good it feels to laugh outloud, even when I'm alone.

So, I grabbed me a big mug of hot chocolate, added in the overflowing pre-requisite load of marshmallows and just looked at the bright splendor of it.  Taking a few minutes just to marvel at the beauty of nature was a wonderful break in my day.  Clears the mind and the soul.

For those of you living in warmer climates - yes I long to join you there. But today, with the beauty that I see, I know I won't long for the summer just yet.

Counting Angels

I am so amazed every day by the number of angels that flit (and walk) into my life.  It doesn't matter if it's a special day or an ordinary Tuesday, I seem to be surrounded by them. 

Do you notice the angels in your life? Here's just a few I ran into today:

* The guy who let me into the correct lane during jam packed traffic so I wouldn't miss my exit or my appointment.
* My friend who helped me pick up my papers when they went scattering on the floor.
* The acquaintance who popped in on my facebook to see how life was for me today.
* My oral surgeon who saved me from losing a couple of teeth.
* My boss who was more worried about my safety in driving to work than in whether I got there on time.
* My neighbor who always uses his snowblower on my sidewalk without telling me - I still don't know which one it is.
* A stranger who offered to help me with some technical problems just because he knew how.
* My puppy who adores me (even though I didn't share my supper with her).
* My aunt who is so proud of me that she buys and hands out my book just because she can.
* My colleague who knew I was out so she set up my meeting for me without hesitation or being asked.
* The postal worker who kept his window open past closing because he saw me approaching the door with packages.
* My friend who prayed for me and sent me a lovely email just because she was thinking of me.

My list could go on but I just thought I'd share since I was sitting here counting my angels.  Be blessed!


*